If you grew up in the ‘80s (or wish you had), you might remember how vibrant and colorful everything was. Minimalism? The 1980s had never heard of her, and our childhoods were all the more memorable because of it.
The ‘80s was also one of the last decades before the internet. Here are 50 unique things from the ‘80s that will make you yearn for a time travel machine.
‘80s Snacks
If you see a snack that’s processed, has weird flavor combinations, and comes in neon packaging, it might be from the 1980s! Here’s what the country was obsessed with back then.
1. Dirt cups
Also known as “dirt pudding” or “worms in dirt,” this dessert came in a transparent cup and looked just like dirt. It was made of chocolate pudding, whipped creams, and crushed Oreo, with a topping of gummy worms, becoming the go-to at birthday parties.
2. Choco’Lite
This chocolate combined two of our favorite things: chocolate and chips. If you took a bite, you would taste creamy chocolate with toffee-like crisps. To this day, nobody knows how Nestlé® achieved that unique, crunchy texture.
Urko Dorronsoro from Donostia – San Sebastian, Euskal Herria (Basque Country), CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Keebler Tato Skins
In a time when most chips were thin and uniform, the Tato Skins, with their thickness and crunch, emerged. They were made with real potato skins and looked like and tasted just like baked potatoes.
4. Ecto Cooler
This sweet, citrus-flavored drink could be found in every kid’s lunch box back then. It only contained 10% fruit juice, but, boy, did we love it! Mainly because it was launched in tandem with Ghostbusters II and featured the green “Slimer” on the packaging.
5. Pac-Man Cereal
The cereal was based on the Pac-Man arcade game, and turned into a huge success. It was made of corn puffs and marshmallows in the shape of Pac-Man and the four ghosts. The commercials all featured highly addictive songs with kids mimicking Pac-Man’s chomping motion.
6. Haystacks
This was the ultimate no-bake snack in the ‘80s. These cookies were unconventional and strange, but delicious! They were made by mixing butterscotch chips, melted chocolate chips, and peanut butter with some nuts and chow mein noodles.
7. Squeezeit
These colorful, fruit-flavored juices came in plastic bottles and had to be squeezed to be enjoyed. Enjoying them during snack time and comparing your tongue stains with your friends was fun.
ZolHaj, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
8. Fruit Wrinkles
Bite-sized snacks that were pillowy with a hint of tartness? Yes, please! They looked just like wrinkled fruit, and could be added to your pudding cups for some extra flavor.
9. Deep-Fried Apple Pie
This delicacy from McDonald’s delivered exactly what it promised: a deep-fried pie that gave you a mouthful of apple chunks and cinnamon sugar as soon as you bit into it. Yes, you melted your tongue off, but it was so worth it!
N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
10. Hostess Pudding Pie
The pudding pies had a flaky outer crust with a thick, chocolatey or vanilla filling. Although you couldn’t eat them without making a mess, we loved the little sugary pick-me-ups they provided.
Toys From the 1980s
Remember begging your parents to get these toys for you after getting hooked on their commercials? Getting them as your birthday gift was its own brand of joy.
11. Glo Worm
The Glo Worm was a plush toy shaped like a worm with a hard vinyl head. If you squeezed the toy, the worm’s face would light up, making it a great cuddly night light.
12. Cabbage Patch Kids
To the kids and adults of the ‘80s, the Cabbage Patch Kids were not dolls, but babies. Each doll had a differently-designed face, and came with its own personality profile, birth certificate, and adoption form. No wonder these dolls inspired several riots!
Missouri Historical Society, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
13. Lego Space Set
Elaborate Lego® space sets were popular in the 1980s, featuring habitat domes, transportation panels, and even Space Police.
Joris van Rooden, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
14. Nintendo Gamebody
The Gameboy was a handheld gaming set that changed the portable gaming world. It gave teenagers the ability to play games anywhere they wanted! The batteries also lasted 10-14 hours, which was huge back then.
Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
15. My Little Pony
Launched based on the animated movie of the same name, these pony toys had colorful bodies, brushable hair, and unique marks printed on their flanks.
here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
16. Trivial Pursuit
This board game with its 2000+ trivia questions in various categories became the main entertainment for adults in the ‘80s. Whether it was a houseparty or just a chill night in, you could bet that someone would crank open this bad boy.
here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
17. He-Man Action Figures
Ever seen He-Man? This toy, measuring 5.5 inches, looked just like him, muscles and all. You could twist his spring-loaded waist to make him throw a mean punch.
18. Domino Rally
This game featured a set of 100-500 dominoes that you could use to build structures before toppling one of the pieces and watching them all fall. Sure, it took hours, but it was just so satisfying.
19. Monchhichi
Monchhichis were stuffed monkey toys that hailed all the way from Japan. Whether you remember the toy or not, you can probably still sing the jingle. Oh so soft and cuddly.
20. Sesame Street Poppin’ Pals
Although this 1980s toy was marketed for toddlers, kids of all ages played with it. It had four levers that would make a different Sesame Street character pop up when pulled. Remember the squeak Ernie used to make?
Sesame Workshop, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
1980s Technology
The ‘80s were a huge time for technology, as it was the decade when several personal gadgets became mainstream.
21. IBM PC
The IBM PC was the first real personal computer, for businesses and consumers alike. Not only was it portable, it could also connect to your TV, allowing you to play games. This device kickstarted the computing and software revolution of the upcoming decades.
Rama & Musée Bolo, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/fr/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons
22. Sony Walkman
If you stepped into an ‘80s high school, you could see pretty much every teenager sporting a Walkman. This portable music player took music from a collective experience to an individual one. You just had to pop in the earbuds, and you could get lost in your own musical world.
Esa Sorjonen, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
23. Pager
The pagers that doctors use today first became popular in the 1980s. Having a pager back then pretty much cemented the deal that you were an important person, like a doctor, lawyer, finance bro, or public service officer.
24. VCR
In those days, when on-demand entertainment felt out of reach, the VCR became a godsend. You could rent movie tapes from the store or record your favorite TV show to watch later.
Priwo, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
25. Answering Machine
The ‘80s truly were the heyday for answering machines, turning them into household must-haves. It helped you receive messages even when you weren’t there to pick up the phone. Deciding a witty greeting was something everyone agonized over!
Cars From the ‘80s
Due to an increase in energy efficiency awareness, sports cars fell out of popularity in the 1980s, giving way to boxy, fuel-efficient cars and family vehicles.
26. Chrysler Minivan
This 1984 car spearheaded the minivan industry with its spacious 7-seater, sliding doors, and a roomy back-area to put your things in. Perfect for family road trips and grocery store runs.
Corvair Owner, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
27. Honda CR-X
Slick, affordable, and compact were the main selling points of this 1980s car. It was lightweight, and gave a good engine performance while also helping you save on fuel. No wonder it was a favorite for parents and sports car fanatics alike.
韋駄天狗, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
28. Ford Escort
This 1982 car was among the top selling cars of the decade, and was favored by teenagers, adults, and first-time buyers. Its horsepower wasn’t anything to write home about, but its fuel efficiency meant you could easily drive cross-country in this 1980s vehicle.
Charlie from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
29. DeLorean DMC-12
If you’ve watched Back to the Future, you might remember this sports car as the iconic time machine. In fact, that’s the very reason this car skyrocketed in fame.
Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
30. Volvo 240
If you needed a durable car that would age with you (yes, really), the Volvo 240 was your best bet. It had a boxy design and great safety standards, making it suitable for car collectors and daily commuters.
Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1980s Fashion
If you believe that bigger and bolder is better in fashion, you would love ‘80s fashion styles!
31. Power Suits
This was the decade when more women started working, so power suits were very in vogue. Although both men and women wore suits, it was something of a statement for working women.
32. Shoulder Pads
What was a power suit without a shoulder pad? Boring. Built-in shoulder pads were used to create sharper silhouettes that exuded power and authority.
33. Neon Colors
Keeping with the trend of “bold” and “powerful,” clothes, accessories, and makeup in neon colors became prominent.
34. Preppy Clothes
Also known as the “yuppie” style, clothes that looked like prep school uniforms became popular, especially among wealthy teens. This meant pleated trousers, polo shirts, button-downs, and loafers.
35. Athleisure
Those yoga leggings that you love lounging around in? The ‘80s did it, too. Leg warmers, leggings, tracksuits, and cropped tops became common even outside fitness studios and gyms.
36. Big Earrings
Oversized earrings were all the rage in the ‘80s. They had the power to transform any outfit. It was the decade of bold fashion and even bolder statements, after all.
37. Leather Jackets
Whether you were wearing a dress or a simple tee, throwing on a leather jacket could turn your outfit around. It was the ultimate cool chic.
kreativgarasch, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
38. Acid-Wash Jeans
If you were a rebellious teen, wearing denim that was bleached and looked worn-in was one of the best ways to let everyone know. This outfit screamed that you were into punk rock and new-age ideas.
Abroe23, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
39. Mini Skirts
The mini skirt was a ubiquitous clothing choice in the ‘80s, both among adults and teens. You could wear them with high heels and boots, or pair them with tights and oversized jackets.
40. Statement Belts
Extra big buckles, and worn high up on your waist. These were the statement belts of the 1980s. And they went with every outfit, from bodycon dresses to power suits.
Miscellaneous ‘80s Products
The mix of mainstream entertainment with bold creativity gave rise to many new experiences in the 1980s.
41. MTV Channel
It’s safe to say that MTV revolutionized the music industry by playing never-seen-before music videos. You went from listening to songs to watching them all day long. For many, it was the first glimpse of what their favorite singers looked like!
MTV Networks, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
42. Riding Bikes
Parents weren’t nearly as strict (or scared) as they are today, which meant that you could ride bikes with your friends every day after school (until it got dark) with no supervision.
43. Metal Slides
In the summer, these slides heated up so much that they would burn your thighs. But that wasn’t enough to stop us.
44. Encyclopedias
If you had to learn something new, an encyclopedia was your best bet. Not everyone owned one, so you had to try your luck with friends or the library. That’s a feeling today’s kids will never know.
DALL-E, with text prompt from Aaron Lucas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
45. Shopping Malls
These were the hotspots for teenage hangouts. You could shop around at JCPenney, go to the arcade, or take your pick from a record store, bookstore, and radio shack.
46. Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday mornings meant cartoons in the ‘80s. Even if your parents were asleep, you would trudge out of bed, make yourself a giant cereal bowl, and watch your favorite cartoon characters have their adventures.
47. “Stacking” Pencils
These were pencils that had several cartridges stacked one on top of the other. When one got over, you just had to remove it and stack it at the other end to push the next one forward!
48. Candy Cigarettes
Candy shaped like cigarettes? Yep. A few of them created puffs from the sugar, too. They even came in cigarette packages.
Craig Pennington, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
49. No Water Bottles
This one may surprise you, but nobody carried water bottles to school. Hydration wasn’t a thing then. All you had was milk during lunch, and a small water fountain that you had to line up for.
50. Disclosing Tablets
These pink tablets were given out in school to see how well you brushed your teeth. They temporarily stained any dental plaque, so it was easy to catch you if you were slacking.
Go Back to Some ‘80s Nostalgia with Classmates®
In the 1980s, our worries were nonexistent, our friends plenty, and the future bright. If you miss those days (as we do), why not take a trip down memory lane with some old high school yearbooks?
Classmates lets you browse through 480,000 yearbook archives, find and connect with old friends, and relive your best days.
Download the Classmates app and get started for free.
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