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“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.

That’s why Nostalgia gifts are so relevant for the times. Whether it’s the sno cone machine, the juke box, the cotton candy or pop corn machines, they all trigger that special sense of nostalgia that brings back the feelings of the security of our childhood home and the warmth and love of those no longer with us. Remember how you felt when your parents surprised you with your first puppy; the trips to the circus with its cotton candy; your first dance with the juke box playing those romantic songs and you were the “belle of the ball”; your first baseball game ending in your spectacular catch; your first kiss?

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.

These special gifts can also be the answer to a very common dilemma, and you probably know what it is before I say it: the gift problem. In everyone’s life there is that person who is the bane of your holidays: the one most difficult to shop for. I had a sister who was very special, but she was also very particular with what she used, wore, ate or anything else that pertains to keeping alive and pretty. What do you do about birthdays and Christmas? To ask her was to get the reply: Just surprise me!

Yes, I do believe that women, especially mothers, are more prone to explain just what they want, even where to get it. In the case with my father, it was hard because he wanted to be sure to get exactly what he wanted, no substitutes accepted. I suspect he needed to feel it, hold it and carefully inspect every inch of it because it was usually a tool of some kind that he wanted and it had to be just right. I just remember something besides a tool he would have loved-a music jukebox.

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.