'Mega' Gift Ideas for the Y2K Obsessed
The early 2000s are back. Shop budget-friendly gifts for Gen Zers and nostalgic millennials reminiscent of this playful and over-the-top decade.
If you wait long enough, everything comes back in style. Although for the noughties resurgence, the wait wasn't quite so long. Gen Z may have been too young to wear low-rise jeans and scarves as tops, but millennials are having major flashbacks. While there were definitely some shake-our-head moments from the turn of the millennium, it was also all about having a little fun. And who doesn't need more of that?
Whether you're embracing the renaissance of the era or have a tween or teen that didn't get to enjoy the butterflies, velour and belly chains the first time around, keep scrolling for ideas to gift this season.
We have to start out with the quintessential wardrobe choice of Y2K — Juicy Couture. This summer, the brand relaunched their original tracksuit in all its velour glory and what better way to celebrate the return of cozy casualness than with this classic hoodie? The revamped hoodie has an updated silhouette that brings the decades-past loungewear into 2021.
Trucker hats were made famous by the likes of Ashton Kutcher and Paris Hilton in the early 2000s, and then hitting Instagram this year when Hailey Bieber donned a lime green one. Von Dutch was the coveted choice back then and will give your recipient a kick of Y2K style even now.
The 2000s were all about playful hairstyles: spiky updos, zigzag parts and, of course, kitschy hair accessories. Topping the list were the ever-present butterfly clips, which adorned the heads of popstars and middle schoolers alike. Stick this set of pastel clips into a stocking for the perfect nostalgic gift.
Originally premiering in November of 1998, The Powerpuff Girls were an epic part of the decade. Gift this set of three enamel pins featuring the female-powered trio of Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles to add to a bulletin board or bag.
My favorite pair of sunglasses in high school was a light pink ombre pair, à la Britney Spears. Did they protect my eyes from UV rays? Who knows. But I did look cool while blasting Stronger on my car's CD player. These rimless, rectangular shades in an array of hues are a must-have for this trend's trip around the sun.
Say "yes" to tiny bags again. Even though a vintage or current Fendi might break our holiday budget, you can still get the look with this oh-so-chic purse. Crafted from vegan leather and recycled plastics, this baguette bag may look like it came off the set of Sex and the City, but with a decidedly modern mindset.
Yes, our iPhones are now much sleeker and have the actual internet at our fingertips at any given moment, but flip phones used to be the coolest of the cool. Wear the hottest accessory of the new millennium on your ears with these super-cute earrings.
Cropped tops were all the rage in the noughties, where showing every inch of skin possible was the goal. Get inspired by the look but on a much more sophisticated scale with this boxy cropped t-shirt from Everlane. Paired with wide-leg jeans and a baguette bag, you'll bring the chicest part of the 2000s straight into the modern-day.
Whose hand wasn't adorned with the multi-colored heart ring? Take the colorful statement ring to your shoulder with this eye-catching tote bag that has all the 2000s vibes.
Hello Kitty was around long before Y2K, but her popularity grew during the decade — particularly when Kimora Lee Simmons partnered with Sanrio to make high-end jewelry featuring the world's favorite cat. Grab this adorable toiletry bag for the Hello Kitty lover on your list.
