In the 1990s life felt simpler, entertainment was at its peak, and technology was just advanced enough to be exciting without taking over everything. It was an era of creativity, innovation, and cultural moments that still hold a special place in people’s hearts today.
Here are some nostalgic items that perfectly capture why the ’90s were so awesome.
Tamagotchis
This tiny digital pet felt like the biggest responsibility in the world for ‘90s kids. These egg-shaped keychains were virtual pets that needed feeding, cleaning, and plenty of attention. The challenge was keeping them alive because if a Tamagotchi was ignored for too long, it would die, forcing its owner to start all over again. It was an addictive concept that turned into a global craze.
Game Boy Color
Portable gaming had been around before the ’90s, but nothing compared to the excitement of playing games on a Game Boy Color. It took handheld gaming to the next level, allowing players to experience their favorite titles in full color for the first time. Pokémon Red and Blue became instant classics.
The compact design, interchangeable cartridges, and long battery life made it a must-have for kids and teens alike.
VHS Tapes and Blockbuster Rentals
Friday nights meant a trip to the video store to browse the aisles for the perfect movie. Rewinding the tape before returning it was an unspoken rule, and nothing was more frustrating than finding out a tape had already been worn out from too many rentals.
Beanie Babies
It felt like everyone was collecting Beanie Babies. These small, plush animals became an investment for some people, with rare versions selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Each Beanie Baby came with a heart-shaped tag and a backstory, making them feel like collectibles rather than just simple toys.
The craze eventually faded, but Beanie Babies remains one of the most iconic toys of the ’90s.
Lisa Frank School Supplies
A school binder filled with neon-colored dolphins, rainbow leopards, and sparkly unicorns instantly takes people back to the ’90s. Lisa Frank’s designs were everywhere, from notebooks to folders to sticker packs that kids would trade with friends.
The bold, colorful artwork made schoolwork feel a little more fun. It was all about being bright, playful, and slightly over-the-top.
Discman and CD Collections
Before MP3 players and streaming services, music lovers carried around a stack of CDs to listen to their favorite songs. The Discman was the ultimate way to enjoy portable music, but the CD would often skip or stop playing if you used it on the move. Despite this, a personalized CD collection, complete with custom mixtapes burned on blank discs, was a huge part of ’90s culture.
Furby
A mix between a pet and a toy, Furby was programmed to learn words and interact with its owner. It quickly became a must-have holiday gift, with stores selling out almost as soon as they were stocked. Some people found them adorable, while others thought they were slightly creepy, especially when they started making noises in the middle of the night for no reason.
Super Soakers
Summers in the ’90s weren’t complete without a full-scale water gun fight, and nothing was more powerful than a Super Soaker. These brightly-colored, pump-action water blasters could drench someone from across the yard, making them the ultimate weapon in any neighborhood battle.
Owning the largest Super Soaker made you a legend among your friends.
Slap Bracelets
Every kid in the ’90s knew the satisfying feeling of slapping one of these flexible metal bands onto their wrist. Slap bracelets came in every color and pattern imaginable, making them a fun accessory that doubled as a toy.
Some schools eventually banned them because they were distracting, and some low-quality versions had sharp edges. Even with the bans, slap bracelets remained a staple of ’90s fun fashion.
Goosebumps Books
Horror stories for kids were never the same after Goosebumps books took over the shelves. These spooky yet fun stories became a phenomenon, with dozens of titles featuring eerie cover art and twist endings.
Ventriloquist dummies coming to life, haunted amusement parks, or cursed masks ensured every story had just the right amount of scare factor.
Pogs and Slammers
One of the biggest schoolyard crazes of the decade was collecting and playing with Pogs. These small, colorful, cardboard discs were used in a game where players would stack them and try to flip them over using a heavier piece called a slammer. Like many ’90s fads, Pogs were eventually banned in some schools.
Moon Shoes
These trampoline-like shoes promised kids the ability to jump higher and bounce around like an astronaut. Strapping them on and hopping around the driveway felt futuristic at the time, even if they were awkward to walk in. Kids who owned a pair were guaranteed to be the center of attention in the neighborhood, at least until they inevitably tripped and fell.
Skip-It
Recess and backyard playtime in the ’90s often meant challenging friends to a Skip-It competition. This toy was a simple way to burn off energy, featuring a plastic hoop that wrapped around one ankle and a weighted ball on the end of a rope.
The goal was to swing the ball around while jumping over it with the other foot, counting how many times in a row you could go without messing up. It required coordination, endurance, and was a fun way to stay active and compete against your friends.
Talkboy
Home Alone 2 made this gadget famous, and every kid suddenly wanted one. The Talkboy was a portable cassette recorder that let users slow down or speed up their voices, making it a must-have for pranks and homemade radio shows. It felt high-tech at the time, even though it was just a simple tape recorder.
Koosh Balls
At a time when playground games were everything, Koosh Balls were one of the best toys to bring along. These soft, rubbery balls had a distinctive stretchy texture that made them fun to throw, catch, and even fidget with during class. Some versions even glowed in the dark. Unlike hard plastic balls, they didn’t hurt when they hit you, making them perfect for indoor play and younger kids.
Sticky Hands
Few things were as fun and ridiculous as flinging a sticky hand against a wall and watching it stick. These small, stretchy toys were often found in vending machines, making them an easy impulse buy at grocery stores and arcades. Once unwrapped, they could be stretched, twisted, and slapped onto any smooth surface. The best part was seeing how long they could cling to a wall before falling off.
The downside was that they didn’t last long: after a few days of collecting dirt, they lost their stickiness and had to be replaced.