17 Magazine Subscriptions Every ’90s Kid Had
These were the magazines we couldn’t wait to grab from the mailbox and flip through before anyone else in the house got to them.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Before phones and the internet took over, magazines were how kids stayed in the loop. Each issue felt like a fun surprise full of posters, quizzes, and cool stories. If you had a subscription, you probably still remember the excitement of getting one in the mail.
1. Highlights for Children
Highlights for Children Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
This was the go-to magazine in waiting rooms and classrooms. Its mix of hidden pictures, stories, and life lessons made learning fun without feeling like homework. Kids felt pretty grown-up flipping through it every month.
2. Nickelodeon Magazine
Viacom International Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
This magazine felt like an extension of your favorite TV shows. It was loud, colorful, and full of slime, celebrity interviews, and comics. Just like the network, it always kept you guessing what was coming next.
3. Disney Adventures
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
Every issue packed in comics, puzzles, and interviews with stars of Disney Channel shows and animated hits. The covers alone were enough to make kids beg their parents at the checkout line. It felt like a tiny theme park you could hold in your hands.
4. ZooBooks
Barbara Maliszewska on Opw
Teen People was where you got all the juicy scoop on your favorite celebs. It had fashion tips, band posters, and quizzes that got passed around during sleepovers. It made tweens feel like they were part of something bigger.
5. Sports Illustrated for Kids
https://www.sikids.com/ on Wikimedia Commons
Whether you played sports or just loved collecting the cards in each issue, this one was a hit. It made athletes feel like superheroes and had stories that were both fun and inspiring. Plus, the puzzles and games never got old.
6. YM (Young & Modern)
Pop Weekly Magazine on Wikimedia Commons
YM was like having a cool older cousin tell you everything you needed to know about fashion, friendship, and crushes. It felt honest, sometimes awkward, but always fun. The quizzes alone were legendary.
7. Cricket Magazine
Unknown artist on Wikimedia Commons
This one had a quieter charm, perfect for the kids who loved storytelling, illustrations, and a touch of whimsy. Its pages felt like a cozy corner of the library. Cricket was where young imaginations quietly soared.
8. Seventeen
Mgoodwinc on Wikimedia Commons
Even if you weren’t quite seventeen, this magazine still felt aspirational. It had advice columns, style guides, and features that made you feel seen. Every issue had that one page you’d rip out and pin to your wall.
9. Nintendo Power
Nintendo on Wikimedia Commons
Gamers lived for this one. It had previews, cheat codes, walkthroughs, and even letters from readers sharing game tips. If you had Nintendo Power, you were basically the authority on the playground.
10. American Girl
American Girl, LLC on Wikimedia Commons
This wasn’t just about dolls — it was about growing up, history, and storytelling. The magazine had crafts, advice, and real stories from readers. It felt wholesome and empowering at the same time.
11. BOP Magazine
Contrary.Carrie on Wikimedia Commons
Wall-to-wall photos of boy bands and teen heartthrobs made this a must-have for pop fans. It felt like a pop culture scrapbook you could actually subscribe to. The posters were always the first to go up on bedroom walls.
12. MAD Magazine
DC Comics on Wikimedia Commons
For the kid who loved humor with a rebellious twist, MAD was it. Its satire, parodies, and fold-ins taught you how to laugh at everything, even yourself. It was smart in the weirdest way possible.
13. Girls’ Life
Simpson’s Catalogue on Wikimedia Commons
This one felt like a supportive best friend in magazine form. It gave advice, style tips, and inspiring stories in every issue. Girls who read it felt ready to take on school, friendships, and growing up.
14. Ranger Rick
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area on Wikimedia Commons
This wildlife magazine made kids feel like little explorers. Every page was filled with nature facts, animal photos, and comics about Rick and his friends. It made learning about the environment feel like an adventure.
15. SLAM Magazine
Slam S.p.A. on Wikimedia Commons
Basketball fans had SLAM to thank for making players look like rock stars. It had bold photography, gritty stories, and street culture vibes. Kids who read SLAM had serious hoop dreams.
16. GamePro
International Data Group on Wikimedia Commons
GamePro stood out for its over-the-top graphics and wild review faces. It was loud, fun, and packed with info on all the coolest video games. If you were a console kid, this was essential reading.