5 Christmas Presents I’d Ask For If It Was Still 1985

The holidays always make me feel nostalgic for the days of yore, when things felt simpler and Fisher Price reigned supreme as the creator of all of my favorite things. As Christmas and New Year’s roll around, I find myself taking stock in the things I’ve done and the things I would like to do in the coming year. I also find myself buying myself Christmas presents when really, I should be buying presents for other people. I don’t consider myself to be a good gift giver, I prefer to give non-tangible items such as laughter and joy. When it comes to receiving gifts, I’ve always subscribed to the “it’s the thought that counts” mentality. This year, instead of making a Christmas wish list and distributing it to all interested parties, I’ve decided instead to make a list of Christmas presents I’d ask for if it was still 1985 because 1980s nostalgia is the gift that keeps on giving. Here are 5 Christmas presents I’d ask for if it were 1985:

1) Fisher Price Roller Skates

These things were amazing because you didn’t even have to take off your shoes in order to enjoy the benefits of roller skating. Already wearing shoes? Just tighten the Velcro and you are all set to go skating around town. Or at the roller rink. Perfect for someone who doesn’t like to waste her time on mundane tasks such as taking off her shoes or tying shoelaces. Plus, they come with Velcro.

2) Jem & The Holograms Cassette Tape

Jem & The Holograms personified what it meant to be 80’s girl rockers. Their music, their makeup, Jem’s earrings that transformed her from a normal person into a superstar rocker; perfection. I want[ed] to be Jem. I would also love a pair of those earrings.

3) Fisher Price Walkie-Talkies

These should really replace cell phones. They are just as convenient, as long as your friend has one too. You don’t even have to communicate with real words, morse code will take care of that for you. Don’t know morse code? No problem, it’s printed on the front of your walkie-talkie. Roger that. Ten four.

4) Teddy Ruxpin

A talking bear. Is having a companion stuffed animal that talks too much to ask for? I didn’t think so.

5) This Volvo.

I’m about to get my driver’s license and this is the car I want. A 1985 Volvo 740 Turbo. I have so many fond memories from my family’s 1980 Volvo sitting in the backseat squished between my two siblings while swinging along the open road on various road trips, most memorably through the Smoky Mountains.

Though I won’t hold my breath for any of these items to appear under the Christmas tree or in my stocking, it was nice to take a little trip down memory lane. And that is a gift in and of itself.