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Weekend DIY: Crown Royal Bride

crowndress03

Produced in Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Crown Royal has been a popular whisky since the 1940s. In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the country and Seagram president Samuel Bronfman introduced Crown Royal as a tribute to the monarch and his wife. Until 1964, the whisky was only available in Canada. With annual [...]

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Valentines Retro Candy Box

In days past we scribbled our name on generic Valentine cards to pass out to our classmates. Occasionally, there would be a special one that landed in our heart-shaped envelope we’d made out of construction paper. Now that we’re older, we look for other ways to show our adoration for our spouses, significant others and [...]

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Top Picks: Unique Kitchen Gadgets

Pop Top Bottle Opener

I love kitchen gadgets. Each year – for birthdays and Christmas – my family expects something totally unique that’s both functional and fun. From fruit-shaped pepper grinders to hi-tech garlic presses, unique gadgets are perfect for those who have “everything” or wouldn’t spend money on themselves (like myself). Couple retro kitsch with a functional tool? [...]

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Practical Gifts: Cupcake and Sheet Cake Carrier

Retro Cupcake and Sheet Cake Carrier

I love giving gifts that are both practical and fun. I often try to find something the recipient would really like, but would never buy for herself. These are often kitchen items that serve just one or two purposes yet, when used, really make an impact. The cupcake is a favorite sweet for nearly anyone. [...]

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Unique Gifts: Magic Cymbal Monkey Toy

Classic Monkey Cymbal Toy

This Magic Cymbal Monkey Toy is a remake of an old classic. Battery operated, he clangs his cymbals as he hops around and chirps. Many different cymbal monkeys have been made since the 1950s. The original – called the Musical Jolly Chimp – was made by Japanese company Daishin C.K. during the ’50s, ’60s and [...]

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Retro Planet Staff Christmas Picks: Rebecca

Thor Wall Decal

Since they work behind-the-scenes all year, we asked the Retro Planet staff to go through the online catalog and share what they want (or want to give) this Christmas. Writer Rebecca is cross between a comic book geek and retro enthusiast. Here’s what she’s begging Santa for this year. Green Retro Wall Clock When I [...]

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The Nose Flute

Retro Nose Flute

There are few who can whistle real music through their noses. For the rest of us, there’s the nose flute – also called a nose whistle or a Humanatone. This single-piece instrument relies on rhythmic breathing through the nose while maintaining or fluctuating the opening of the mouth. This simple, classic gem isn’t to be [...]

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Unique Gifts: Retro Candy Baskets & Boxes

Retro Candy Box

If you’re looking for a unique gift for that special someone, a retro candy gift basket or gift box is the perfect solution. Unlike flowers and “edible” baskets, there’s no short-term spoilage. Filled with penny candy and nostalgic treats, these gifts bring back memories. With yummies from the ’40s through the ’80s, who could resist [...]

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Picking Out a Gift for Dad

Classic Games

Selecting the perfect gift for my Dad isn’t always an easy process. But my working at Retro Planet has made the job quite a bit easier. I’ve foregone the annual fads ever since I moved out of the house. Nowadays, it’s all about being unique… and fun. So what should I get my father? Here’s [...]

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Seeing the World Through Funny Glasses

Nerd Glasses

I recently had the pleasure of writing descriptions for a bunch of novelty glasses we just got in.  By “a bunch,” I mean 55 different styles!  These are a great addition to our already huge selection of novelty and costume glasses, which in all honesty I’d never really checked until now.  Many are made in [...]

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The Pink Flamingo is Lawn Kitsch with a Colorful History

Pink Lawn Flamingo Pair

What is pink, has four legs and stands about 3 feet tall? Why, a pair of plastic pink flamingoes, of course! These hugely popular lawn ornaments have been gracing the lawns of homes all across America since they were first introduced to the market in 1957. The creator of the pink plastic lawn flamingo is [...]

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Retro & Quirky Stocking Stuffers

Original Slinky

The holiday season is chock full of family traditions, from fruitcake and ham to Christmas trees and gingerbread cookies.  But the most fun tradition might be Christmas stockings.  Did you ever try to guess what was in the stocking by the shape of the bulge?  You can’t beat the excitement and mystery of seeing a [...]

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Unique Gift Ideas

Duct Tape Novelty Tie

It’s holiday shopping time again!  Time to run around the mall or scroll through websites looking for a truly unique gift, something really fun, quirky or useful.  Well, no need to tear your hair out over finding a unique gift.  At RetroPlanet, we carry gifts your friends and loved ones have never seen before.  That’s [...]

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Wall-Mounted Bottle Openers

Budweiser Cast Iron Bottle Opener

We’ve all been there. You get home from work, you’re tired, you just want to open a bottle of something and relax. But you can’t . . . find . . . the dang . . . bottle opener! It’s not on the fridge and not in the drawer where you saw it last. Now [...]

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