15 Things Only ’80s Kids Will Remember

A throwback to the iconic trends, toys, and experiences that defined childhood in the 1980s.

Daisy Montero
February 28, 2025
5 min read

15 Things Only ’80s Kids Will Remember — Jean Papillon on Pexels

Growing up in the ’80s was all about cartoons, cassette tapes, and video rentals. Kids spent hours playing with iconic toys, making mixtapes, and rewinding VHS tapes. Some trends may be gone, but the memories will always stay. Here are some things only ’80s kids will remember.

1. Saturday Morning Cartoons Were an Event

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Waking up early on Saturday was never a problem when your favorite cartoons were on. Shows like ThunderCats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and *The Smurfs *were the highlight of the weekend. Nothing beat the excitement of watching back-to-back episodes with a bowl of sugary cereal.

2. Blowing Into Nintendo Cartridges to Make Them Work

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Every ’80s kid believed in the magic trick of blowing into a game cartridge to fix glitches. Whether it actually worked or not, it was a ritual that made you feel like a tech genius. The original Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda were staples in every household.

3. Recording Songs Off the Radio on Cassette Tapes

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Before Spotify and YouTube, creating a mixtape required the perfect timing. Every ’80s kid knew the struggle of waiting for their favorite song to play on the radio, only to have the DJ talk over the intro. The mixtape was a badge of honor, carefully curated and sometimes gifted to a crush.

4. Renting Movies from the Video Store

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Friday nights meant a trip to the local video rental store to pick out the perfect VHS. ’80s kids knew the struggle of rewinding tapes before returning them. Whether it was *The Goonies *or *Back to the Future, *movie night was an event that the whole family looked forward to.

5. The Thrill of Getting a Sticker from a Scratch-and-Sniff Sheet

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Scratch-and-sniff stickers turned school supplies into a sensory experience. Collecting them was a serious hobby, and getting a rare scent like bubblegum or root beer was a major win. The only downside was when the scent eventually faded, leaving just a sticky piece of paper behind.

6. The Agony of Waiting for Photos to Develop

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There was no instant gratification in the ’80s when it came to photos. Every roll of film had to be carefully loaded, and you had to wait days to see if any pictures turned out right. The excitement of picking up your developed photos often came with the disappointment of discovering blurry or overexposed shots.

7. The Frustration of Tangled Phone Cords

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Every household has a landline, and every conversation required battling a stubbornly tangled phone cord. Stretching the cord as far as possible to talk privately was a classic move. Hanging up in frustration because your sibling was eavesdropping was a shared experience.

8. Typing on a Typewriter for School Projects

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Before computers became mainstream, school reports were typed on clunky typewriters. Mistakes meant using correction tape or starting over completely. The satisfying sound of keys clacking made every project feel more important.

9. Lisa Flank School Supplies Were the Ultimate Status Symbol

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Bright colors, neon unicorns, and wild leopard prints made Lisa Frank the must-have brand ’80s kids. Having a Lisa Frank folder or trapper keeper meant you had impeccable taste. The more stickers and stationery you had, the cooler you were.

10. Carrying a Walkman Everywhere

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A Walkman and a stack of cassette tapes were essential for any ’80s kid on the go. Rewinding or fast-forwarding to find the perfect song took patience, but it was worth it. Nothing felt cooler than walking around with headphones plugged in, lost in your favorite tunes.

11. Playing Outside Until the Streetlights Came On

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Kids in the ’80s spent most of their free time outside, riding bikes, playing tag, or climbing trees. The golden rule was to be home before the streetlights turned on. There were no smartphones to track time, just instincts and a little bit of luck.

12. Drinking from a Kool-Aid Burst Bottle

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Twisting the top off a Kool-Aid Burst and squeezing the drink straight into your mouth was peak ’80s refreshment. The flavors were bright, sugary, and impossible to resist. Finishing a whole pack in one afternoon was almost guaranteed.

13. Owning a Trapper Keeper for School

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A Trapper Keeper was more than just a school supply; it was a statement. The Velcro closure and bright designs made organizing homework actually fun. Every ’80s kid knew the struggle of keeping it from overstuffing and bursting open.

14. Watching Music Videos on MTV

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MTV was the go-to channel for the latest music videos, and watching them felt like an event. Seeing artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince in action made fans feel connected to their favorite songs. Before YouTube, this was the only way to see the coolest new videos.

15. Using Slap Bracelets as the Ultimate Fashion Statement

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Slap bracelets were both fun and fashionable, snapping perfectly onto wrists with a quick flick. They came in wild prints and neon colors, making them a must-have accessory. Teachers may have banned them from classrooms, but that only made them more exciting to wear.