In an increasingly uncertain world, people crave items that made them feel warm and fuzzy when they were younger. It's why half of the movies and TV shows today are based on preexisting properties (IE: Top Gun: MaverickJurassic World DominionBeavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe, etc).

Almost immediately when you walk into Flashback, a fun little gift shop on Main Street in Galena, a strong current of nostalgia washes over you. It's almost overwhelming to see a mix of colorful toys, shirts, gifts, socks, and other items, most bearing the likeness of famous touchstones in pop culture.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Whether it's hats and shirts of shows gone past, FunkoPops, trendy pillows, or far-out posters, Flashback has something that will catch your eye.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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I was impressed by the plethora of reading material at Flashback, including, but not limited to: a biography on Patrick Swayze, an Office word search, a Britney Spears coloring book, a Goonies scrapbook, and more.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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I don't have any younger siblings, so I'm not sure if one of the defining elements of a child's style is what's on their lunchbox anymore. That's how it used to be when I went to school. Either way, I'd love to meet the kid who brings a Bob Ross or David Bowie lunchbox to elementary school.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Texas Hold 'Em, Five Card Stud, heck, even Go Fish would be a little bit more fun if you had Chucky or Johnny Cash playing cards.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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I was very close to picking up that fleece Scream blanket. The first two movies defined 1990s horror in massive ways. And of course, the fifth movie just got released in theaters this past January.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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The wonderful thing about shops like Flashback is they encourage roaming. It's not like a grocery store, where you find yourself going up and down each aisle. If you're anything like me, you're hopelessly following your eye as it catches a new thing every few seconds.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Flashback also features a wide variety of themed toys, trinkets, and collectibles from popular franchises, such as Disney, Marvel, DC, and more.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Flashback is located in the heart of Galena, at 231 South Main Street.

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