The 1980s were an era of big hair, neon clothes, and endless pop culture moments that left their mark on a generation. But as time has marched on, many of the decade’s quirks and trends have faded from memory. Some things that were once a part of everyday life now feel like relics of a bygone era.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the things you probably haven’t thought about since the ‘80s.
VHS Tapes and Rewinding
Back in the ‘80s, movie nights meant popping a VHS tape into the VCR and hoping the last person remembered to rewind it. If they didn’t, you’d sit there listening to the whir of the tape rewinding before you could even start. And who could forget the iconic “Be Kind, Rewind” stickers at video rental stores? Accidentally recording over your favorite tape was a real worry, and it’s a hassle most people don’t miss today.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
There was nothing quite like waking up early on a Saturday morning, grabbing a bowl of sugary cereal, and planting yourself in front of the TV for hours of cartoons. Shows like He-Man, The Smurfs, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were staples of the weekend lineup.
Back then, you couldn’t stream shows on demand. If you missed them, you were out of luck until reruns aired.
Trapper Keepers
Back in the day, no school supply was cooler than a Trapper Keeper. These colorful, oversized binders came in bold designs, from geometric patterns to pictures of kittens, and had handy Velcro closures. They were the ultimate combination of style and functionality. Opening that satisfying Velcro flap to organize your papers felt like a moment of triumph.
Cabbage Patch Kids
These chunky, soft-bodied dolls were all the rage in the ‘80s. Each Cabbage Patch Kid came with its own name and birth certificate, making them feel like more than just a toy. Children even hosted birthday parties for their dolls. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much excitement surrounded these goofy little dolls, but for kids of that era, they were a big deal.
Boomboxes
A massive boombox balanced on your shoulder was your badge of cool in the ‘80s. Whether you were blasting the latest mixtape or tuning into a favorite radio station, boomboxes brought music everywhere.
They were heavy, bulky, and required a ton of batteries, but none of that mattered because they were the ultimate portable party machine. Today’s compact Bluetooth speakers can never have the same street cred as an ‘80s boombox.
Roller Rinks
The ultimate social event was hitting the roller rink on a Friday night. Kids and teens would glide around under the glow of disco lights while the DJ played the latest hits. It didn’t matter if you were a skating pro or clinging to the wall for dear life, it was all about the experience. Roller rinks were a hub for birthday parties and first crushes, but they’ve largely disappeared now.
Phone Books
Before Google and smartphones, the phone book was the go-to resource for finding someone’s number. It could be the massive yellow pages for businesses or the thinner white pages for residential listings, but every household had one. People even used them as makeshift booster seats for kids at the dinner table.
Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
These tiny scented stickers were pure magic to kids in the ‘80s. From fruity smells to bizarre scents like popcorn and pizza, scratch-and-sniff stickers were a prized possession. Teachers handed them out as rewards, and kids would trade them like currency. Sticker albums became a playground status symbol.
Mix Tapes
The creation os a mix tape was both an art form and a labor of love. Carefully recording songs off the radio or dubbing them from another tape took time and effort. People crafted playlists for every mood, from breakups to road trips.
Sharing a mix tape was a personal gesture, like saying, “These songs made me think of you.” Today’s playlists are a click away, but lack the same sentimental charm.
Aqua Net Hairspray
The decade was all about big hair, and Aqua Net was the secret weapon for achieving those gravity-defying styles. This extra-hold hairspray was essential, leaving behind a cloud of fumes and sticky fingers. Teasing, spraying, and sculpting hair into perfect poufs was practically an Olympic sport.
Cassette Walkmans
The Sony Walkman revolutionized how people listened to music. With a pair of foam-padded headphones and a pocket full of AA batteries, you could zone out to your favorite album or radio station anywhere. Flipping the cassette to hear the other side was part of the experience, as was the occasional hassle of untangling headphone cords.
Jell-O Pudding Pops
These frozen treats, popularized by ‘80s advertising, were a beloved dessert option. Creamy and refreshing, Jell-O Pudding Pops were available in flavors like chocolate and vanilla, and they were a staple in many freezers. The TV commercials featuring these snacks were everywhere, making them feel like an essential part of childhood.
They disappeared from store shelves years ago, but the mere mention of them brings back memories of hot summer afternoons.
Neon Everything
In the ‘80s, brighter was better. Neon colors were everywhere, from clothing to accessories to school supplies. People rocked fluorescent T-shirts, leggings, and even shoelaces, turning the streets into a rainbow explosion. Neon wasn’t just a trend, it was a lifestyle. It’s easy to see how over-the-top the style was, but at the time, wearing neon meant you were bold, trendy, and ready to stand out.
The Rubik’s Cube
This colorful, brain-teasing puzzle became a global sensation. Whether you were twisting the cube in frustration or proudly displaying your ability to solve it, it was a must-have item. Schools even held Rubik’s Cube competitions, and the fastest solvers were treated like celebrities. Its 80s heyday saw it reach an iconic status that hasn’t quite been matched since.
Chain Letter Warnings
Before emails and social media, chain letters spread through snail mail, promising good luck if you followed their instructions. They often came with ominous warnings: break the chain, and bad things would happen. These letters preyed on our superstitions and guilt, but for many, the excitement of passing them on outweighed the fear.
Though chain emails and posts still pop up, they don’t have the same handwritten charm of those old-school letters.
Arcade Tokens
For kids in the ‘80s, nothing beat the thrill of walking into an arcade with a pocket full of tokens. Games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga were the ultimate entertainment, and the clinking sound of tokens dropping into the machine was music to your ears. Winning tickets for prizes added to the excitement.