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Kris Scott is the executive editor at Cheapism and has previously covered food, design, and lifestyle. Her work has previously appeared in Food & Nutrition, Modern in Denver, and Dallas-based Advocate Magazines. She lives in Colorado with her family and two heelers.
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Totally Rad Gifts
Like other decades, it's easy to look back on the '80s and cringe. Shoulder pads, skinny ties, and lots and lots of giant, Aqua Net-infused bangs were not the proudest of moments in our collective cultural history. But it wasn't all bad. If the 1980s were your or someone you love's fave decade, here are some gifts that are totally gnarly and won't make you feel like a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebie.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: Groovy Gifts for People Who Just Love the '70s
Rubik's Cube
$9 from Amazon
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The iconic toy of the '80s? Probably. Still just as irresistable to fiddle with for hours on end? Yep.
The Goonies: Escape with One-Eyed Willy’s Rich Stuff
$40 from Amazon
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Based on the popular '80s film, this board game promises escape room-style team play as you followMikey, Brand, Mouth, Data, Andy, Stef, Chunk, and Sloth on their adventure.
'The Decade That Rocked'
$35 from Amazon
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If bands like Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses were their jam, they'll love this behind-the-scenes book from rock photographer Mark Weiss.
Studebaker Retro Street Boombox
$150 and up from Amazon
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We love that this boombox has Bluetooth connectivity and other 21st-century features, but looks like it belongs in the 1980s. It comes in four different colors.
Related: Hilarious Gag Gifts
The Golden Girls Cookbook
$17 from Amazon
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Here's a gift for anyone who ever dreamed of hanging out in the kitchen with Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy, and noshing on whatever. (Yes, there's a cheesecake recipe.)
Related: Gifts for 'Golden Girls' of All Ages and Persuasions
1980s Retro Candy Gift Box
$48 from Amazon
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If Skittles, Starburst, Hubba Bubba, and Gobstoppers make their mouth water for the good 'ol days, this gift, which comes in a keepsake box, will bring a nostalgic smile to their face.
Related: 25 Snack Box Subscriptions for Every Type of Eater
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Universal 10-Film 1980s Collection
$28 from Amazon
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Get your '80s film fix with the 10 movies in this collection, which include classics like "The Breakfast Club," "Fletch," "Uncle Buck," and "Weird Science."
Related: Best Gifts for Movie Buffs
Bloom County: The Complete Library, Vol. 1
$18 from Amazon
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This first volume of a three-volume set is for any hardcore "Bloom County" fan. Volume one covers the strip's early years from 1980 to '82.
The 1980s 1,500-Piece Puzzle
$22 from Barnes & Noble
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The Goonies, Garfield, Flashdance, Duran Duran, Miami Vice, D&D, Knight Rider ... these are just a handful of the memories they'll be introduced to while putting together this 24-by-30-inch puzzle.
Buffalo Games Like Totally '80s
$13 from Amazon
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Think you know your '80s trivia? This game will test you on that with questions about the decade's trends, fashions, music, and other pop culture.
Related: Incredibly Fun Toys for Adults
Byron Statics Walkman
$17 from Amazon
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Sure, it's not the real deal, but this Walkman-like product from Amazon gets decent reviews, comes in four different styles, and has a belt clip for that truly 1980s cool-guy vibe.
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'The Crazy 80s: Test Your Memory of the Greatest Decade Ever'
$6 from Amazon
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Test your knowledge of the totally rad '80s with this book of questions about subjects as diverse as "Ronald Reagan, Rubik’s Cubes, and Run-DMC."
The 80s My Music Set
$40 from Amazon
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This star-studded CD set features some of the biggest hits of the 80s by Pat Benatar, Foreigner, The Bangles, Rick Springfield, and many more.
Retro MTV T-Shirt
$21 and up from Amazon
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Sure, MTV isn't even close to what it was when it debuted in 1981, but these retro-style shirts harken back to a golden era when music videos were just music videos, and we all couldn't get enough of them.
Related: Cool and Creative Gifts for Music Lovers
Gold N Hot Professional Ceramic Crimper Iron
$40 from Ulta
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One look at the review photos for this product will either have you thinking that crimping your hair for the first time in 30 or so years might not be a bad idea — or running the other direction. Either way, your '80s enthusiast might love one.
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'80s Women Knit Leg Warmers
$9 from Amazon
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There were some truly horrendous fashion trends from this decade, but leg warmers weren't one of them. With this gift, you can amp up the '80s factor with some neon colors, too.
Cabbage Patch Kids Vintage Retro Doll
$60 from Amazon
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Go back in toy time with a gift of one of these dolls featuring the original yarn hair. Each comes with adoption papers, a unique name, and a birth certificate.
Related: 50 Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids
Ten Color Pen
$4 from Amazon
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Remember when these seemed like the height of innovation? Ahh, simpler times. Anyway, these little numbers would make great 1980s-themed stocking stuffers.
Related: Creative Gifts for Artists That Are Sure to Inspire
Love's Baby Soft Cologne Mist
$30 from Amazon
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This perfume might not be refined — like, at all — but it will certainly bring back memories of what it was like to wear your first parent-approved scent.
80s Bingo Game
$30 from Amazon
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A true "throwback to the freshest decade ever," this game includes everything you need for a totally fun night with friends. John Bender not included.
Related: 19 Fun Family Games to Keep You Entertained at Home
Rappers Delight Poster
$8 from Etsy
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Grab a cheap frame and this digital download will not only make a great '80s-themed gift, but it'll almost certainly get the party started with a nod to the first hip-hop song to ever reach the Billboard top 40. About that earworm? You're welcome.
Stay Golden 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
$25 from Puzzledly
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Another cultural phenomenon of the 1980s, this jigsaw puzzle pays tribute to four of our favorite gals: Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia.
Related: Gifts for People Who Love Jigsaw Puzzles
Fanny Pack
$13 from Amazon
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You didn't think you were going to get out of here without us recommending you buy your '80s fanatic a fanny pack, did you? This one comes in four unique styles.
Related: Useful Gifts for All the Practical People On Your List
1980s Style Costume Bracelets
$17 from Amazon
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There wasn't a lot of nuance in the '80s fashion world, and these four neon bangles are a perfect example of that. Still, with the right outfit, these would look just as cute in the 21st century as they would have been in the 20th.
Related: Gifts for Teenage Girls (That They'll Actually Like)
Lite Brite
$13 from Amazon
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Another iconic 1980s toy, this classic version of Lite Brite will bring back nostalgia for nights spent in the dark crafting designs. It comes with six design templates and more are downloadable online.
Retro Boombox Radio Lunchbox
$20 from Amazon
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Don't feel like you'd do much with an actual boombox? This tin box is made to look like a retro radio but is actually a storage container designed to hold accessories, your lunch, or be a part of a costume.
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