The ultimate Y2K gift guide for millennials and teens alike
The Y2K revival is still going strong, with a Coperni CD-player bag on the way, a musical remake of Mean Girls due out in theaters next year and, of course, the Barbie movie still influencing modern fashion and culture.
As reported by the Associated Press, sales of women’s cargo pants jumped 81 percent from January to May 2023. Meanwhile, ethically dubious fast-fashion retailer Shein said its baby tee sales tripled this year.
These trends bring back memories for millennials while breathing new life into fashion for Gen Z, who are trying them on (literally) for the first time. “They never experienced it,” Gen Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue told Mashable earlier this year. “It’s exciting to them because it was never part of their day-to-day, but maybe they heard their mom talk about it or their brother talk about it. Maybe they saw it in their favorite movie… They’re experiencing something they never got to, they’re transporting back in time.”
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Y2K-inspired items from around the internet that will surely make you say “That’s hot.”
‘Mean Girls’ Burn Book vase
Get in loser, we’re going flower-picking! At a petite five inches tall, this vase won’t be mistaken for the real Burn Book, but it’d still make Regina George proud. Use it to display a petalled beauty, your favorite pens, or a Kalteen bar stash.
Butterfly car freshener
This adorable air freshener smells like strawberries and is the perfect modern ode to the aesthetics of the early 2000s. Watching her float just below the rearview mirror will remind the driver to spread their wings in style while turning heads on the highway.
Bratz mug
Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha, Jade, Bratz! For the girls with the passion for fashion, this super-sized 20-ounce ceramic Bratz mug is it. Accented with a darling purple color, this cup is big enough to store all those tiny doll accessories you’re still holding on to.
UGG Women’s Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot
These Bella Hadid-approved boots are an updated take on the original slipper that drove all the girlies UGG-crazy in the 2000s and 2010s. Slip them on with a cute high rise sock and set off for greatness.
Y2K stationery from Claire’s
You’ll be the coolest person in your class (or office) with this sparkly pink stationery set. It comes with a pen, eraser, ruler, pencil sharpener, notebook, and mini notepad for functional, fashionable Y2K flair.
Mixed Feelings’ Talking Hearts game
This limited-edition toy is what happens when your favorite childhood Magic Eight ball gets a glow up. The 20-sided die inside asks the kind of probing questions that keep adult you up at night. What’s your toxic trait? What’s your party trick? Play on your own on an introspective night in, or bring it to your next soiree to liven up the room.
Sailor Moon blanket
Fight for love and justice in comfort with this 100 percent cotton blanket. It features an all-over print of Sailor Moon’s two feline advisors Artemis and Luna, plus her iconic crescent Moon Stick. It’s machine washable and comes in three sizes for Sailor Guardians of all ages.
Flip phone mirror
Live out your Motorola Razr fantasies every day with this darling mirror. Attach it to your keys or purse and flip the top to reveal your reflection (you look great, btw).
Lisa Frank x Casetify laptop case
As Lizzie McGuire would say, this laptop case is what dreams are made of. Lisa Frank’s bright, bountiful world of color and cute animals was all the rage in the early 2000s, and Casetify has brought her aesthetic back with a collection of tech cases and accessories. This laptop sleeve is our favorite of the bunch for its wild, wonderful print and guaranteed protection.
Lizzie McGuire tumbler with straw
Speaking of Lizzie McGuire, this totally rad tumbler will take you back to afternoons in front of the TV watching her animated alter-ego prance around the screen. Covered in Lizzie’s most iconic catchphrases and colorways, this cup comes with a reusable straw and vinyl flower charm.
Butterfly hair clips
Imitations of these throwback butterfly clips are available all over the internet, but these pastel beauties are the real deal. Not only are they sold by the original Y2K fashion mecca (Claire’s), but their subtle iridescence and delicate construction can be hard to find in copycats.
Hello Kitty Crocs
When it’s too hot for UGGs, these Hello Kitty Crocs will keep your feet cool and your heart warm and fuzzy. They’re decorated with removable Jibbitz depicting Hello Kitty and her friends My Melody, Badtz-maru, Kuromi, Chococat, Keroppi, Cinnamoroll, and Pompompurin.
