[He laughed. He'd been a kid during the 90's, so surviving it wasn't hard for him. Though mention of that time gave him flashbacks to beanie babies and slap bracelets.

His grandma had told him they'd be worth something some day, and had purchased a large number of them. Too bad they hadn't increased in value over time.]

I can see that. The perspective part. This all seems different to me, not advanced in the way of technology, but the magic part. I can see how this would seem like the past to you.