The 1980s was a vibrant decade filled with trends, gadgets, and cultural phenomena that shaped an era but might now seem like relics of the past. This decade embraced boldness, creativity, and innovation. From fashion to gadgets, its trends reflected a world exploring new boundaries in technology, culture, and fun. Revisiting these forgotten gems can rekindle a sense of wonder and nostalgia for a time when life was analog, colorful, and totally tubular! Here’s a nostalgic look back at 20 memorable things from the ‘80s, complete with historical context, fun tips, and intriguing insights.
Trapper Keepers
What They Were: Stylish binders with Velcro closures, perfect for organizing schoolwork.
Tip: Modern versions exist—still perfect for students or as quirky organizers for adults.
Insight: The bright, bold designs became a status symbol among kids in the ’80s.
Lucy Quintanilla
Walkmans
What They Were: Sony’s portable cassette player revolutionized how we listened to music.
Tip: For a nostalgic feel, seek refurbished models or use modern cassette players.
Insight: The Walkman inspired today’s portable music devices like iPods and smartphones.
Sony
VHS Tapes and VCRs
What They Were: Before streaming, home video entertainment was all about VHS tapes.
Tip: Digitize old VHS tapes to preserve family memories.
Insight: VHS rental stores like Blockbuster became social hubs during the ’80s.
Emily Bogle/NPR
Cabbage Patch Kids
What They Were: Each doll came with a unique name and “adoption papers.”
Tip: Original dolls are collectors’ items today.
Insight: Cabbage Patch Kids created one of the first toy crazes, with parents lining up to snag one.
AP Photo/Elise Amendola
Boomboxes
What They Were: Large portable stereos, iconic for blasting music in public.
Tip: Modern Bluetooth boomboxes are a great way to mix nostalgia with tech.
Insight: A staple of hip-hop culture, they symbolized youth freedom and street fashion.
Interscope, 2013
Friendship Pins
What They Were: Beaded safety pins traded among friends and worn on shoelaces.
Tip: DIY your own for a retro crafting project.
Insight: A simple, heartfelt trend that celebrated friendships in a pre-digital era.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Atari 2600
What It Was: One of the first home gaming consoles that brought games like Pong and Space Invaders to living rooms.
Tip: Emulators allow you to revisit classic Atari games on modern devices.
Insight: The Atari 2600 helped kickstart the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
atari
Jelly Shoes
What They Were: Colorful plastic shoes that were both cheap and trendy.
Tip: Modern jelly shoes are available and can be a fun summer staple.
Insight: Despite their popularity, jelly shoes often left feet sweaty and blistered!
The Rubik’s Cube
What It Was: A brain-teasing puzzle that became a worldwide craze.
Tip: Tutorials abound for solving it faster; competitions remain popular today.
Insight: Invented in 1974 but reached peak popularity in the ’80s, selling millions.
weekoffers
Swatch Watches
What They Were: Colorful, affordable wristwatches that became must-have fashion accessories.
Tip: Vintage Swatches are trendy collector’s items.
Insight: Swatch’s marketing brilliance created an accessory craze, often worn multiple at once.
gq-magazine
Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
What They Were: Scented stickers used as rewards or collectibles for kids.
Tip: Some companies still make scratch-and-sniff stickers, great for nostalgic gifts.
Insight: Popular scents like “pizza” or “bubblegum” fueled a mini sensory revolution.
Youtube
Betamax Tapes
What They Were: Sony’s alternative to VHS, praised for better picture quality but ultimately lost the “format war.”
Tip: If you find old Betamax tapes, consider converting them to digital formats.
Insight: Betamax’s failure is a classic business lesson on marketing versus quality.
Bye bye, Betamax
Mall Culture
What It Was: The mall was the epicenter of teen social life and shopping.
Tip: Some retro-style malls are reviving old-school aesthetics with ‘80s themes.
Insight: The rise of malls reflected suburban expansion and consumerism.
sit80s
Garbage Pail Kids Cards
What They Were: Trading cards featuring gross-out humor and parodies of Cabbage Patch Kids.
Tip: Vintage cards are highly collectible today.
Insight: Their irreverence made them a hit among kids but drew backlash from parents.
industrialartifacts
Roller Rinks
What They Were: Popular hangout spots with disco music and vibrant lights.
Tip: Retro-style roller rinks are making a comeback in some cities.
Insight: Roller skating became synonymous with fun, freedom, and pop culture.
Gabi Porter
Neon Everything
What It Was: Neon-colored clothes, accessories, and signage ruled the decade.
Tip: Incorporate small neon accents for a fun, retro look without going overboard.
Insight: Neon reflected the bold, over-the-top aesthetic of the ‘80s.
weekoffers
“Choose Your Own Adventure” Books
What They Were: Interactive novels where readers could determine the story’s outcome.
Tip: Modern versions exist for kids, keeping the concept alive.
Insight: These books taught kids decision-making in a fun, imaginative way.
Etsy
Miami Vice Fashion
What It Was: Pastel suits, loafers without socks, and rolled-up sleeves inspired by the hit TV show.
Tip: Subtle pastel pieces can be reworked into modern wardrobes.
Insight:Miami Vice set the tone for ‘80s cool, influencing menswear trends worldwide.
REX/Shutterstock
Koosh Balls
What They Were: Soft, colorful balls made of rubber strings, great for stress relief or casual play.
Tip: They’re still sold and make fun desk toys.
Insight: Koosh Balls were initially designed as a simple, non-damaging toy for kids.
thesensoryspectrum
TV Dinners
What They Were: Frozen meals marketed as convenient for families or singles.
Tip: Look for healthier modern takes on this classic convenience food.
Insight: The ’80s saw TV dinners evolve with microwave technology, making them quicker than ever.
