Welcome back to the 80s! Today, we're revisiting some nostalgic pieces of history that are sure to make any 80s kid cry with joy. From Walkmans to rotary phones to Moon Boots, let's see how many of these you can remember! Let's take a blast to the past together.
1. Walkmans
Before streaming and MP3 players, we had the Sony Walkman. This portable cassette player was the ultimate accessory for listening to your favorite mixtapes on the go.
2. Saturday Morning Cartoons
Waking up early on Saturdays wasn't for chores, but for a marathon of your favorite cartoons. "The Smurfs", "DuckTales", and "Transformers" were just a few of the must-watch shows.
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3. Floppy Disks
These were the primary method to save and transfer our digital data. Having a box of these meant you were tech-savvy.
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4. Rotary Phones
Dialing a number meant turning a circular dial for each digit. It was slow, but there was a satisfying mechanical feel to it.
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5. The Original NES
Nintendo's first major home console, the NES, brought us classics like "Super Mario Bros." and "The Legend of Zelda". Many hours were spent trying to rescue Princess Peach!
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6. VHS Tapes and Blockbuster
Renting a movie meant going to the video store and hoping your pick was in stock. And then, of course, the reminder to "be kind, rewind".
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7. Slap Bracelets
These fun, colorful accessories were a fashion statement. You'd slap them onto your wrist, and they'd coil around it perfectly.
Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Wikimedia Commons
8. Lite-Brite
A toy that let you create glowing pictures with colored pegs. It was a magical experience when you turned off the lights!
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9. Popples
These stuffed creatures could be turned inside out to form a ball. They were both toy and pillow, and were adored by many.
Spider.Dog from United Kingdom on Wikimedia Commons
10. Cabbage Patch Kids
These unique dolls, each with their own birth certificate, were all the rage. They even caused shopping frenzies during the holiday season.
Bernard Gotfryd on Wikimedia Commons
11. Jem and the Holograms
Jem was a pop star by night and a businesswoman by day. Her dazzling adventures and music made her a beloved icon of the decade.
Ryan Quick from Greenbelt, MD, USA on Wikimedia Commons
12. Squeeze It Drinks
These fun fruit drinks came in plastic bottles that you'd squeeze to drink. They were a staple in many kids' lunchboxes.
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13. Big Hair and Hair Crimping
The bigger the hair, the better. Crimping irons were essential for achieving that iconic 80s texture.
Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash
14. Trapper Keepers
These colorful binders were a must-have for school. With their velcro closure and cool designs, they kept all your papers organized.
Yortizsoto16 on Wikimedia Commons
15. Garbage Pail Kids Cards
A more grotesque answer to Cabbage Patch Kids, these collectible cards had funny, and sometimes gross, illustrations. They were a must-have in the schoolyard.
16. Teddy Ruxpin
This storytelling bear was a beloved toy. You'd pop in a cassette tape, and Teddy would move his mouth and eyes as he read stories out loud.
17. Rubik's Cube
Kids and adults alike fell in love with this colourful and twisting puzzle that was equally entertaining as it was frustrating. Solving the cube is like wearing a badge of honour!
Photo by Olav Ahrens Røtne on Unsplash
18. Care Bears
With a diverse cast representing different feelings and traits, these colorful bears were all about spreading love and care. Their merchandise, from toys to bedding, was everywhere.
Cristian Bortes from Cluj-Napoca, Romania on Wikimedia Commons
19. Speak & Spell
An electronic learning toy by Texas Instruments, it helped many kids learn to spell. With its robotic voice, it was both educational and fun.
20. He-Man and She-Ra
Set in the mystical land of Eternia, these action figures and their associated cartoons told tales of heroes and villains. "By the power of Grayskull!" became an iconic catchphrase.
Mattel Creations, DreamWorks Animation Television, Netflix on Wikimedia Commons
21. My Little Pony
These colorful, mane-tossing ponies were not just toys but symbols of friendship. Each pony had its own cutie mark, representing its unique personality and abilities.
22. Atari 2600
Before the high-definition games of today, there was the Atari. Its joystick and single-button control gave us classics like "Pong" and "Space Invaders".
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
23. Max Headroom
With his stuttering digital voice and CGI appearance, Max was a unique TV personality. He was a symbol of the intersection between technology and pop culture.
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24. Pound Puppies
These adorable stuffed dogs came in a cardboard kennel. Adopting one meant you promised to take good care of your new plush pet.
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25. The Smell of Mimeograph Paper
Before photocopiers became ubiquitous, teachers used mimeograph machines to print worksheets. The fresh, inky smell of those papers is unforgettable to any 80s student.
Photo by Brandi Redd on Unsplash
26. LA Gear Sneakers
With their bright colors and light-up features, these sneakers were the height of fashion. Tying those multiple laces was a chore, but it was worth the style.
27. MTV Music Videos
When MTV first launched, it was all about the music videos. Watching world premieres of videos from top artists was an event in itself.
Neha Chandrasekaran on Wikimedia Commons
28. Voltron
Five robotic lions that combined to form a massive robot warrior—what wasn't to love? The battle against evil never looked so cool.
Richie S from Brooklyn, NY, United States on Wikimedia Commons
29. Scratch 'n Sniff Stickers
Collecting and trading these stickers was a pastime. From sweet to strange scents, each sticker was a sensory surprise.
Photo by Paulo Mergulhão on Unsplash
30. Magic Sand
This hydrophobic sand was a marvel. Pour it into water, create underwater sculptures, and then retrieve it completely dry!
Steve Jurvetson from Menlo Park, USA on Wikimedia Commons
31. Alf
A furry, sarcastic alien from the planet Melmac. His love for cats (as food) and witty remarks made the TV show a hit.
Nicholas Moreau on Wikimedia Commons
32. Glo Worms
A soft toy that glowed in the dark when squeezed. It was the perfect comforting buddy for bedtime.
Photo by Kalea Morgan on Unsplash
33. Fraggle Rock
Jim Henson's Muppet-filled show introduced us to a world beneath our feet, filled with Fraggles, Doozers, and Gorgs. Their catchy songs, lessons about friendship, and unique universe made it a beloved classic.
The Jim Henson Company on Wikimedia Commons
34. Hypercolor T-Shirts
These shirts would change color with heat, allowing you to leave handprints or other cool patterns temporarily. A staple fashion item that was as entertaining as it was stylish.
Photo by Parker Burchfield on Unsplash
35. Micro Machines
Tiny cars with intricate details. Their fast-paced commercials and expansive playsets made them a must-have for every toy collection.
Toxophilus on Wikimedia Commons
36. Simon Says Electronic Game
A circular device with four colored buttons that lit up in sequences. The challenge was to repeat the sequence, and it got faster as you progressed.
Wilton Taylor on Wikimedia Commons
37. Mullets
Business in the front, party in the back. This iconic hairstyle was a defining look of the decade.
Txikillana on Wikimedia Commons
38. Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
These dolls not only looked cute but also smelled like the fruits they were named after. From Blueberry Muffin to Orange Blossom, each had its unique fruity scent.
39. Pac-Man Fever
Arcades were the place to be, and Pac-Man was the game to play. The simple yet addictive gameplay made it a cultural phenomenon.
40. Roller Skating Rinks
The social hotspot for many teenagers. Whether you were skating to the latest hits or hanging out at the snack bar, roller rinks were the place to be seen.
Photo by Lukas Schroeder on Unsplash
41. Moon Boots
These were the ultimate winter footwear, known for their oversized, padded design. Brightly colored and super cozy, they made anyone wearing them feel like an astronaut on a snowy planet.
Tobias Barkskog on Wikimedia Commons
42. Rainbow Brite
Does anyone remember this show about a young girl tasked with bringing color to a gray world? With her colorful friends, Starlite the horse, and the Color Kids, she battled the gray-making villains in her vibrant animated series.
Michael Carian on Wikimedia Commons
43. Ouija Boards
These mysterious boards promised to connect users to the spirit world. Late-night sessions trying to summon messages from "beyond" were both thrilling and chilling.
Photo by Colton Sturgeon on Unsplash
44. Members Only Jackets
The epitome of 80s cool, these jackets were instantly recognizable by their unique design and "Members Only" label. Wearing one was a statement in itself.
Attorneyatfunk at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
45. The Boombox
Long before portable Bluetooth speakers, the boombox was the go-to device for outdoor jams. Hoisting one on your shoulder while blaring the latest hits was the ultimate sign of being hip.
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