Ah, the ’90s, a decade that oozes nostalgia for many of us. It was a time of transformation, filled with unique trends, unforgettable music, and iconic pop culture moments. From the unmistakable sound of dial-up internet to the thrill of keeping your Tamagotchi alive, there are certain things only ’90s kids will truly understand.
So ride with us on this nostalgia train as we revisit 20 unforgettable things that will transport every ’90s kid back to their childhood.
Tamagotchis
Remember the craze of Tamagotchis in the ’90s? These digital pets were a huge hit among kids who loved caring for virtual pets on a keychain. We spent hours feeding, playing with, and cleaning up after our Tamagotchi, making sure it stayed happy and healthy. And don’t forget how devastated you felt when your beloved Tamagotchi “died.”
Gameboy
Before smartphones and tablets, the ultimate handheld gaming device was the Gameboy. It allowed you to play your favorite games like Super Mario and Pokémon on the go, making car rides and waiting rooms much more bearable. I mean, who can forget the satisfying sound of clicking those buttons?
VHS Tapes
In the ’90s, Netflix and streaming services weren’t a thing yet. Kids had to rely on VHS tapes to watch their favorite movies and TV shows. And let’s not forget the struggle of having to rewind them before returning them to Blockbuster Video.
The Pain When Your CD Got Scratched
Before iPods and Spotify, we had to listen to music on CDs. And nothing was more devastating than when your favorite CD got scratched and wouldn’t play properly anymore. Kids tried every trick in the book to fix it, from rubbing toothpaste on it to using a banana (yes, really).
Capri Sun
Capri Sun was the ultimate drink for ’90s kids. It came in fun pouches with flavors like Pacific Cooler and Tropical Punch. The straw pierced through the foil, making you feel like you were drinking something fancy.
Blowing on Your CD Before Playing It
Before we had to worry about viruses and malware, our main concern with technology was getting our CDs to play correctly. And when they didn’t, the first instinct was to blow on it, hoping it would magically start working again.
Spending Time at Your Friend’s House Because They Had a Trampoline
Trampolines were the ultimate backyard accessory in the ’90s. And if you were lucky enough to have a friend with a trampoline in their backyard, that was the ultimate hangout spot. It provided endless bouncing and flipping fun and probably some injuries.
Completely Bugging Out Over Y2K
As 2000 approached, there was a lot of panic about the “Y2K bug” and how it would affect technology. Many people stocked up on supplies and believed all computers would crash at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Spoiler alert: nothing happened.
Landline Phones
In the ’90s, landline phones were our only means of communication with friends and family (and no, we’re not talking about smartphones). We memorized phone numbers and had to wait for someone to get off the phone before using it. And who can forget the struggle of getting tangled in the phone cord while trying to talk?
Using the Internet for the First Time
Remember the sound of dial-up internet? And how we thought it was the coolest thing ever to have access to all kinds of information and chat with friends on MSN Messenger? The ’90s were a time when the internet was becoming mainstream, and it changed everything.
Watching Titanic
Titanic was THE movie of the ’90s. And if you were a true ’90s kid, you probably watched it on repeat on your VCR. But be honest, you probably cried every time Jack said, “I’m flying,” or when he tragically sank to the bottom of the ocean.
Watching the O.J. Simpson Trial
The O.J. Simpson trial was a huge event in the ’90s, and it seemed like everyone was glued to their TVs, watching it unfold. It was a major event that everyone followed, whether you were interested in it or not, which sparked endless discussions and debates among friends and family. And who can forget OJ’s famous white Ford Bronco chase?
Learning the Macarena Dance
Who can forget the iconic dance moves of the Macarena? This catchy Spanish song became a massive hit in the ’90s, and everyone had to learn the dance. You probably even did it in school during recess or at parties, feeling cool and coordinated.
Mourning Princess Diana’s Death
Princess Diana’s death in 1997 was a significant event that shook the world. It seemed like everyone knew where they were when they heard the news, and it was a topic of conversation for weeks. The ’90s kids who grew up watching her fairytale wedding couldn’t believe she was gone.
Rotary Phone
Before landline phones, there were rotary phones. And if you had a cool one in your house, it meant you were living the high life. The ’90s kids probably spent hours twisting the dial to make calls and probably annoyed their parents by playing with it too much.
Mail Box
Do you remember those mailboxes that had flaps instead of a door? They were a staple in many neighborhoods, and it was always exciting to open them and see if there was anything inside. And don’t forget how fun it was to stick your hand through the slot and try to reach the back.
Polaroid Camera
Before digital cameras and smartphones, we had to take pictures on film. The Polaroid was the trendiest camera of the ’90s, allowing us to print out our photos instantly. Not only were they cool to use, but they also provided a tangible keepsake of memories.
Box TV
In the ’90s, flat-screen TVs were non-existent, and we had to settle for box TVs. Despite their bulkiness and weight, they offered us countless hours of entertainment, whether we were engrossed in our favorite shows or immersed in video games. And we can’t overlook the sheer satisfaction of pressing the TV remote to switch channels.
Phone Directory
Before smartphones and Google, we had phone directories. And if you wanted to call someone, you had to search for their name in the thick book and hope they were listed. It was a tedious but necessary task that ’90s kids had to do.
Metal Lunchbox
Lunchboxes used to be made of metal and were a must-have item for ’90s kids. They came in various designs, from superheroes to cartoon characters, and made lunchtime even more fun. Also, they were durable and doubled as a playful weapon if needed.
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