15 Fads That Were Huge in the ’90s and Vanished Overnight
These ‘90s trends exploded in popularity — then disappeared just as fast.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1990s were packed with unforgettable trends. From fashion statements to toys and tech, some crazes seemed like they’d last forever — until they vanished without warning. Here are 15 ‘90s fads that once ruled pop culture but now feel like distant memories.
1. Pogs
Emre Turkan on Unsplash
Cardboard discs with wild designs, Pogs were a schoolyard obsession. The game was everywhere — until kids just stopped playing.
2. Tamagotchis
COSMOH LOVE on Unsplash
These digital pets beeped for attention around the clock. Kids took them everywhere until the novelty wore off and batteries died.
3. Beanie Babies Craze
Dominique Godbout on Flickr
These plush toys were marketed as collectibles with rising value. People bought them in bulk, thinking they’d retire rich. Instead, their value tanked — and so did the hype.
4. Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
Colorful and satisfying to smack onto your wrist, these bracelets became a fast fashion hit. Then, schools banned them for being “dangerous.”
5. No Fear Shirts
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
With bold, edgy slogans, these tees screamed ’90s attitude. However, as the new millennium approached, the brand’s tough-guy energy felt outdated.
6. Furbies
April on Flickr
These talking furballs felt high-tech and creepy at the same time. Their chatter charmed kids — until it annoyed parents.
7. Butterfly Clips
Lap Dinh Quoc on Pexels
Tiny plastic clips shaped like butterflies were a girl’s go-to hair accessory. They were cute and colorful but quickly looked childish as trends shifted.
8. JNCO Jeans
addy bronzzz
These super-wide jeans turned heads with their exaggerated size. Skaters and rebels wore them proudly until fashion pivoted hard to slim cuts.
9. Giga Pets
Nxr-at on Wikimedia Commons
Similar to Tamagotchis, these virtual critters were part toy, part responsibility. They needed constant care, which quickly got old.
10. The Macarena
Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr
This catchy dance took over parties, weddings, and even sports events. However, overexposure turned it from fun to cringey. After its peak, it disappeared from dance floors.
11. Mood Rings
rubygirl jewelry on Flickr
These color-changing rings claimed to reflect your emotions. Everyone had one — until people realized it just reacted to temperature.
12. Rollerblading Boom
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Inline skating surged as a fun fitness fad and social activity. However, trends shifted to other forms of exercise, and skates collected dust. It never quite made a comeback.
13. Koosh Balls
K Tempest Bradford on Wikimedia Commons
Soft, rubbery, and oddly satisfying to throw, Koosh balls were a desk toy must-have. However, they didn’t evolve with the times. Once kids had better gadgets, these got tossed aside.
14. AOL Free Trial CDs
dehub on Flickr
They were in mailboxes, magazines, and even pizza boxes. Everyone knew someone with a giant stack. As internet access improved, those discs became obsolete fast.
15. Spice Girls Merchandise
Joe Haupt on Flickr
Everything from dolls to lunchboxes carried their brand. However, once the group’s popularity dipped, so did the demand. Stores couldn’t give the stuff away.