The 90s were a whirlwind of cultural trends, some of which we can’t seem to shake from our collective memories. Whether it’s the nostalgic charm or the cringe factor, these 12 things are etched into history, no matter how much we want to forget. Let’s dive into the quirks of a decade gone by!
1. Video Rental Stores
Before streaming services like Netflix took over, video rental stores were the go-to for weekend entertainment. Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, and countless local shops dominated neighborhoods. Families would spend way too long choosing VHS tapes for movie night, only to face late fees if they forgot to return them. The smell of popcorn, rows of colorful covers, and “Be Kind, Rewind” stickers are things many wish to forget, but nostalgia keeps them alive. While convenient alternatives exist today, the charm and experience of video rental shops remain unforgettable.
2. Weekend Morning Cartoons
Cartoon lovers eagerly waited for the weekend to get their animated fix. Shows like The Magic School Bus, X-Men, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would flood networks from morning until noon. Children woke up early, cereal bowls in hand, to catch their favorite characters battling bad guys. For parents, it was a temporary babysitter; for kids, it was the best part of the week. Sadly, with the rise of on-demand viewing, the magic of Saturday morning cartoons faded, but many can’t forget how special those mornings were.
3. Music CD’s
Remember spending hours in a music store, carefully picking out CDs, only to listen to the same songs over and over again? Carrying around bulky CD players that skipped if you so much as bumped into anything was part of the struggle. Albums by Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys took over every teenager’s life. The joy of unwrapping a new CD, scanning the liner notes, and memorizing every tracklist is long gone. Though Spotify and Apple Music now make music easily accessible, CDs hold a special place in the hearts of 90s kids.
4. Tamagotchi’s
If you had a Tamagotchi, you were living on the edge, constantly checking if your virtual pet was fed or if it “pooped.” Tamagotchis, those tiny digital pets that beeped incessantly, became the ultimate school distraction. Kids wore them proudly on lanyards or keychains, their lives revolving around keeping their pixelated pets alive. If your Tamagotchi died, it felt like losing a real pet! While most adults are happy to leave these in the past, the occasional re-release sparks memories of the digital chaos these toys created.
5. Frosted Tips
Frosted tips were the epitome of 90s fashion faux pas. From boy band members to regular high schoolers, this hairstyle swept through pop culture, leaving behind some very questionable yearbook photos. The trend involved bleaching the tips of one’s hair, usually spiked up with copious amounts of gel. Celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Ryan Seacrest rocked this look, making it seem like the ultimate style choice. While no one’s racing to bring frosted tips back, they are impossible to forget due to the sheer number of people who wore them.
6. Beanie Babies
In the 90s, Beanie Babies weren’t just toys; they were investments. People lined up outside stores for hours, scouring shelves for the latest rare releases. Some believed they were holding onto fortunes as these stuffed animals were thought to be valuable collectibles. What started as an innocent craze turned into a frenzy, with rumors that certain Beanie Babies would be worth thousands in the future. Of course, the bubble burst, but the memories of people losing their minds over tiny, bean-filled toys linger on.
7. Slap Bracelets
Slap bracelets were simple, fun, and a bit dangerous. These metal strips covered in colorful fabric would snap onto your wrist with a quick flick. The fad spread across schools like wildfire, though many kids quickly realized they could cause injury if handled too aggressively. Eventually, schools banned them for being disruptive and even harmful. Despite their short-lived moment in the spotlight, the sound of a slap bracelet snapping into place remains ingrained in the memories of those who grew up during this era.
8. Very Thin Eyebrows
In the 90s, ultra-thin eyebrows were a staple beauty trend. Everyone from pop stars to everyday people was tweezing their brows into pencil-thin arches, a style many have since regretted. It became so popular that some people over-plucked their eyebrows, leading to permanent damage. While fuller, more natural brows are in style now, the era of thin eyebrows haunts many who struggled to grow them back. A walk down memory lane often involves recalling those unfortunate beauty choices that seemed chic at the time.
9. Clothing Catalogs
Before online shopping was a thing, catalogs were king. Brands like Delia’s, J.Crew, and Sears would send out hefty clothing catalogs to homes, allowing people to browse new collections without leaving the house. Flipping through pages of glossy photos and circling items you wanted was an almost ritualistic experience. But with the internet, catalogs became obsolete, eventually disappearing altogether. Though now an archaic form of shopping, it’s impossible to forget how these catalogs shaped shopping habits in the 90s.
10. Cable TV Sitcoms
The 90s were the golden age of sitcoms, with shows like Friends, Full House, and Seinfeld dominating prime-time television. Families gathered around the TV to watch sitcom stars navigate quirky plotlines and comical situations. Though many series wrapped up or became syndicated, the nostalgia for these shows remains strong. While cable TV sitcoms aren’t as prominent today, binge-watching old episodes is a guilty pleasure that transports people back to a simpler time in television history.
11. Disposable Cameras
Taking pictures wasn’t always instant gratification. In the 90s, disposable cameras were essential for capturing moments, whether at parties, vacations, or school events. You wouldn’t know how your photos turned out until you developed the film, often discovering half were overexposed or blurry. Despite the anticipation of seeing the final results, disposable cameras were inconvenient by today’s standards. Now, with smartphones offering instant photography, disposable cameras are a relic of a not-so-distant past we can’t quite forget.
12. Yellow Pages
The Yellow Pages were once the answer to every household’s search for local businesses and services. These thick, clunky books arrived at your doorstep uninvited, taking up space until you needed to find a plumber or florist. With the advent of search engines and smartphones, the need for physical directories vanished. However, the idea of flipping through pages to find a phone number still lingers in the minds of those who grew up with these massive, now unnecessary, tomes.
Remembering the Past
Whether it’s the simplicity of video rental stores or the questionable fashion choices like frosted tips, the 90s hold a mix of nostalgia and embarrassment that’s hard to shake. Each of these trends and items played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the decade, and even though we’ve moved on, we’ll never truly forget. What’s your favorite 90s memory? Share it in the comments and let the nostalgia continue!