Want to take a break from the “adulting” grind? Yeah, me too.
But listen, just because we’re grown up doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun, especially now that we get to spend our money however we want. From building your own Lego city to replaying your first video game, it’s surprisingly easy to recapture those simple joys that made life magical.
Remember, age doesn’t matter when it comes to celebrating what makes us smile.
1. Gaming PCs
Remember the days of pixelated adventures? A gaming PC is your modern-day time machine, blasting you back to epic battles and late night LAN parties—joystick in hand, just like the good old days!
2. Trains That Go Around the Christmas Tree
Bring on the magic of the season with miniature trains that will make you feel like a wide-eyed kid again. Turn your living room into a festive wonderland, watch the tiny cars chug around the tree, and rekindle the joy of simpler times.
3. A Japanese Sports Car
With a Japanese sports car, you can fulfill your childhood dream of being the coolest kid on the block. Rev up the engine (safely) and feel the wind in your hair as you go for an exhilarating drive.
4. Home Movie Theater
Almost every kid wanted their own movie theater with unlimited popcorn and snacks. Relive the excitement of watching blockbusters on the big screen, minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn. With surround sound that can shake the floor, you’ll be transported to the golden era of film.
5. A Green Machine
Prepare for a trip down memory lane with the Green Machine. This three-wheeled wonder isn’t just a ride; it’s a time machine that brings you back to the days of driveway races and neighborhood shenanigans. Feel the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of nostalgia as you spin like it’s 1990.
6. Gingerbread House
Unlock your inner pastry chef with a gingerbread house kit more nostalgia-inducing than grandma’s cookies. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this sugary delight will transport you back to messy kitchen experiments and giggles with flour-covered friends.
7. Snow-Cone Machine
Beat the adulting blues with a snow-cone machine. Dive into a kaleidoscope of flavors reminding you of carnival treats and sticky, smiling faces. Who doesn’t love sweet desserts?
8. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
With the SNES console, you can rediscover the thrill of conquering Bowser, defeating Ganon, and dominating your friends in Mario Kart. Be prepared to blow out the dust from those game carts, though; you know how they get.
9. Lucky Charms Cereal
Lucky Charms’ colorful marshmallow shapes are more than just breakfast; they’re rainbows made of memories! Return to those childhood mornings when every spoonful felt like a treasure hunt. However, stay easy on the sugar; watch for those blood sugar spikes.
10. Toy Helicopter
Channel your inner Maverick with a remote-controlled toy helicopter. Take flight, navigate the skies, and relive backyard adventures—no pilot’s license is required.
11. Anime Figures
Want to recreate the shrine of anime figures you had as a kid? Well, now you can. These quirky collectibles are portals to your favorite fictional worlds and can transform your space into a nostalgic haven.
12. Your Own PlayStation or Xbox
No more taking turns—as an adult, you can experience complete control of your own console. Whether it’s a PlayStation or Xbox, every press of the controller will remind you of those intense boss battles, out-of-this-world adventures, and heart-pounding triumphs.
13. A Treasure Chest
A treasure chest isn’t only for trinkets, it’s a time capsule filled with precious keepsakes. With this whimsical box, you can rediscover the joy of finding treasures stowed away in your childhood hideout.
14. Skateboards
Kickflip your way into the past as if you’re Tony Hawk. Feel the outdoor breeze as you recreate memories of skating on concrete and wowing your friends with ollie tricks.
Now that you’re grown up, though, stretch beforehand as these skateboards can be unforgiving for those who aren’t very flexible.
15. Legos
Reconnect with your inner architect with the timeless joy of Legos. With every snap and stack, these colorful toys bring back the days of creative chaos and fantastic builds.
16. Lightsabers
Unleash your inner Jedi! Feel the force as you reenact legendary duels and embark on your own intergalactic adventures. Star Wars fans are in luck as the latest lightsabers are more realistic than ever, almost like those in the movies.
17. Pool Table
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual shooter, every game is a journey back to the days of dimly lit halls, friendly bets, and victorious breaks. Nothing says after-school hangouts more than a game of 9-ball pool.
18. Tamagotchi
Bring back the beeping sounds with a Tamagotchi that’s more than just a digital pet; it’s an icon from the era of pocket-sized responsibility. Feed it, play with it, and watch it evolve. Resurrect your retro obsession with the most cherished virtual friend from the ‘90s.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform, and Spark Nomad, a travel platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.