10 Accessories You Couldn’t Leave the House Without in the ’90s
Here's a nostalgic trip through the must-have accessories of the '90s, where every slap bracelet, beeper, and butterfly clip told a story of pop culture, personality, and pure retro vibes.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Step back into the bright, messy world of the 1990s, when accessories weren’t merely fashion statements—they were lifestyle necessities. From Walkmans pumping mixtapes to Tamagotchis requiring constant attention, each piece was a badge of identity in an analog world. This list delves into 10 legendary must-haves that made up a generation raised on slap bracelets, chain wallets, and neon fantasies.
1. Sony Walkman
Image from The Verge
The Sony Walkman was the ’90s soundtrack, allowing you to take your mixtapes anywhere. Cassette or CD (Discman) made no difference, having one attached to your waist with new AA batteries fresh inside was coming of age. Double cool points if you invested in anti-skip protection for your jogs or bus journey.
2. Tamagotchi
Image from Wikipedia
These digital pets were a blessing and a curse—skip a feeding, and you could come home to a pixelated headstone. Clipped onto backpacks or keychains, Tamagotchis were a mini responsibility we all took far too seriously. The school holidays were spent comparing pet levels and trading care tips.
3. Slap Bracelets
Image from Pinoyballers
Equal parts fashion and low-level weaponry, slap bracelets were addictive and loud. You’d straighten them out and slap them onto your wrist, where they’d curl with a satisfying snap. They came in every color and pattern imaginable—from neon to holographic—and got banned in more than a few classrooms.
4. Beepers (Pagers)
Image from All Israel News
A beeper, before the days of texting, meant you were somebody or at least acting like it. Doctors, teenagers, and even your weed dealer sported these teeny tiny vibrating bricks pinned to their belts. If you spoke pager code (143 = “I love you”), you were in the loop.
5. Butterfly Hair Clips
Image from Shopee Philippines
Nothing screams ’90s glam quite like a dozen tiny butterfly clips balanced on gnarled spirals of hair. If you were imitating a Spice Girl or simply playing along, these festive trinkets were in every bathroom cabinet of every girl. Extra points if they glittered or sported holographic wings.
6. Game Boy (Color)
Image from Wikipedia
The Game Boy wasn’t portable gaming; it was social capital. Trading Pokémon, Tetris battles, or attempting to beat Super Mario Land on car rides made this block-shaped console your constant companion. When the Game Boy Color was released in ‘98, owning one made you a playground king.
7. Chain Wallets
Image from eBay.ph
Favorite among skaters, punk teens, and anyone who didn’t want to lose their lunch money, chain wallets were not only useful—they were a statement. Chain walleted from belt to rear pocket, they clinked and clanked as you walked. If it had a skull or flame print, that’s bonus street cred.
8. Lisa Frank Stationery
Image from eBay.ph
Whether it was a Trapper Keeper or a glitter pencil case, Lisa Frank was necessary for every ’90s child who loved neon animals and rainbow unicorns. School supplies doubled as fashion accessories, swapped like Pokémon cards, and sported during homeroom. Matching folders and notebooks meant you were a winner.
9. Bucket Hats
Image from Ubuy Philippines
From LL Cool J to Nickelodeon’s Doug, bucket hats were ubiquitous. Constructed from denim, canvas, or terry cloth, they provided sun protection and were considered streetwear before the term “streetwear” even existed. Extra points if yours had a FUBU, Kangol, or Adidas logo.
10. Disposable Cameras
Image from mybest Philippines
Each party, school dance, or vacation had at least one individual frantically winding a Kodak or Fujifilm one-time-use. You never knew what you really got until your film was returned a week later from the one-hour photo. Muddled photos, overexposed self-portraits, and thumb-printed memories—these were authentic ’90s wonder.