While it's possible to use a 'universal' remote control for a VCR, it can be tricky to get it set up correctly. It would therefore make far more sense to identify the exact model number of the VCR (possibly from the label on the back of the device) and search for an original remote control on eBay.
There's nowt wrong with good old-fashioned VHS tapes (apart from their annoying tendency to get jammed, the lousy picture quality, the time taken to rewind, etc, etc!). I treated myself to a second hand VCR from eBay earlier this year!