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From Good Housekeeping for

The Sentimental Gifter's Guide to Holiday Shopping at Walmart

These nostalgic or retro-inspired finds will delight everyone on your list.

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baking cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles
Courtesy of Walmart

The holiday season is sentimental, plain and simple. It's the time of year when we come together with loved ones and revisit traditions and memories that have made our stories and shaped the families we love. It's why gift-giving is an art form, too: The perfect present is something that they'll love, but will also tug at their heartstrings (or, when it comes to little ones, make the adults watching feel that "remember when?" glow).

Whether it's based on a special memory you share, or a throwback to an era or stage that meant something particular to them, a sentimental gift can feel just right at this time of year. Of course, this kind of present can be hard to find, too—which is what makes a store with a wide range of options so very invaluable.

Walmart's wide range of...well, everything means there's something for everyone, truly. The sibling you love to walk down memory lane with, remembering the days when you shared a bedroom and had no bigger problems than studying for exams? The parent who loves to brew a warm cup of coffee and have everyone they love cuddled up on the couch together? The retailer has presents that will capture the memories you have with both.

Youngsters aren't exempt, either. Walmart carries some classic toys and fashion items that you loved when you were younger—and they will, too.

Read on below for gifts that will delight everyone on your list.

Just because you can now play music on nearly any device you encounter throughout the day doesn't mean it still doesn't sound best on vinyl. This classic-looking record player takes advantage of modern tech, too, though: Bluetooth lets them connect wirelessly with speakers (or they can use the ones embedded within).

There's no official date when the holiday sweater was first worn, but it's been a beloved closet staple during the winter months for decades. Replace someone's old favorite (or gift someone who doesn't have their own collection yet).

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A cup of coffee is like a warm hug, with a beautiful flavor and sustaining energy that shows someone how much you care. Gift them the promise of many more thoughtful conversations over steaming mugs with this sleek, easy-to-use machine.

A cute alternative to scented candles, this wax warmer will let them scent their home without ever needing to light a match. The playful design, inspired by a retro radio set, is also a welcome throwback to any loved one who remembers catching their favorite programs on the airwaves.

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A little spaceman is a playful toy that will instantly bring a certain generation back to their childhood. Kitschy and fun, this astronaut projects a night's sky onto any ceiling, revealing the sort of dreamy moment that will delight anyone, of any age.

Classic cartoons still look just as good as the day they were first drawn. And these decade-proof characters delight today's kids just as much as they did us. Wrap up this cozy set for your littlest giftees.

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Having a pocket-size camera perpetually on you courtesy of your cell phone is nice, but there's something about a true-blue camera that's we often miss. Wrap up a proper one for your analog loved one this holiday. This one has all the tech of a brand-new digital version, but with a casing that harkens back to decades earlier.

Some things never change—and when a fashion accessory is as timeless as a classic penny loafer, there's not much that can be improved about the original silhouette. This iconic look will feel right at home in anyone's closet.

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Many of the toys you would have written on your own list for Santa are still popular with today's little ones. Take this dreamy closet, for instance: With a heart-mirrored vanity, clothes galore, and double doors, it's the sort of play space that will inspire hours of make-believe.

Have a friend or family member that you used to love going to karaoke with? Those days needn't be over. Wrap up a new set that includes wireless mics and a Bluetooth speaker, so you can both show the new generation how it's done.

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A princess never goes out of style. This sweet dress mixes a knit top with a sparkly skirt for a costume-type look that's more practical than her Halloween costume and perfectly daytime- appropriate. Your young daydreamer can easily wear this to school and beyond.

There's something wonderfully quaint about pausing the day for a spot of tea and a little treat. This set, with its extended saucer, is more or less permission to take a break from the busy day-to-day and notice the small things.

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The people you grew up alongside likely have fond memories of gathering around the projector to see slides from a family member's trip or holiday. While the inside workings here are much different, watching memories projected in front of you still feels wonderful.

A brand-new portable Bluetooth speaker doesn't have to look like new-age tech. This one has a fun, retro aesthetic that will give your sentimental friend the warm-and-fuzzy memories of grandparents gathering to hear the news at night.

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Red-and-black buffalo check is a classic that feels especially fitting during the festive months. This cozy pair of fleece pj pants injects a bit of holiday cheer into the off hours (and will look a lot more presentable than beat-up sweats when they have houseguests).

Headshot of Leah Melby Clinton
Leah Melby Clinton is a writer, editor, and serious shopper who loves discovering new labels, detailing the best ways to build a wardrobe, and interviewing interesting people.
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