You could win $2,500 to spend at Best Buy Canada for its 25-year anniversary

On Feb. 20, Best Buy Canada is kicking off a nostalgic social media contest with BIG prizes being drawn monthly.

Each month contest participants will be entered to win one of two Best Buy gift cards, valued at $2500 each, simply by guessing the modern day versions of early 2000’s tech.

Celebrating 25 years of Best Buy Canada

Best Buy Canada

If you grew up in Canada in the early 2000s, chances are you spent at least one Boxing Day or Black Friday bundled up in a lineup outside your local Best Buy, waiting for the doors to open to get the newest Blackberry Curve model or the latest Grand Theft Auto video game release.

It’s been 25 years since Best Buy Canada first opened its doors in cities across the country, and it’s still the go-to hub for the latest and greatest in tech. From computers and cameras to vacuums and kitchen appliances, our devices might look different in 2026, but Best Buy is still plugged in on what’s trending and what’s next.

The tech that made the early 2000s iconic

This nostalgic contest brings together past and present by celebrating iconic technology from 2001 and its modern-day counterparts. Take a trip with us down memory lane as we reminisce on what our daily essentials looked like 25 years ago.

Box TVs

In 2001, the average television was a CRT model (think big and boxy) measuring around 32 inches, but today, the average Canadian TV rings in at least 65 inches in size with OLED. It’s basically a movie theatre in your living room.

Tablets

Tablets were still considered a futuristic idea in 2001 and were still navigating through the prototype stage. They were the kind of high-tech gadget you’d expect to see in a Spy Kids movie, not sitting on your kitchen counter. Fast forward to 2026, and they’ve become everyday essentials for streaming, working, gaming, and even homework.

Desktops

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In the early 2000s, laptops were just starting to become a portable alternative to a conventional desktop setup. This was a big deal in homes where there was usually only one shared computer station. In 2001, the biggest highlight of the day was your 30-minute session on the family PC, hoping no one picked up the landline and kicked you off the internet mid–Club Penguin session. 

Wireless phones

Best Buy Canada

Speaking of landlines, wireless phones were still considered ‘emerging tech’ in 2001. Pagers were still being widely used for both work and personal life. Context for those born after 2000: these were like tiny, pre-smartphone gadgets that could only receive short numeric or text messages. We’ve come a long way!

Coffee makers

Back in 2001, the humble drip coffee maker ruled the kitchen. In 2026, we’re taking inspiration from The Jetsons, with coffee pre-scheduled to brew before you even wake up, mugs that keep your drink warm all day, and sleek home barista-style espresso machines turning a simple cup into a full-on morning ritual.

Vacuums

In 2001, vacuums were just starting to go bagless, and the very first robot vacuum was making its debut, looking like something out of a sci-fi movie. Fast forward to today and both robot, and cordless vacuums have become household staples, with many homes owning one (or even both).

Portable music players

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Back in 2001, personal listening devices were starting to go mainstream, and the iPod was the crown jewel of portable music. The original iPod, with its iconic click wheel and silver-and-white design, let you carry thousands of songs in your pocket. In 2026, music possibilities are unlimited and it’s all stored in one convenient app on your cell phone.

Contest details

You can win big by celebrating Best Buy Canada’s 25th Anniversary! From the 20th-24th of each month, two lucky winners will have the chance to win a $2,500 Best Buy gift card (yes, that means you have the chance to enter every month!).

Simply visit Best Buy Canada’s Instagram or Facebook page during the contest dates and look for the post featuring iconic throwback tech. Then, comment with your guess for its modern-day version. Two winners will be randomly selected each month.

The contest kicks off  Feb. 20. You can visit Best Buy Canada’s Blog Page for full contest details. Good luck!