Last year, right around this time, I was walking downtown on my way to visit her mom at her office, and wandered by a little pop-up holiday shop. I hadn’t really been planning on browsing, but then I saw what one of the booths was selling, and instantly screeched to a full stop like a Bugs Bunny cartoon (or, if we’re being generationally thematic, a Tiny Toon Adventures character).
If you did not grow up in the Northeast during the 1980s, there is a decent chance you have no idea what Freezy Freakies are. But if you did, you are PUMPED right now. I have so many feelings about these things. We’re talking intense, visceral sense memories, wherein I can actually physically revisit the joyful experience of watching the invisible unicorn appear out of thin air. (Freezy Freakies are made using thermochromic ink, which is translucent when warm, and turns bright colors when cold. But we can pretend it’s just straight-up magic; that’s more fun.) But your memories are also likely filled with intense longing and angst – even rage – because your parents probably thought they were expensive and wouldn’t buy you a new pair when you left one in the park, except Cynthia had TWO pairs and it WASN’T FAIR.
Guess what?
You’re a grown-up now.
YOU CAN HAVE FREEZY FREAKIES.
Two pairs, if you want.
And and and and and: so can your kids. (They were only available in adult sizes until just a couple of days ago, but now every style is available in a matching kids’ size. And there are MITTENS.)
The question, however, remains: will a generation of children who think it’s totally normal for your car to talk to you still experience a sense of wonder when they see a unicorn appear on their glove?
I mean…
yes.
Obviously.
They’re so rad.
Freezy Freakies is a partner of Ramshackle Glam (file under #dreamcollaboration, thx). Thank you for supporting the brands that keep this site ticking! Photos by Kim Butan.
