12 Iconic Items Every Cool Kid Had in the ’90s
These were the 12 items every kid wanted in the 1990s to feel cool and part of the crowd.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1990s were filled with items that defined what it meant to be a cool kid. Some were toys, some were fashion, and some were just everyday objects that became a big deal. This list looks at the most memorable and widely owned items from that time.
1. Tamagotchi
MIKI Yoshihito on Wikimedia Commons
The Tamagotchi was a small digital pet that kids carried everywhere. It needed constant care like feeding, cleaning, and attention. If ignored, it would get sick or even die, which made it feel very real. Many schools banned them because kids kept checking on them during class.
2. Game Boy Color
MKFI on Wikimedia Commons
The Game Boy Color was one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles. It let kids play games like Pokémon wherever they went. The screen was not backlit, so it was hard to see in the dark. Still, it was one of the best-selling toys of the decade.
3. Lisa Frank Stationery
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
Lisa Frank made bright and colorful school supplies with animals and fantasy designs. Many kids collected the folders, stickers, and notebooks. These items were especially popular in elementary schools. The brand became a symbol of fun and creativity in the 1990s.
4. Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
Slap bracelets were thin metal strips covered in fabric. When you hit them against your wrist, they curled around it. Kids wore several at once as a fashion statement. Some schools banned them after a few injuries were reported.
5. Polly Pocket
Nemracc on Wikimedia Commons
Polly Pocket toys were small plastic cases that opened into mini dollhouses. They came with tiny figures and furniture. Kids could carry them in their pockets and play anywhere. The size made them easy to lose but also easy to collect.
6. Beanie Babies
Ty Inc on Wikimedia Commons
Beanie Babies were small stuffed animals filled with plastic pellets. Many kids and parents collected them, hoping they would gain value over time. People often kept the tags on to keep them “mint condition.” The collecting trend faded by the early 2000s.
7. Walkman (with actual CDs)
Dillan Payne on Wikimedia Commons
CD Walkmans let kids listen to music privately with headphones. They were powered by AA batteries and needed a stable surface to avoid skipping. Carrying CDs around became part of the music-listening habit. Owning one made music feel personal and portable.
8. Furbies
Vickie Intili on Pexels
Furbies were electronic toys that spoke their own language and learned over time. They had moving eyes and mouths and responded to touch and sound. Some people found them creepy because they would activate on their own. They were one of the most talked-about toys in the late 1990s.
9. Butterfly Hair Clips
Faylyne on Wikimedia Commons
These small plastic clips came in different colors and shapes. They were worn in groups to decorate hairstyles. Many kids used them to express their style during school or parties. They were sold in most stores and became part of casual fashion.
10. Scooby-Doo Push Pops
Hanna-Barbera on Wikimedia Commons
Push Pops were lollipops that came in a plastic tube. The Scooby-Doo versions were especially popular due to the branding. Kids could eat some, close the cap, and save the rest for later. The design was fun, though not very clean.
11. Inflatable Furniture
Yercaud-elango on Wikimedia Commons
Inflatable chairs and sofas were sold as trendy room decorations. They came in bright colors and were made of plastic. Many kids used them in their bedrooms, but they were not very durable. Most of them would deflate or pop after a short time.
12. Yoyo with LED lights
Broveer on Wikimedia Commons
Yo-yos with lights became popular during the 1990s toy trend. The lights would turn on as the yoyo spun, making tricks look more exciting. Some schools held yoyo contests or had professional yoyo performers visit. They became a short-term craze across the country.