18 Items from the ’80s You Probably Still Have in Your Attic
From neon fashion to iconic toys, the 1980s were a decade filled with memorable pop culture moments. Many things from that era were treasured and kept in storage for protection; you might find them if you search your attic today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
From toys and apparel to technology, the 1980s produced a number of iconic products that have had a long-lasting influence on popular culture. Over time, some of these items have been hidden away and forgotten, while others become cherished memories. In order to demonstrate how many of us still cling to these artifacts from a time when the world was awash in color, inventiveness, and fresh starts, this article features 18 such objects. You’ll be shocked to see what might still be in your attic, from video game consoles to cassette tapes.
1. Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
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Some of these cute dolls still live in attics today. In the 1980s, the Cabbage Patch Kids were a must-have toy for kids. They were highly collectible and frequently treasured by their owners due to their distinctive faces and adoption certificates. Collectors still value these dolls, although they may have been forgotten for years.
2. Rubik’s Cube
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In the early 1980s, the Rubik’s Cube became a household staple after going viral. Its vibrant, inventive design made it an essential item for puzzle fans. If you have one hidden in your attic, you could challenge yourself to solve it again!
3. Walkman
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Enjoying music while on the go was made possible by Sony’s Walkman, which completely changed how people listened to music. Because they enabled people to listen to their favorite bands wherever they went, these portable cassette players became emblematic of ’80s culture. Most likely, your old Walkman is in a forgotten box, unused.
4. Atari 2600
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One of the first home video game consoles, the Atari 2600 quickly gained popularity among families and children. Classic games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders make it simple to understand why they hold a particular place in the hearts of many people. One of these classic consoles may be in your attic, perhaps with some of its old games.
5. Cassette Tapes
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Before digital music, cassette tapes were the preferred medium for listening to music, frequently mixes or recordings from the radio. You could find these tapes in every bedroom and car in the nation. If you’re fortunate, you may even find some vintage mixtapes that evoke fond memories.
6. Star Wars Action Figures
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Many of the original Star Wars action figures are still in high demand today, having been immensely popular throughout the 1980s. Some of the accessories that came with these tiny plastic figures are now very valuable. If you find these in your attic, you could be holding onto a little fortune.
7. E.T. Plush Doll
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In the 1980s, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was a huge hit, and toys based on the film were among the most sought-after products at the time. Among the most popular was the E.T. plush doll with its glowing heart. If you’ve kept yours, it’s a piece of 1980s film history.
8. VHS Tapes
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VHS tapes revolutionized how people watched movies in the 1980s and supplanted the video rental business. These tapes came in various genres and were frequently kept in sizable collections. It’s possible that your favorite movies are still in a dusty box in your attic.
9. Trapper Keeper
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In the 1980s, Trapper Keepers, known for their vibrant designs and capacity to maintain organization, were indispensable school supplies. Because of their usefulness and individuality, students adored them. If you were a child in the 1980s, you most likely had one hidden in a drawer or in your attic.
10. My Little Pony Figures
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In the 1980s, these vibrant, enchanted ponies became popular toys among young girls. They were popular for imaginative play because of their delicate, brushable manes and elaborate designs. Some of these figures may have sentimental value if you have stored them in your attic.
11. He-Man Action Figures
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Fans adored the action figures from the wildly popular He-Man and the Masters of the Universe franchise in the 1980s. These figures were ideal for pretend play because they frequently included unusual accessories like swords and shields. You might still have a few of these figures stored away, waiting to be rediscovered.
12. Knight Rider KITT Car
Unknown author on Wikimedia
Knight Rider, with its talking car, KITT, was a beloved TV show that inspired many toys and merchandise in the ’80s. The KITT car toy, which featured lights and sounds, was especially popular among fans. You could still find one of these in your attic if you were a fan of the show.
13. Polaroid Cameras
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Polaroid cameras were the go-to instant camera of the ’80s, making it easy to capture memories in a snapshot. With their signature square photos, these cameras were perfect for family events and parties. One might still be hidden in your attic, just waiting to evoke those instant photo memories.
14. Old Video Game Cartridges
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If you were a gamer in the 1980s, you most likely had a few old video game cartridges for consoles like the Sega Genesis or NES. These cartridges, which are now regarded as collector’s items, served as the foundation for early gaming. If you search your attic, you may find some priceless gaming artifacts.
15. Jem and the Holograms Dolls
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In the 1980s, Jem and the Holograms appeared on a well-liked animated television program, and their dolls were very popular. The glitzy attire and accessories these dolls wore symbolized the life of a pop star. For any collector of toys from the 1980s, if you still have one, it’s a unique find.
16. New Kids on the Block Memorabilia
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The ultimate boy band of the 1980s, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), had fans collecting everything from T-shirts to posters. Until a nostalgic moment occurs, these collectibles are frequently stored in attics and forgotten. If you were a fan, you probably still own some NKOTB memorabilia.
17. Beanie Babies
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Beanie Babies were well-known in the late 1980s, but their popularity peaked in the 1990s. Because of their distinctive designs and collectible value, these tiny stuffed animals were adored. If you still have any of these in your attic, you might be sitting on a little fortune.
18. Fisher-Price Record Player
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In the 1980s, Fisher-Price’s record player was a popular toy that introduced music to children. The toy included vibrant, kid-friendly vinyl records with entertaining tunes. If you find one in your attic, it’s a fun, nostalgic throwback.