By Katherine Tanney

If you marched against the Vietnam War in tie-dye, sipped your first drink in penny loafers at the family’s country club circa 1980, or went into debt for that starter BMW, which you promptly drove to Pottery Barn, you probably are one - a Baby Boomer. Seventy-seven million strong, Boomers comprise America’s largest and wealthiest demographic, but that doesn’t make it easy to come up with great gift ideas for them. Shopperati, as always, is here to help.

Nostalgia is strong among those born between 1946 and 1964. While some wholeheartedly embrace 21st century pop culture and technology, others may secretly yearn for what they knew and loved: the music of their youth, vintage clothing and even retro furniture. For these Boomers, there are plenty of ways to live in the past.

Stepping Back in Time

There was a time when 8-track tapes ruled the day, and 8-Track Heaven gives you all the information you need to find collectors and sellers of those archaic forms of music player. If that’s not old-school enough for your Boomer, you can find sales of transistor radios all over the web, with a big selection on Ebay. And there’s no shortage of vinyl recordings, aka records, at www.oldies.com.

If your Boomer buddy is into apparel, shop around the web for vintage clothing from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. You can find anything from a ‘50s era slinky cocktail dress for $149 from Viva la Vintage, to a ‘70s disco shirt for a man ($38) at RustyZipper.com or a lavish collection of designer clothing for women at Post Vintage, where we found a ‘60s Bill Blass zebra-stripe coat for $825.

Perhaps you are a Boomer who wants to buy your child – or your grandchild – a toy from your youth. RetroToysrFun.com has lots of authentic gear for sale, ande in their games section we found a Cootie Game for $8.99, Lucky Ducks for $22.99 and Mouse Trap for $19.98.

What could be better for a sentimental Boomer than some stylish furniture typical of their era – be it ‘50s, ‘60s or ‘70s? You could spring for a red vinyl ‘50s telephone chair for $195 ; a ‘60s era desk lamp ; a vintage-looking diner booth for $1,225 or just go all out and buy them a replica of a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox for $2,495.

Everything Old Is New Again

There is another Boomer subset, of course: those who make the best of both worlds by embracing today’s digital technology and the recent improvements in all areas of design to enjoy yesterday’s spirited creativity.

If they like hippie era stuff but wish it wasn’t “used” HippieShop.com is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a vast array of clothes, shoes, backpacks, incense, door beads and more. Where else will you be able to find a Jimi Hendrix flaming guitar incense burner for $24.95, Grateful Dead dancing bear door beads (don’t ask your parents what the dancing bear is all about) for $39.98 or a Beatles Abbey Road blanket (ask your dad why Paul is barefoot) for $58.95? Give Mom a gift she’d never buy for herself: a big, flowing dashiki dress .

For stocking stuffers, get the Nandita Nag Champa soap (which smells like the incense older Boomers burned back in the day) or a pair of peace sign earrings. For the aging hippie who has everything, get him or her a new lava lamp (HippieShop has a large selection).

Peace was a big topic of conversation back in their youth, and that message certainly holds true today. Select from thousands of “peace” T-shirts, bumper stickers, hats, books, buttons and bags at CafePress.com .

Preserving Memories

For forward thinking Boomers, who want to hold on to what they’ve got forever (or until the next paradigm shifting gadget), there’s the Ion USB Turntable ($99). Just plug it into a computer, put on a favorite record - that’s one of those flat vinyl discs music used to be sold on - and convert a beloved (and scratchy) LP library to digital files for burning onto CDs. The Slide And Negative To Digital Picture Converter ($249) is a similar device in spirit. It converts old slides and negatives to digital files that can be printed.

Another gift idea for those who grew up with superb commercial radio (now an oxymoron): a Subscription to XM Radio, where the medium is still flourishing via satellite transmission. Some musical Boomer icons - Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Steven Van Zandt - all have their own music shows on XM.

Speaking of music, there are some wonderful new boxed sets out, geared to Boomer favorites. At Amazon.com you can pick up Stax: 50th Anniversary Celebration ($14.97). It comes with a lavish booklet all about the legendary Memphis label, whose artists include Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave, The Staple Singers and Issac Hayes. Or The Summer of Love: The Hits of 1967 ($35.99) might be to their taste: a kaleidoscopic survey of music from San Francisco bands such as The Byrds, The Rascals, and the Supremes. Includes a DVD of live performances by the Doors, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.

Give them their absolutely most beloved classic TV shows and films on DVD to ensure there’s always something good to watch. We love Heeere’s Johnny: The Definitive DVD Collection From The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson ($84.99 from Movies Unlimited). Did they love Dobie? There’s The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Seasons 1-4 ($149 at TV Addicts). Just out is Roots: The Complete Collection ($39.99 at Amazon.com), the landmark 1977 miniseries on 10 discs. Also new is the James Bond Ultimate Collector’s Set ($224.99 at Amazon), which includes every Bond film from Sean Connery’s Dr. No to Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale. For cartoon lovers, pick up Popeye the Sailor: 1933-1938, Vol. 1 ($42.99).

If early video games are their their thing, they’ll love the Atari Flashback ($19.98).

Another nostalgic item brought into compliance with the times is the 50s Desk Phone ($49.98, also available as a wall phone). The holes of the rotary dial have been discreetly filled with touch-tone buttons and there’s even one for redial. Speaking of the 1950s, we also like the Giant Retro Candy Gift Basket Box from, where else, Woodstock Candy ($97). Give their tastebuds (and expensive dental work) a trip down memory lane with almost forgotten treats like Pop Rocks, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Sugar Babies, Bottle Caps and candy cigarettes.
Enjoy them while reminiscing on the psychedelic art movement as exemplified in books from Amazon.com, such as The Peter Max Book or Art of the Fillmore, which features poster art for rock ‘n’ roll shows at the legendary San Francisco concert hall. Or go all self-referential on them with the book: The Boomer Century 1946-2046: How America’s Most Influential Generation Changed Everything.

Preserving Bodies

If nostalgia just isn’t what it used to be, consider giving a personal care item, game or gadget. The first Baby Boomers recently began receiving Social Security benefits. Even though Madonna and Prince -both about to turn 50 - still look mah-vuh-lus, the Rolling Stones probaby got it right when they said “What a drag it is getting old” (before they refused to do it themselves). For eyes that need a little help seeing clearly, there are fashionable Calabria Reading Glasses from Palm Beach Accessories. Check out the Dazzles, Flexies and Hand Painted glasses. But who needs glasses when using a Jitterbug Cell Phone? With bigger, more readable buttons (”no confusing icons”), a brighter display, and clearer, louder volume, you’re the master of your communications. And for conquering the teeny tiny print on maps, menus and movie listings, a Pendant Magnifier comes in handy on the go.

Know someone who’s afraid to drive at night or slow to adjust to low light situations? Restore contrast and definition instantly with Eagle Eyes Stimulight Glasses (2 pair, $49.95). Or maybe just give their tired eyes a treat with Tranquileyes Eye Hydrating Therapy ($39.95). Heck, give their whole body a treat with a Home Health Spa ($1,495). This one requires nothing more than an electrical outlet and a garden hose. Well constructed, with powerful jets to soothe aching joints, this is the item they will go gaga over.

If hearing is the issue, outfit the TV room with the Original Dialogue Speaker ($99.95). It will save them from turning the volume up by enhancing the clarity and articulation of the dialogue on their favorite shows. And finally, for that most important organ of the body, we suggest Brain Age ($18.99), a Nintendo game for keeping the mind spry.

If you really want to mess with their brains, sign ‘em up for an AARP membership . Sure, they may laugh, but Boomers get lots of benefits from that: all kinds of discounts on insurance and travel, guides for healthy living and financial planning and a subscription to AARP Magazine.