13 Schoolyard Fads That Vanished Overnight
Here's a nostalgic look at the fleeting playground crazes that once defined childhood but disappeared just as quickly.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Schoolyard fads had a way of sweeping through recess yards. They captivated kids before vanishing. These schoolyard sensations were short-lived but unforgettable. Let’s take a look back at 13 fads that once ruled the playground before disappearing almost overnight.
1. Pogs
Emre Turkan on Unsplash
Stacks of cardboard discs turned into a playground currency in the ’90s. Kids would slam “slammers” down to win piles of pogs, sparking endless competitions. However, as quickly as they rose, schools banned them for being too distracting, and the fad fizzled.
2. Tamagotchis
COSMOH on Unsplash
These tiny digital pets demanded constant attention, from feeding to cleaning up pixel messes. Kids were obsessed with keeping them alive, sneaking peeks during class. Teachers soon banned them, and Tamagotchis lost their charm once smartphones arrived.
3. Silly Bandz
Steven Depolo on Wikimedia Commons
Rubber bands shaped like animals and objects were worn as bracelets and traded like treasure. The craze exploded in the late 2000s but died out when the novelty wore off. Today, they’re just another forgotten drawer trinket.
4. Slap Bracelets
drcw on Flickr
Metal strips wrapped in colorful fabric that snapped around wrists with a satisfying smack. They were fun but often banned after reports of injuries from exposed metal. The fad ended almost as quickly as it started.
5. Yo-Yos
Thang Cao on Pexels
Once the coolest trick toy on the playground, yo-yos inspired contests and skill shows. Companies even released glow-in-the-dark and light-up versions to fuel the craze. Eventually, the hype spun out, leaving yo-yos in toy bins.
6. Beanie Babies
Dominic Sagar on Flickr
These plush collectibles sparked playground trades and wild rumors about future fortune. Every kid wanted the “rare” ones, believing they’d be valuable someday. The bubble burst, and Beanie Babies became just stuffed animals again.
7. Pokemon Cards (Original Craze)
Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash
Before online trading games, the first wave of Pokémon cards took over recess. Some kids battled, while others just hoarded holographics. The frenzy cooled when schools cracked down, though the brand later found new life.
8. Tech Decks
Daniel Go on Flickr
Miniature skateboards let kids perform tricks with their fingers during class, which made going to school more cool. They became a huge craze, complete with tiny ramps and rails. However, the fad soon lost steam as other distractions took over.
9. Friendship Bracelets
Nasim Keshmiri on Unsplash
Braided threads exchanged between friends became tokens of loyalty. Making and trading them was a bonding ritual, but once mass-produced versions hit stores, the personal touch faded. The trend quietly unraveled.
10. Skip-It
Wikimedia Commons
A plastic ankle toy that kids swung around to hop over, making them count the spins as they went. It was fun but clunky, and not everyone had the coordination to keep up. Soon, it disappeared in favor of easier games.
11. Homie Figurines
johnwilliamsphd on Flickr
These were tiny vending machine collectibles that kids swapped like rare treasures. They were controversial for their stereotypical depictions, which led schools to ban these toys entirely. The trend vanished almost overnight.
12. Crazy Bones
AleksRok on Wikimedia Commons
Crazy Bones were small plastic figures that kids flicked around in competitive games. They were addictive to collect but short-lived once schools banned them for causing too much chaos. Few people remember them today.
13. Hacky Sacks
Jforder2 on Wikimedia Commons
Kicking a small bean-filled ball with friends became a lunchtime staple in the ’90s. Circles of kids would show off tricks and passes, but the fad eventually lost ground to video games. Today, hacky sacks mostly gather dust in closets.