16 Hidden Gems From Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale You Should Shop ASAP

1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

2025 Planners

1. Paperage 2025 Weekly & Monthly Hardcover Planner

A planner that has both weekly and monthly formats can be super helpful if you've simply got a lot going on. That way, you've got a look at the nitty gritty and the big picture.

Having both date formats at your disposal also makes looking back at the year super fun, offering a visual timeline of all the things you achieved in 2025.

2. Kate Spade New York Daily Planner August 2024-December 2025

This wire-bound planner looks downright adorable, plus it comes with several fun sticker sheets to help you keep planning playful.

This one is also great if you like to bring your planner on the go – its hard cover easily stands up to daily use!

3. Taja 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

This unique 2025 planner kicks off each month with an inspiring quote to further motivate you towards your goals. Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, or working professional, you'll definitely enjoy the ample planning space this pick has to offer.

4. Waav 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

The calm, minimalist look of this weekly and monthly planner helps clear out any mental clutter you may have before starting your workweek or tackling weekend errands.

5. Orange Circle Studio 2025 Planner

This shroomy spiral planner would be perfect for organizing any outdoorsy plans in 2025.

In addition to weekly and monthly calendars throughout, it comes with a goal planner, a budget tracker, and a blank notes section for any miscellaneous points you don't wanna miss.

6. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner

This high-quality planner is totally worth the splurge, especially if you're super loyal to your planner and use it every day. In it, you'll find tabbed monthly planners alongside weekly and daily spreads that include blank writing spaces for notes, gratitude, and your top three priorities for the day. Score!

7. Happy Planner Disc-Bound 12-Month Planner

The cheerful and colorful print on this planner is perfect for setting a productive mood!

8. Graphique 18-Month July 2024-December 2025 Hardbound Spiral Planner

The graphic on the front of this 2025 planner says it all: "I'm at capacity." Luckily, its pages are equipped with plenty of spaces and guides to help you handle all of life's chaos with ease.

9. Anecdote 2025 Daily Workflow Planner

The page layouts in this planner are so sleek and sophisticated. You'll be able to see every plan and point very clearly, so you never miss a beat amidst all the busy-ness.

Its hard cover is bound by an elastic band so you don't risk pages ripping or folding.

2025 Calendars

1. Karto Vertical 2025 Wall Calendar

This wall cal with earth tones will match any workspace.

The bottom section allows you to list any notes and top priorities you may have for the respective month!

2. Zicoto 2025 Aesthetic Desk Calendar

If you're more of a desk calendar type of person, this aesthetically-pleasing one comes propped up so you always have a clear view of what's on the docket.

3. Ban.do 'Let Me Write That Down' 2025 Wall Calendar

Planners and calendars shouldn't be boring – spice up your walls with this super colorful pick! The vertical orientation feels more updated and playful than a horizontal one, so you could easily hang it up anywhere.

4. Graphique 2025 Flower Pop Wall Calendar

This floral-themed cal keeps your space lookin' fresh with a nice pop of color.

5. Poketo Undated Monthly Vertical Wall Calendar

This month-by-month wall calendar comes without numbered days, so you can start it whenever you please, no matter the year. The neutral color palette keeps your planning sessions nice and calm.

6. Taja Abstract Art 2025 Wall Calendar

This wall calendar works just as well as wall art as it does a planning tool. Each month reveals a new lively print to help you stay motivated.

7. Vintage Fruits 2025 Wall Calendar

This has got to be one of the cutest 2025 planners out there. It's filled with 12 different vintage-esque illustrations of fruits that'll make your space feel cozy as ever.

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!