Reprinted Articles

“How I long for that old Kentucky home” were the words to a very popular song years ago. Why was it so popular? I don’t know, except it touched a cord of nostalgia in the hearts of many listeners. Hearing a song, whether it’s the words or the music even coming from that old music jukebox; smelling the familiar fragrance of Grandma’s lavender as you walk past a stranger or seeing a rustic, provincial homestead can stir up visions from the past. I’ve never been to Kentucky, but my heart still yearns for my long-gone, happy childhood every time I hear that song or even its title.

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?

I guarantee he would be pleased really pink with something like a music jukebox, a neon sign, a special electronic gift, or some other unique gift. Because it wasn’t the usual tie or belt, some kind of shirt or shaving lotion, he would feel really special. With the men folk uniqueness seems to be a key element for satisfaction-and that’s what you are looking for in a gift.

Last 5 posts by Robert Allen Byrnes

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Tags: Music