15 Childhood Keepsakes from the ’90s That Are History
From slap bracelets to floppy disks, these once-beloved childhood treasures from the ’90s have vanished into nostalgia.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The ’90s were filled with memorable toys and collectibles that defined a generation. However, while the memories remain, many of these cherished goods have vanished totally from shelves — and modern life. Let’s go down memory lane with 15 nostalgic souvenirs that the internet era has left behind.
1. Lisa Frank Stationery
ironypoisoning on Flickr
With neon colors, holographic dolphins, and rainbows everywhere, Lisa Frank gear ruled school lockers. However, bold aesthetics like this have given way to sleeker, muted tones today.
2. Tamagotchis
COSMOH LOVE on Unsplash
These pocket-sized digital pets demanded constant attention — and punishment if ignored. Kids proudly clipped them to backpacks like a badge of honor.
3. Beanie Babies
Elizabeth K. Joseph on Flickr
Once marketed as valuable collectibles, Beanie Babies became a full-blown craze. Everyone knew someone with a shelf full of plastic-tagged plush animals.
4. Pogs
Emre Turkan on Unsplash
Simple cardboard discs with vibrant designs, Pogs turned playgrounds into battlefields. Kids carried them in tubes and competed for keeps. The game faded fast, though, as fads shifted and schools started banning them.
5. Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful bands made a loud snap as they wrapped around your wrist. They were banned in many schools for being “too distracting” or for their sharp edges.
6. Polly Pocket
dodo W on Flickr
Tiny plastic worlds that fit in your palm, Polly Pocket playsets were a favorite for imaginative kids. However, concerns over choking hazards and evolving toy trends made them obsolete.
7. Hit Clips
Jason Curtis on Wikimedia Commons
Tiny devices that played 60-second music snippets were once cutting-edge. Kids would trade them like Pokémon cards, even if the audio quality was terrible.
8. Gel Pens
Nick Amoscato on Flickr
No ‘90s pencil case was complete without a rainbow of gel pens — metallic, glittery, or neon. They were perfect for doodling, notes, or creating dramatic signatures.
9. CD Walkmans
k.e.’s kloset on Wikimedia Commons
These portable players let you take your favorite mix CD wherever you went. However, they skipped with every bump, and the batteries drained fast. MP3 players made them nearly extinct overnight.
10. Goosebumps Books
Andy King on Flickr
R.L. Stine’s horror series had kids reading with the lights on. The covers alone were enough to give you chills. While some titles still float around, they’ve largely been replaced by new genres and franchises.
11. VHS Tapes
Chris Lawton on Unsplash
Rewinding was a chore, and forgetting to do it could ruin movie night. Still, nothing beat popping in a big, clunky Disney tape. Streaming services have wiped them out almost completely.
12. Troll Dolls
David King on Flickr
Wild hair, beady eyes, and belly gems made these little guys unforgettable. Once traded like currency on playgrounds, they were later seen as creepy by younger generations.
13. Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
Paulo Mergulhão on Unsplash
Teachers handed these out like gold stars, and kids stuck them everywhere. Some smelled sweet, others were borderline nauseating. However, they brought joy with every sniff.
14. Disposable Cameras
Hans Ott on Unsplash
Before smartphones, you had 24 chances to get your shot right, then wait a week to see it. Kids brought them to birthday parties, school trips, and summer camps.
15. Yikes! Pencils
Glen Carrie on Unsplash
Bright colors, wild patterns, and bizarre erasers made these the ultimate school supply flex. They were more about showing off than actual writing. Now, mechanical pencils and tablets dominate classrooms.