How to Have a Throwback Summer
Nothin' but SPF and vibes. 🌞
Summer isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling, an annual invitation to return to our childlike selves. Whether it’s frozen treats on the porch, movie marathons with the A.C. blasting, splashing in a pool or at the lake, or afternoons lost to making crafts, there’s something universally nostalgic about summer pleasures.
So this summer, let’s lean in with simple ways to embrace the feelings of nostalgia. Think of it like a yearbook sign-off from your inner child: “Have a throwback summer, bestie! K.I.T.” This isn’t another thing for your to-do list. It’s just a little spark of joy.
Pick a few things to add to your summer bucket list, revisit this list mid-summer if you need to shake things up, or let it inspire new ideas you jot down on a sticky note and pop on the fridge.
How to Have a Throwback Summer
rent movies— Did you know that most local libraries offer DVD rentals!? As an ode to the old Blockbuster days (RIP), take a trip to pick out a few flicks, pop by the gas station or grocery store on the way home for a fun treat (Red Vines!) and pile up on the couch for a movie marathon, no Wi-Fi required.
walk to the ice cream shop— get your ice cream in a cone. Delightful and convenient.
make a mixtape— I can still recall the epic mixtapes of summers past. This summer, make a “mixtape” on Spotify, limit it to 12-13 songs (as you would have done with a CD) and listen to it over and over again, especially in your car with the windows down. Those songs will be burned into your 2025 summer psyche.
get crafty— raid your craft supplies and make a purposeful mess— beaded bracelets, sun catchers, self-portraits, key chains, macaroni necklaces, puffy paint, anything you made as a child!
wear overalls— over your swimsuit, your crop top, your sports bra, both straps, one strap, the possibilities are endless.
make ants on a log— summer camp lives on!
read magazines— find a publication that screams nostalgia to you. Barnes and Noble still offers magazines, but so do some libraries. When you are done reading, make a collage, vision board or whatever else your heart fancies with cutout images.
plant sunflowers— grab a few seeds, pop ‘em in the ground, watch them grow. Get extra credit and harvest the seeds from this year’s flowers, share them with friends and save some for next year. Press a few petals in your diary too for an added throwback touch.
play tag— it’s just as fun as an adult (as long as you’re wearing the right footwear 😅), trust me!
use a disposable camera— one for the summer, use the film thoughtfully and at then end of the summer get it developed and enjoy the physical memories of the season.
pack a lunch and eat outside— build your own Lunchable inspired kit or use whatever you have on hand, grab a blanket and leave your phones at home but bring your disposable camera.
make popsicles— or buy ‘em.
go to the pool— pack sunscreen, your magazines, a good book, a towel, a bag of popcorn, and your sunnies. Pick up a frozen lemonade, or a pizza, on the way.
ride a bike— if you don’t have one rent one for the day.
make the afternoon feel extra long— turn off all tech, put your phone on airplane mode, and allow yourself to be bored, like actually bored. No plans, no distractions, just the pleasure of a looooong afternoon.
flag down the ice cream truck— pay with coins for added fun (and a brush up on your math skills)!
learn a magic trick— Children’s summer T.V. programing often included some really awesome commercial entertainment (anyone remember Stick Stickly?!) and sometimes they involved learning new things, like a magic trick. One of those magic tricks I still show off to this day and it’s actually one of my most impressive talents! This summer, learn a nifty little magic trick on YouTube and keep it in your pocket for when you want to awe and delight someone.
enjoy root beer floats— no recipe required!
write down a wish on summer solstice— and dance in the moonlight (naked if you so choose!). Make lots of wishes this summer.
journal every day— use stickers, gel pens, magazines. Press petals into the pages. Glue pictures and mementos of favorite memories. Drop the pressure, keep it simple— a favorite memory from the day, one line, a list of fruit you ate, don’t overthink it, let your inner middle schooler take the lead.
eat a FunDip— or make your own Dunkaroos!
go to a drive-in— Look up one near you, add it to your bucket list, lock your phone in your glove box.
toast marshmallows— Are you are patient, perfectly caramel toaster? Or a stick it right into the flames for a quick char roaster? Do whatever makes you happy. Level up with graham crackers + chocolate and make s’mores.
fly a kite— relax your shoulders.
watch throwbacks— Clarissa Explains it All, Jaws, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Doug, MTV, Arthur, Baywatch—no rules, just vibes. Read on for a throwback movie list straight out of my DVD book!
do a hair wrap— yesssss.
play a board game or cards on the deck— and don’t forget to light a citronella candle.
roll out the slip n’ slide— DIY or borrow one from a neighbor.
summer is for ambitious summer reading plans make a summer reading assignment list— and read a lot!! Participate in any and every summer reading challenge you can, track your reading progress with paper and markers, stack up the books you read in a dedicated area, celebrate the joys of summer reading. Find inspo here.
send a postcard to someone— Wish you were here. xoxo.
make sun tea— sweeten it with maple syrup, sip it in the shade on a hot day.
blow bubbles— How big can you make one? How long does it last? Can you blow a bubble inside of a bubble? Marvel with wonder at the beautiful perfect shape and colors. And prepare for children to flock to you.
tie dye something— that free white t-shirt, your Pilates socks, your fitted sheet.
call someone for a catchup convo— yes, on the phone. Keep it plugged into your charger for peak throwback vibes.
A Throwback Summer Movie List
I love turning to old favorites so let me pull out my DVD collection (not figurative, I actually still have one!) and curate a list of movies perfect for lounging on the couch and watching to escape the heat of a hot summer’s day.
The Parent Trap (1998)— We kick off every summer with a weekend afternoon watching this movie and it’s glorious.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Clueless
The Wedding Planner
Jaws
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Dirty Dancing
Jurassic Park
(500) Days of Summer
Grease
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Blue Crush
The Sweetest Thing
Weekend at Bernie’s
Jumanji
American Pie and American Pie 2
Swimfan
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Big Fish
Mama Mia!
Friday the 13th (1980)
Almost Famous
The Sandlot
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Addams Family Values
Tell me— what activities, books, and movies are on your throwback summer list?!
Talk soon, K.I.T.—
Clueless, I could watch it every day 🤣
Awesome list. I might tweak the movie list to include the original Parent Trap, Hercules, ET, Iron Giant, & Star Wars. Maybe some Christmas in July classics like Elf, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street with candy canes, hot chocolate and snow cones.