As the 2023 holiday shopping season sets in, America’s toy shoppers are gravitating towards gifts that help inspire nostalgia for experiences from the 1990s. Calvin Klein’s CK One is one of the most defining objects of this past decade. This pioneering unisex scent helped change the perfume landscape forever. Originally launched in 1994, CK One celebrated individuality with its fresh and clean scent, making it a popular choice for both men and women. Now, twenty-five years later, a new chapter of that bold fragrance appropriately debuts as CK One Essence Intense. It looks to recapture the feel of its original, but with a much darker overtone.
Legendary fashion photographer Steven Meisel documented the latest CK One campaign. It stars supermodel Kate Moss and recalls the early, now-famous ads that cemented CK One’s place in pop culture. The reimagined scent comes in both signature and more affordable versions. Currently, I’m seeing it for £31 at John Lewis, £43 at Boots, and £25 at Cult Beauty. This modernized interpretation pays homage to the original scent. Beyond that, it adds an elegant finesse to a signature fragrance DNA.
Besides fragrances, other products from the 90s are returning to the gift space. The original story The Jonathan Adler Vice weed canister retails for £30. In doing so, it brings an enchanting twist to the foggy counterculture of the 90s. Acknowledging its completely unique context, its design equally embraces a fantastical spirit of the ‘60s while serving family-friendly modern sensibilities.
For all you gamers out there, take a look at the Gift Republic 90s movies trivia quiz game! At only £4.99 it’s a bargain, and available directly from Gift Republic or on Amazon here. This awesome 80s movie trivia game is an instant conversation starter and can be used to enjoy all the classic films from the era.
Fashion is another very powerful component fueling this nostalgic wave. The Adidas Oasis Tour bucket hat (£40), inspired by the retro vibes of the 90s. It serves as a fashionable accessory that can complement various outfits while paying homage to the era’s trends.
Photography buffs will dig the Saint Laurent × Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens, £50, at Yves Saint Laurent. This chic device immerses keen photographers in the world of film photography, giving them true retro vibes while tapping into their creative side.
Even home decor items have taken on a 90s vibe. The one-of-a-kind Kinky G candle brings a playful retro mood to any room. Best of all, you can pick it up for only £17 at Urban Outfitters! Its design and fragrance evoke memories of disco nights and vibrant parties from the past.
Beauty aficionados can have fun with fresh takes on tried-and-true favorites. See Urban Decay’s Naked Eyeshadow stick, £20 at John Lewis. This multi-use makeup staple makes it easy to brush up and enjoy bold new colors from the 90s beauty revival.
No 90s gift list would be complete without paying homage to Lancôme Juicy Tubes. These lip glosses are £20.80 at Lancôme and £19.50 at John Lewis. They were must-haves in almost any cosmetic bag throughout the decade, and people continue to be crazy for them, thanks to their high-gloss finish and deliciously fruity scents.
Watches are back in a big way! Well, the good news is that you can pick up the new Casio A168WEM-1 limited-edition watch for only £43.90 from Casio or TH Baker. This classic design is still widely sought after by those looking for sophisticated utility with unquestionable masculine appeal.
Footwear enthusiasts can turn to Dr Martens Jadon Wednesday platform boots, which retail for £210 at Dr Martens and Schuh and £43.90 at TH Baker. With comfort and function matched with a bold style statement, these boots take you from the office to a night out on the town.
The Tamagotchi Original toy is back, just in time for all you nostalgia enthusiasts! You can pick one up for £20 on Argos or £19.99 on Amazon. This classic virtual pet is the very definition of 90s nostalgia and continues to be a favorite collectible with fans.