If you’re a fan of classic 80s TV shows, the phrase “What are you talking about, Willis?” is likely something you’ve heard often. It’s an iconic line from the beloved sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, famously uttered by Arnold Jackson (played by Gary Coleman) to his brother Willis Jackson (played by Todd Bridges). The show remains an important piece of television history and continues to inspire nostalgia, especially among fans who grew up during its original run. For those looking to gift something special to a fan of the show, the whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide is the ultimate solution.
This article serves as your go-to whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide, providing you with a collection of fantastic gift ideas for those who appreciate Diff’rent Strokes and the humor and charm it brought to television. Whether you’re looking for memorabilia, clothing, or something a little more creative, this guide has you covered.
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The History of the Iconic Phrase and Why It Matters
Before diving into the actual gift ideas, it’s important to understand why the phrase “What are you talking about, Willis?” has such significance. First uttered in the second season of Diff’rent Strokes, this line became a catchphrase for Arnold Jackson, reflecting his confused or incredulous reaction to Willis’ statements. It was funny, memorable, and became an enduring part of pop culture. Arnold’s catchphrase symbolized the comedy and innocence of the 1980s and has become synonymous with the character of Arnold Jackson. For fans of the show, anything related to this phrase or the character is a meaningful reminder of their fond memories of the series.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best gifts you can give to a Diff’rent Strokes fan. Keep the whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide handy as we explore the options.

Classic Diff’rent Strokes Merchandise
When it comes to a whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide, the easiest and most obvious place to start is with classic Diff’rent Strokes merchandise. These gifts will allow fans to relive the show and celebrate their love for the series.
- T-Shirts and Hoodies You can find a variety of Diff’rent Strokes apparel that prominently features Arnold’s famous line. There are T-shirts with the phrase “What are you talking about, Willis?” in bold text, making it the perfect conversation starter. Look for other styles, such as vintage designs, which showcase the classic artwork or cast portraits from the show. Hoodies with the same iconic phrase are also an excellent gift for those who enjoy both comfort and nostalgia.
- Mugs and Drinkware For fans who love to start their day with a hot beverage, a Diff’rent Strokes-themed mug with the phrase “What are you talking about, Willis?” is an ideal gift. Whether it’s a standard coffee mug or a travel mug, this simple gift will brighten up their mornings and remind them of the humor that made Diff’rent Strokes a TV sensation.
- Posters and Prints There’s no better way to display your love for the show than with framed posters or prints. You can find images of Arnold Jackson, Willis Jackson, and the entire cast, along with memorable quotes from the show. A whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide wouldn’t be complete without these stylish and nostalgic items.

Customized Gifts Featuring Arnold and Willis
If you’re looking for something more personalized, customized gifts can make your presents truly special. These items can be tailored to reflect the unique personality of the recipient while still celebrating their love for Diff’rent Strokes.
- Customized T-Shirts with Catchphrases For fans who want something personal, creating a customized shirt with a unique design is an option. Add the famous “What are you talking about, Willis?” phrase along with a specific reference to the recipient’s favorite moment or character. This would make for a one-of-a-kind gift that’s bound to leave an impression.
- Engraved Keychains and Jewelry A personalized keychain or piece of jewelry featuring a small engraving of the iconic catchphrase could be a more subtle way to show off one’s love for the show. You could include Arnold and Willis’s names or even get the famous catchphrase etched into the piece for extra fun. These types of gifts add a personal touch while remaining true to the essence of the whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide.
- Custom Artwork or Portraits Another thoughtful gift for Diff’rent Strokes fans is commissioning a custom portrait or piece of artwork that features the show’s characters. Artists can take inspiration from classic scenes and style the portraits in a way that is unique to the recipient. This would be a memorable addition to any fan’s collection.

Collector’s Items for True Fans
For fans who are die-hard Diff’rent Strokes enthusiasts, collector’s items are the ultimate treasure. These special items are often rare and can become valuable over time, making them a perfect gift for someone who is passionate about the show.
- Vintage Diff’rent Strokes DVDs or Blu-rays While Diff’rent Strokes may be available for streaming, owning a physical copy of the show is a great way to preserve its legacy. Look for boxed sets that include all of the episodes, plus bonus content or behind-the-scenes footage. Vintage DVDs or Blu-rays will bring back memories of the show’s original run, making them a highly thoughtful gift for any fan.
- Autographed Memorabilia Autographed memorabilia from the show’s cast members can make for an incredible gift. If you can find a piece signed by Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, or other members of the cast, it’s a rare and valuable item. Look for signed photos, scripts, or other Diff’rent Strokes-related artifacts that capture the essence of the show and its stars.
- Limited-Edition Collectibles For serious fans, limited-edition collectibles are an ideal gift. Look for limited runs of figurines, action figures, or even exclusive merchandise that celebrates specific episodes or characters from Diff’rent Strokes. A whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide wouldn’t be complete without such a high-quality and unique offering.
Entertainment Gifts for Fans of the Show
If you know someone who loves watching television shows and movies from the 80s, why not give them something to enjoy their downtime with? These entertainment gifts will bring back the nostalgia while offering fresh ways to experience the magic of Diff’rent Strokes.
- 80s TV Show Box Set The 1980s were a golden era for sitcoms, and many fans of Diff’rent Strokes enjoy other shows from that period. A box set of iconic 80s TV series, such as The Facts of Life, Full House, or Family Ties, would be a perfect companion gift for someone who enjoys Diff’rent Strokes.
- Trivia Games and Puzzles A Diff’rent Strokes trivia game or jigsaw puzzle featuring characters and scenes from the show can keep fans entertained for hours. These types of gifts are great for people who love to challenge themselves or gather with friends to reminisce about classic moments from the show.
- Books About TV History There are many books written about the history of 80s television, including Diff’rent Strokes. Giving a fan a well-researched, insightful book about the show or the era it aired in can deepen their appreciation for the sitcom. A whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide would include this category for those who enjoy learning more about the TV industry.
Experience Gifts for Fans
If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider giving the gift of an experience. This can create lasting memories for fans and provide them with the chance to immerse themselves in their love for the show in a more hands-on way.
- Attend a TV Show Reunion or Fan Event Many stars from classic TV shows, including Diff’rent Strokes, occasionally attend conventions or fan meet-and-greets. Sending a fan to one of these events to meet the cast, get autographs, or even attend a panel discussion would make for a once-in-a-lifetime gift. Check for upcoming events featuring Diff’rent Strokes cast members and plan a trip.
- Create a Personalized Viewing Party Organize a Diff’rent Strokes-themed viewing party for the fan in your life. This could include decorating the space with Diff’rent Strokes memorabilia, providing themed snacks, and playing episodes of the show. You could even throw in trivia games to test how much the guests remember about the show. A whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide would be incomplete without this type of creative and interactive experience.
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Final Thoughts
The whatutalkingboutwillis gift guide is packed with fantastic ideas that cater to Diff’rent Strokes fans of all kinds. From nostalgic memorabilia and personalized items to rare collector’s pieces and fun experiences, there’s something for every fan. By choosing any of the items mentioned in this guide, you’ll be giving a gift that resonates with the memories of a beloved show and the iconic catchphrase that still brings laughter today.