
Growing up in the ‘80s was a special experience, marked by unique trends, toys, and activities that defined the childhood of a generation. From cartoons to cassette tapes, ‘80s kids experienced a world full of colorful and quirky memories. Some trends have faded, but the nostalgia remains strong. Here are 15 things only ‘80s kids will truly remember.
1. Saturday Morning Cartoons Were An Event

Saturday mornings in the ‘80s were sacred and eagerly anticipated all week. Kids would wake up early, still in pajamas, and pour themselves a bowl of sugary cereal before plopping down in front of the TV. Cartoons like ThunderCats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Smurfs filled the airwaves. With no DVR or streaming, this was your only chance to catch your favorite shows. It wasn’t just TV—it was an event.
2. Blowing Into Nintendo Cartridges To Make Them Work

A common ritual for ’80s kids facing a malfunctioning NES game was to remove the cartridge and blow into it, hoping this “magic” breath would fix it. After blowing, they’d reinsert the cartridge, sometimes wiggling it, in an attempt to get the game to load. Though the effectiveness was debatable, this practice became an iconic part of the gaming experience. Classic games like Super Mario Bros. and Zelda made the effort, and occasional frustration, worthwhile.
3. Recording Songs Off The Radio On Cassette Tapes

Creating the perfect mixtape in the ‘80s was a labor of love. You’d sit by your boombox with a blank cassette loaded, finger on the record button, waiting for your favorite song to come on. The DJ always talked over the intro, but that was part of the charm. Whether making a playlist for yourself or a crush, cassette mixtapes were personal and unforgettable, capturing music and memories in one handmade treasure.
4. Renting Movies From The Video Store

In the era of VHS, Friday evenings often centered around a visit to the local video store with loved ones. The experience of browsing shelves filled with tapes, carefully examining the back covers, and finally selecting a movie felt like an event in itself. Whether you chose a popular hit or an obscure flick, the anticipation was part of the fun. And, of course, the unspoken rule of rewinding the tape before returning it – the iconic “Be kind, rewind” – was a vital step.
5. The Thrill Of Getting A Sticker From A Scratch-And-Sniff Sheet

Scratch-and-sniff stickers were tiny sensory experiences that turned school days into treasure hunts. With scents like bubblegum, root beer, or popcorn, these stickers were wildly popular and often traded like currency. Teachers used them as rewards, and kids eagerly sniffed away, building collections in sticker albums. Even if the scent faded, the joy of scratching and sniffing stayed strong.
6. The Agony Of Waiting For Photos To Develop

In the days before digital, capturing a moment on film meant a period of anticipation. You’d hand over your film roll at the drugstore and eagerly await the envelope of prints, a true reveal of what you’d captured. The photos could be a delightful success or a humorous failure (blurry, overexposed, or cut off), but these little square images held a special value, representing a time when waiting was inherent to photography.
7. The Frustration Of Tangled Phone Cords

Every home had a landline, and every landline had a cord that tangled no matter how careful you were. Want privacy for a chat with your best friend or crush? Stretch the phone into the next room—just hope no one tripped over it. The tangled mess was frustrating but familiar, and arguing over who got phone time was a daily drama in many ‘80s households. Simpler times, but not always simpler cords.
8. Typing On A Typewriter For School Projects

Before laptops and Google Docs, students typed reports on clunky but charming typewriters. Each mistake meant using correction tape or starting the whole page over. The sound of the keys clacking, the ding of the return carriage—it all became part of the process. Typewriters taught precision and patience, and using one felt like serious work. Turning in a perfectly typed report? Pure pride.
9. Lisa Frank School Supplies Were The Ultimate Status Symbol

Back in the day, if your school supplies weren’t neon, sparkly, or rainbow-covered, you probably weren’t considered cool. Lisa Frank’s signature folders, binders, and stickers, featuring brightly colored unicorns, dolphins, and tigers, were the ultimate status symbols. Owning these items wasn’t just about stationery; it was a statement, and collecting them was a point of pride.
10. Carrying A Walkman Everywhere

Music on the go was a game-changer, and the Walkman made it happen. You could take your favorite cassette tapes anywhere—whether biking, riding the bus, or just chilling in your room. With foam headphones and a pocket full of AA batteries, your soundtrack was always within reach. Sure, fast-forwarding to the right song took effort, but nothing beat tuning out the world with your own personal playlist.
11. Playing Outside Until The Streetlights Came On

The great outdoors was every kid’s playground in the ‘80s. Whether it was a game of tag, riding bikes, or building forts, kids spent hours outside. The universal rule? Be home when the streetlights came on. Parents trusted instincts, and no one had a GPS. You made it back by memory and sunlight. It was freedom, independence, and friendship rolled into long afternoons of endless play.
12. Drinking from A Kool-Aid Burst Bottle

Nothing hit the spot on a hot day like a Kool-Aid Burst. These squeezable plastic bottles with their twist-off tops came in neon colors and flavors that tasted like pure sugar and fun. Whether after a backyard game or during lunch, drinking a Kool-Aid Burst was part of every ‘80s kid’s routine. They were messy, sweet, and impossible to sip slowly—because who could resist finishing one in a flash?
13. Owning A Trapper Keeper For School

More than just a binder, the Trapper Keeper was a school year essential. With bright colors, bold patterns, and a satisfying Velcro flap, it kept folders, notes, and assignments in one place. Organizing homework felt exciting—at least for a week. They were so cool, they became a personality statement. If yours had unicorns, lasers, or a space scene, you were guaranteed classroom cred.
14. Watching Music Videos On MTV

In the ‘80s, MTV wasn’t just a music channel—it was a lifestyle. It was where you watched Michael Jackson moonwalk, Madonna push boundaries, and Prince redefine cool. Music videos weren’t just songs; they were mini-movies. MTV gave fans a visual connection to their favorite stars and set trends in fashion and culture. It was the YouTube of its time, only better, because it felt exclusive and edgy.
15. Using Slap Bracelets As The Ultimate Fashion Statement

Slap bracelets were irresistible. With one quick motion, they snapped onto your wrist, transforming from a straight strip into a snug accessory. They came in wild neon colors and funky patterns and were often banned in schools—making them even more desirable. You’d trade them, stack them, or sneak them into your desk. A fashion statement and a fidget toy all in one, they were peak ‘80s cool.