By RobertAllenByrnes

I don't know about you but many times with me I get those overwhelming feelings of nostalgia just looking at something from tester year like a bubble gum machine or a music jukebox. I remember as a little tyke walking down to the corner drugstore, which at that time seemed like a three mile walk, to get my hands on a candy bar or to pt pennies in the various gum ball machines. Ah, those were the days.

Nostalgia gifts are very special gifts because they appeal to fond memories of the past, certain periods of time that form our life experiences and bring overwhelming feelings of acceptance and security among other things. How about that little league game, that cheer leading season, that first car you can remember and the long trips to Florida in the simmer. So many things can kick off that nostalgia mood because it is a walk down memory lane.

I'm sure if you stop to think about it, you've had times when you least expected it, like driving through a rural area, you see way back in the weeds, an abandoned dilapidated car - wheels missing, windshield shattered and just a glimpse of red paint. Without warning you're back to that country homestead on a Saturday afternoon with your brothers and your dad, enthusiastically shining up that 57 Chevy, getting it ready for church on Sunday. Wow, I'd almost forgotten, it's been so long ago.

I really think nostalgia gifts are wonderful gifts and much more fulfilling because they evoke so many enjoyable memories. So it is more than an instant gratification or just buying a gift because you think you need to. It is a gift that will take you back to different historical times in your life and allow you to relive them over and over each and every time yo glance at that music jukebox or hold it in your hands. Hey, every time I see a gum ball machine,it takes me back.

Do you remember how often birthdays were so troublesome for you because you never knew what this particular person wanted or liked? Remember how difficult it was to get the gift that would be sure to please? And I suspect that person would be a male member of the family, a husband or father. I was always so disappointed when my father's face would reflect disappointment with his gift. I think women are much easier to buy for, don't you?

Well, a miracle shopper I'm not, neither am I a psychic! Now I know not all sisters are like this and certainly my mother and father were not. Their suggestions were often helpful but many times we missed it, and she let us know, not by words, but by her facial expressions. Somehow we always knew which gifts would be returned. And she's never improved with age.

However, any one of the Nostalgia gifts, whether buying it for himself or receiving it as a gift, would definitely change the picture for gift buying. Can you imagine the look of surprise and pleasure on a father's or husband's face when he opens his gift and it's maybe not his favorite tool, but better yet, it's a retro style record player, radio, jukebox, or some other vintage gift, maybe even a popcorn machine?

Yes, fathers and husbands would no doubt be at a loss for words to explain their feelings as they were projected back in time by such a thoughtful and unique way of expressing your love. As you know, men, themselves are quite unique - and receiving a gift just as unique, would definitely keep them talking about it and showing it off for years to come. How about that music jukebox.