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As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

If you're reading this, you're probably old enough to use retinol. But that's not what this story is about! This is about embracing the throwbacks that we can so conveniently indulge in quite easily, thanks to some Internet shopping. From a Super 8-inspired camera to orange-y tanning gel that now comes in SPF 30 to a box set of THE five original Goosebumps books, we're ready to walk down memory lane...in some jelly shoes. Yep, I found some of those, too!

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in 18 other scents). 

Promising review: "I love this pillowcase, it is so comfy and pretty! I grew up in the '90s and loved everything Lisa Frank, so when Kitsch released this, I had to have it." —Stacey Lawrence

"It’s honestly everything I thought it would be!! 10/10 ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💜 it fits my smaller body pillow compared to my longer one, but I’m still satisfied!! Love it !! 😍" —Brittany Brown

Get it from Amazon for $15.94+ (available in standard and king sizes and a variety of nostalgic patterns).

Promising review: "I bought this for my granddaughter, and she loves it. I'm into anything vintage/retro, and this brought back some great memories of using the handheld phones." —cJacob5416

Get it from Anthropologie for $40 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I’m shocked at how comfortable and attractive these are! I was looking for shoes I can wear in tropical rain in Florida that aren’t flip-flops; rain boots, even clogs, are way too heavy. These are perfect! I got them in black, and I can wear them with anything and go anywhere in them. They’re light, they’re cushion-y, and they fit like a proper shoe. I think they’re true to size. Can’t wait to get more colors! Note: The scent (strawberry candy?) is noticeable but mild, and is fading after only a few days. I could do without it, but it’s not a deal breaker." —Miss EO

Get them from Amazon for $47.40+ (available in sizes 5–13 and 38 styles). 

Promising review: "The moment I opened this Caboodle out of the box after it being delivered, it gave me instant nostalgia flashbacks and memories from the '90s when I was a young theater kid, and I was starting to do my own makeup for the shows I was in. I used to have a silver frosted Caboodle with sparkles all over it, just like this pink one, and the inside has the exact same style.

Flash forward to today, I’m now working with high school theater students and directing them in their productions. I needed to replace the makeup box that I use during shows as an 'emergency kit' with last-minute supplies anyone backstage might need, especially if any of the actors have forgotten to bring them to the theatre before a show." —Cree Willis & Glamstone

Get it from Amazon for $18.97 (available in 27 designs).

Psst — Coco Wyo has a *ton* of other cozy stress relief coloring books with different themes in their Amazon storefront! 

Promising review: "One of my favorites ever!!! The idea is perfect, and the pages are all unique and fun to color, with no repetition, and the details aren't too tiny. Great for anxiety if you're doing coloring for mental health. (I hate the pages that are just tiny patterns repeated endlessly. Makes my anxiety worse.)" —Ezra Johnson

Shana Bly Washington is a Pennsylvania-based Etsy shop established in 2023 that specializes in framed art and quirky troll doll products. 

Promising review: "The cutest troll thing for your car! And the scents are so nice. Great quality and adorable packaging. Thanks so much!" —Tara Kelley 

Get it from Shana Bly Washington on Etsy for $9 (available in 20 colors or a ~surprise~ color, plus 16 scents). 

The lighters aren't included, but reviewers mention that the cheap little ones from gas stations work perfectly (but that standard Bic ones were a tight fight)! 

Promising review: "I can't even. This is literally the cutest thing I have ever impulse bought. It’s a hit at parties and I giggle every time I remove the cute little hat to use the lighter." —Catt Pecknold 

Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four styles). 

Promising review: "Excellent. Love them. Just like the old sour Altoids." —Michael

Get three tins from Amazon for $19.99 (available in seven flavors or a variety pack).

Promising review: "They were complete eye candy. 🍬 They are beautifully smooth and perfect. The Japanese Zebra brand has never disappointed me, and I am truly grateful. 👊❤️🔥" —Junkie4fitness

Get a pack of five from Amazon for $8.40. 

Promising review: "I absolutely adore these!!! They are so cute and definitely do the job! They keep the surface free from water rings and make me giggle!" —johnny williams

Get a set of six from Amazon for $4.99. 

My colleague Emma Lord was and IS a huge fan: "SOMEONE GET ME MY UGGS and turn on my favorite Charmed reruns, because the 2000s are back!! I am obsessed with the Magic Spell shade on its own (pictured above), but love love putting the sheer, subtly shiny shades over my lip colors, too. These definitely feel like the more "grown up" version of today's fun lippies — they're glossy without being too loud, shiny but subtle about it, don't stick to my hair, taste deeeeelicious, and make me so darn nostalgic that I almost miss having homework. (Just kidding, dear god.) I'd say these are also worth the price compared to other lip tubes because this actually delivers on making my lips look plumper, which is always a boon for someone like me with naturally thin lips. JUICY TUBE HIVE RISE UP."

Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 11 styles). 

Promising review: "The perfect little coffee spoons on my coffee bar! They go with my modern vintage thrifted decor and make me smile. 🥰" —Lindsey

Get a set of six from Amazon for $4.70. 

Handy Cute Art is a Florida-based Etsy shop that specializes in quirky home products. 

Promising review: "These are the cutest ever! My daughter ate these guys [a lot] growing up. Great reminder gift of her fave snack food!" —Teresa A Houtz

Get a set of six from Handy Cute Art on Etsy for $10.20 (originally $12). 

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVED this book from the creative activities to the photos of the art — chef's kiss!! The photos of the crafts and trinkets were so well thought out and just so visually appealing. The breakdown of each activity was also very easy to understand and insightful." —lepetit

The kit's three paint-by-number canvases include two landscapes and one portrait of Bob. You'll also get an instruction sheet and a mini book all about Bob!

Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and What a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" —slb m

Promising review: "I remember doing this craft in art class as a kid. I purchased this for a 5-year-old and she had a great time making paper that she is going to use as covers for books and other projects! Definitely recommend buying as a rainy-day project!" —LB

Promising review: "This was soo good! Stayed on for the events, and the roll-on effect was a perfect mess-free option! It dries quickly and could be spread more with your hands! Reminded me of the '90s glitter! Perfect translucent color!" —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in 21 colors). 

Choose Friendship is a small biz specializing in jewelry-making products. 

Promising review: "This is amazing for adults, can start and stop making one and not worry about remembering which string you stopped at!" —S.L.

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my husband. He truly loved it. The needle is very good, and the sound quality is wonderful. It can play records, cassettes, CDs, and the radio. It can also connect via Bluetooth. So many ways to play music. It is easy to use. The value was amazing. It is a little heavy, but the box is very sturdy, and I expect to last a long time." —MAREBARE

Get it from Amazon for $107.99+ (available in five styles).   

The machine comes with fake coins to activate, but it also works with real quarters. Reviewers warn that it's pretty loud and burns through D batteries. 

Promising review: "This game is awesome! So worth the purchase! I got it for my niece's 4th birthday and it was a hit! I read all the reviews prior to purchasing and I highly recommend doing that. I was able to buy smaller toys and figurines to throw in there as well as some bite size candy so I could have it ready for her to open and play with." —Chelsey

You'll get one of seven designs. Also, you'll need a 1GB–128GB TF memory card, since one is not included in the package. See it in action on TikTok.

Promising review: "It's such a fun and simple design that you really will be taking photos of everything with it when you first get it." —Hannah Vo

It has internal mic capture, easy USB-C footage transfer, no playback screen, a 4G SD card, zoom, and analog meters for battery and memory. 

Promising review: "Nostalgic dopamine hit. I learned to film with Super 8, the film was expensive, the editing was difficult and destructive, but I loved it all the same. This camera is a terrific teaching tool for my kids; they learn a little filming discipline, a starting point for framing and coverage that are far more important than getting mired in focus, exposure, and lensing. If it were to go again, I'd like an optical zoom, I'd like to be able to put audio in, I'd like to use the shoe on top to mount a light, maybe. And if we're going to have the vintage settings, I'd like to hear a fake whir of film to know I'm shooting. It's fun to use if you're 6 or 60." —Marcus T

Promising review: "This reproduction looks very cute in my kitchen. I love the way the clock ticks as the hand moves. Everything works on it, including the timer. Very nice. I may buy another one for a gift. It comes in lots of colors." —ibsharkbait

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in seven colors). 

Promising review: "Small, cute, functional clock. It’s simple and user-friendly. Great for travel or to use at home. It emits no ticking sound, perfect for those who need silence at night, and has a standard beep alarm. I’ve used it as a bedside alarm clock and have found it to be accurate. I’ve used it simply to display in the living room as well, because it looks great anywhere! It’s only downside is there doesn’t seem to be a light/glowing hands to determine the time in the dark if needed, which can be helpful if you’re using it as a bedside alarm. Otherwise, it’s a great clock." —Kinsey Maneval 

Get it from Amazon for $16.60 (available in three colors). 

Promising review: "Obviously, this is adorable. But the sound is great, and it is very compact. You can take it anywhere and connect easily. Super fun!" —Shopper Lisa

Get it from Anthropologie for $25 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "This is the classic Uno I grew up playing with people of all ages, including my grandparents. I'm 53 now, and I can say without question that there's no other version of this game I would ever use. You don't have to interpret symbols or wonder if you are supposed to skip or reverse. It flat-out says it right on the card. I'm an old soul, I admit. I want clear and concise." —KH

Promising review: "Very enjoyable evenings playing this throwback to early PC gaming. We've sort of made house rules that keep us all engaged and keep the game going (because clearly death comes early and often). We invent elaborate backstories for our characters to motivate their actions while deciding between bad options at each step of the game. It is a great time." —Charles

Promising review: "This dino chicken nugget pillow is a real Jurassic dream come true! It's the perfect cuddle companion for all the paleontologists-in-training or anyone with an insatiable appetite for comfort. Just be careful not to accidentally take a bite while you're napping, because it looks deliciously deceiving!" —LadyTee

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four styles, two sizes, and in multipacks).

But what does it smell like? A combo of tart lemon, warm toasted wheat, and slight floral notes. So yeah, the Froot Loops cereal. 

Promising review: "I was craving a Froot Loop scent since I got a wax melt that had similar notes. This. Oil. Is. It. I have close to a hundred sprays and oils that I have curated, and this outperforms most of the ones I have. So many compliments were given today when I wore this, and people were tickled when I told them it was, IN FACT, a Froot Loop scent. I really did not have high expectations for the longevity and projection, but really, truly, this is a beast. I will buy this again and again!" —Audrey

Promising review: "Wonderful throwback! The smell was a little strong on the first dispense of the product, but smells great now! I think some of the scent was stuck at the cap. Gorgeous glow once applied. 10/10 packaging. I love the tube key!" —Kristen Ball

"Takes me right back to my youth, only this time with actual SPF protection! The color, smell, and feel on my skin is lovely and just like the original. Paired with my Body Glove swimsuit and Wham flip-flops has me living my 1980s best life!" —The California Travel Mom

Get it from Amazon for $25. Psst, it's also available as a spray!

Promising review: "I love it took me back to when my mom use make toast with the butter and sprinkle cinnamon oh my...." —pria

Get it from Amazon for $3.29+ (available in two sizes). 

Promising review: "I broke up the three-pack and gave one pen as a gift for a class gift exchange and put the other two in stockings for Christmas. Good quality and approved by both the 8-year-old and 49-year-old husband who is a kid at heart! Definitely recommend." —Kindle Customer

Get a set of three from Amazon for $14.99. 

Promising review: "This is the cutest hand cream on the planet. 🥹💖 It looks like a Tamagotchi!!! Non-greasy, fast-absorbing, long-lasting scent, AND it comes with a customizable sticker pack. You can clip it onto things like a keychain. I decorated it and hid it in my daughter’s backpack as a little surprise — she was OBSESSED." —n a r e e ˘◡˘♡

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in five scents). 

Promising review: "Seems silly but 100% worth the buy. I fly A LOT, and I am always too afraid to wear my AirPods on flights because I’ve dropped one under the seat a couple of times while sleeping or just moving around. This product is great — keeps my AirPods from falling, and I can confidently nap on flights without losing a pod. Highly recommend!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in 18 styles). 

Promising review: "ADORABLE. I purchased these to wear to raves, and I get SO many compliments! They're glittery and appear delicate, but the clips are sturdy and don't move around. They do look almost like textured card stock paper with a print on it, but I love them. I also appreciate that the clips go in two directions, so it's easy to style. I'd buy these again and again!" —M 

Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 18 styles). 

Includes Welcome to Dead House, Say Cheese And Die!, Night of the Living Dummy, The Haunted Mask, and One Day at HorrorLand.

Promising review: "These limited editions are the go-to gift for readers! My 8-year-old son loves the set, and it was super nostalgic to read along with him." —Veronica

But if your kids think Goosebumps is too tame, maybe it's time to intro them to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and explain that a big part of the thrill of snagging one at the school library was the TERRIFYING art. 

Otter Finds is a Florida–based small biz with all sorts of quirky home decor and desk toys. 

Promising review: "I had a sandbox just like this as a kid. Now I have one just like it for my desk. Nostalgic, satisfying, fun. Thank you!" —Brooke 

Get it from Otter Finds on Etsy for $19.99+ (available in three sizes).

Galvaleos is a Portage, Indiana–based shop selling miniatures. 

Promising review: "This was the perfect gift for my horror movie-loving friend for his birthday! Someone who has everything… I was happy to find something unique. I was able to choose what movies I wanted in order to make it special for him. Thank you so much for the great customer service and quality designs." —Alison

Get it from Galvaleos on Etsy for $25+ (available with customization for number of clamshell cases and VHS tapes). 

Promising review: "Christmas gift was a hit! I ordered this for a friend, who is part of two book clubs. He LOVED it! The colors are bold and bright. He wears a men's size M and I sent him the measurements for the M/L (telling him 'no questions asked'). He chose M, and, it works perfectly! I initially ordered a L, but the seller was kind enough to accept my return. I'll visit the shop again!" —BamaThang

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 10 designs).

Promising review: "If you don’t have this headband you need it! I haven’t stopped wearing it since I bought it! I’ve had so many people compliment it and order one because of how simple but cute it is! I have a medium thickness of hair and It holds my hair out of my face, the quality is great and it stays put all day. Wouldn’t use for working out but great for everyday wear!" —Morgan

Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two colors). 

It includes a Midnight Margarita Lip Balm and a Garden Spell Lip Balm.

Promising review: "So cute and nostalgic! I got it for a Valentine’s Day photoshoot set, so excited about it. It seems pretty strong/durable too." —MEGN

Get it from Amazon for $86.99 (available in five colors).

All you have to do is place one of the colored "dotz" onto the garment you want to dye and add water!

Promising review: "So easy for kids to do. You will need to purchase T-shirts separately. Great value too. Makes bright colors. Kids enjoyed making these and less mess than with other techniques. I recommend this product." —Rekindled Romance Reader

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.