Gift Edit 2024

10 Nostalgic Kitchen Gifts That’ll Make Anyone Feel Good

published Nov 5, 2024
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Credit: Katarina Radovic/Stocksy

This feature is part of The Kitchn’s Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

When you’re trying to check so many people off of your holiday shopping list, it becomes increasingly difficult to make sure that each and every gift you buy is thoughtful and unique. You want something that shows your giftee how well you know and appreciate them, as well as something that they’ll use and haven’t received before. It’s a daunting task, but that’s what we’re here for.

Firstly, they’re bound to get use out of a kitchen item. It’s always a safe bet to go with a gift from that category. But how do you make it personal and different? Why, give it a bit of nostalgic flair, of course! Retro gifts always have a dose of sentimentality that others don’t. If you don’t have the energy to search thrift stores for the perfect throwback kitchen item, we’ve rounded up 10 gifts that you can order right to your door. Scroll for our picks!

1 / 15
Williams Sonoma
$24.95

A timer is a totally retro (but totally useful) gift that your cooking-savvy recipient is sure to love. Frieling’s version is made to look vintage, with a 60-minute dial and a magnet on the back, so they can put it on their fridge.

2 / 15
Amazon
$20.85
was $29.99

Popcorn will instantly make your giftee think back to the movie nights of their childhood, so this aptly named machine from Nostalgia is a guaranteed hit. The design itself looks like it could’ve been made decades ago, too, but the hot-air technology is far from outdated.

3 / 15
Amazon
$13.99
was $17.99

If they’re constantly adding to their bar cart — and they’re a music lover — then you can’t go wrong with these vinyl coasters. They look straight out of the ’80s, complete with a turntable-style holder that’ll make them an instant conversation starter.

4 / 15
Amazon
$172.50

Smeg is known for its retro appliances — you’ve probably seen its '50s-style fridge before — but it also has smaller finds that make for excellent gifts. You can splurge on your baking-loving giftee with this stylish hand mixer.

5 / 15
Ban.do
$35.00

Everything about these ’60s-inspired glasses is nostalgic, from their mix-and-match designs to the gingham detailing. They’ll instantly add some more fun to their tabletop and give them a bit of joy every time they take a sip.

6 / 15
Urban Outfitters
$20.00

Serving trays are a must-have for every kitchen, especially if your recipient loves to host. This one, with its trio of compartments, will remind them of school lunches back in the day. With its stoneware construction and vintage motifs, Urban Outfitters has given the classic design an upscale twist.

7 / 15
Amazon
$49.99

I remember making shaved ice at home as a kid; it made for the perfect summer treat. Your giftee will definitely still appreciate this machine as an adult, whether they put it to use at parties or make some frozen cocktails with it.

8 / 15
Rifle Paper Co.
$40.00

With its gingham print and vintage details, this recipe binder will give their kitchen some flair and help them remember their favorite dishes. It includes dividers and recipe card sleeves, as well as measurement references. Odds are they’ll hold onto this tool for years and pass it down.

9 / 15
Amazon
$34.44
was $39.99

We all have that loved one that can never have enough Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke on hand — so why not ensure that they always have it close by? Frigidaire’s retro-looking mini fridge can hold nine soda cans at a time and is easy to take on the go.

10 / 15
Ban.do
$14.50

These sponges are modeled after those needlepoint pillows that many of us saw on our grandma’s couch at some point. Each one is embroidered with a funny dishwashing-related phrase, and it even comes with a gold frame that acts as a holder. They’ll never want to go back to normal sponges!

11 / 15
Marshalls
$19.99

If your giftee is in need of some new food storage containers — most of us usually are — then this retro set from Marshalls will do the trick. The lids on top also are equipped with a vent, and the bowls themselves are made of dishwasher-safe porcelain. To top it all off, the pattern will get them in the holiday spirit!

12 / 15
Amazon
$54.90
was $75.00

The Dolly Parton fan in your life will jump for joy when they open this adorable clock, which is themed around the singer's timeless “9-to-5” hit. Shaped like a cast iron pan, it’ll become a stand-out piece of decor in their kitchen.

13 / 15
Amazon
$32.99

This three-in-one set has a vintage style that anyone is going to love — and it’s editor-approved! “Ever since I was little, we’ve had the eight-cup version of the Tupperware pitcher in our kitchen,” says Britt, AT’s commerce editor. “I had no idea you could still buy them! They’re incredibly convenient to have in your home for everything from baking to watering plants, and the spout makes precise pouring so easy. Plus, since the lid is removable, you can store it when you don’t need it.”

14 / 15
West Elm
$13.97
was $28.00

These fluted glasses from West Elm will make their regular weeknight dinners feel more upscale. The acrylic is sturdy for daily use, and the vibrant blue and pink colorways are sure to brighten up their tabletop.

15 / 15
Amazon
$23.73
was $30.00

Another food storage find that you can’t go wrong with is this option from Kate Spade. It’ll be the cutest set in their cabinets by far with its vintage-looking cherry print. The glass is durable and food-safe, and they’ll put them to use all season long while entertaining.

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