17 Forgotten Household Items from the ’90s You Don’t See Anymore
These ’90s household items used to be everywhere, but now they are mostly forgotten.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
This list shows 17 items people had at home in the ’90s that you do not see much today. Some were toys, others were decorations, and a few were things we used every day. Many of them bring back fun memories. You might even remember having some of these in your own house.
1. Inflatable Furniture
Raj Menon on Wikimedia Commons
These blow-up chairs and sofas were a must-have in many ’90s bedrooms. They came in bright colors and clear plastic that made them feel futuristic. Even if they deflated often, they still made any room look fun and cool.
2. Lava Lamps
Saltmiser on Wikimedia Commons
Lava lamps added a groovy glow to bedrooms and living rooms. The slow-moving blobs were oddly relaxing to watch for hours. They were more about the vibe than the light they gave off.
3. Black Light Posters
NASA/JPL-Caltech/ESA/CXC/STScI on Wikimedia Commons
These posters came to life under a black light, glowing in bold neon colors. They were popular in teen rooms, especially with trippy or band designs. The brighter they glowed, the cooler your room looked.
4. Translucent Corded Phones
Ellinor Algin / Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology on Wikimedia Commons
You could actually see the wires inside these clear plastic phones, which made them feel high-tech. Talking for hours while twisting the cord was a big part of teen life. They were a fun twist on the basic landline.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Ceiling Stars
Soner Arkan on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny plastic stars were stuck to ceilings and walls to create a fake night sky. Once the lights went off, your bedroom turned into a glowing galaxy. Many kids fell asleep staring up at them every night.
6. CD Box Sets
Rdrozd on Wikimedia Commons
Owning a box set of your favorite artist was a point of pride. These sets often came with bonus tracks, booklets, and cool packaging. They took up a lot of shelf space, but no one cared back then.
7. Polaroid Cameras
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
Polaroids gave you an instant photo to hold, which felt like magic at the time. Shake it, wait a few seconds, and your memory appeared. It was the quickest way to snap and share moments before smartphones.
8. Tamagotchi
Museum Rotterdam on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny digital pets needed constant feeding and attention. Kids would check on them between classes to make sure they were still alive. It was fun and stressful, all in one little egg-shaped toy.
9. Beanie Babies
daryl_mitchell from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
These stuffed animals were cute, collectible, and sometimes even considered an investment. People collected them by the dozen, hoping they’d be worth something one day. Each one had a name and birthday on its tag.
10. Pogs & Slammers
Elfer on Wikimedia Commons
These cardboard discs were part of a schoolyard game that got super competitive. Kids collected stacks of them and battled to win more. Slammers were the heavy pieces that made the game extra exciting.
11. Capri Sun Pouches
Soner Arkan on Wikimedia Commons
These silver pouches were a lunchbox staple for many kids. Sticking the straw in just right felt like a small victory. The fruity drinks tasted even better on a hot day.
12. Kids’ Casserole Dish
Igor Murakhin on Pexels
Many families had a go-to dish they used for casseroles, especially during potlucks. These dishes were built to last and saw a lot of macaroni, green beans, and lasagna. Seeing one now can bring back warm dinner memories.
13. Translucent Fanny Packs
Ron Lach on Wikimedia Commons
These clear plastic packs were both trendy and useful in the ’90s. You could show off what was inside, which often included candy, lip balm, or a Tamagotchi. They were worn proudly across the waist or chest.
14. Rollerblades
GNU Free Documentation License on Wikimedia Commons
These inline skates were everywhere, whether at the park or in neighborhood driveways. They offered a fun way to get around and felt faster than bikes. If you had a pair, you probably wore them nonstop.
15. Pocket Organizer (Day-Timer)
Duc Ly from Portland, Oregon, usa on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, these paper planners helped people keep track of everything. They had little tabs for each section and often came with colorful pens. Writing things down by hand felt personal and important.
16. Boombox with Cassette Deck
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on Wikimedia Commons
The boombox was the soundtrack of many ’90s hangouts. You could blast your favorite mixtape or tune in to the radio. Carrying one on your shoulder made you feel like a star.
17. Plastic Couch Covers
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
These clear plastic covers were used to protect couches, especially the “fancy” ones in the living room. They were noisy, sticky in the summer, and squeaked every time someone sat down. Still, many parents swore by them to keep the furniture looking new.