25 Things That Were A Big Deal In The 90s But No One Cares About Anymore
Ah, the 90s—a glorious, glittery time when life was simpler, music was louder, and your biggest worry was whether your Tamagotchi was still alive.
It was a decade where denim-on-denim wasn’t just acceptable, it was peak fashion. The internet was still finding its dial-up legs, and we thought having an AOL email made us cutting-edge. Saturday mornings were sacred, reserved for cereal and cartoons, and Friday nights meant a pilgrimage to Blockbuster to snag that one VHS before someone else did.
Trends came and went like boy bands—fast, loud, and full of glitter. We traded Pogs like stockbrokers, collected Beanie Babies like they were currency, and filled our rooms with lava lamps, inflatable furniture, and glow-in-the-dark stars.
The Macarena somehow united the world, and slap bracelets were banned in classrooms for being “too fun.” But as time marched on, these once-essential pieces of 90s life slowly disappeared, making way for smartphones and streaming. Still, they left behind a trail of glitter and Gushers that we can’t help but revisit with a smile.
So join me as we dive back into the world of butterfly clips, Game Boys, and dial-up tones—a place where trends were loud, tech was chunky, and everything was just a little more rad.
1. Beanie Babies
Beanie Babies — those once-valuable stuffed toys, now languishing in storage bins. Remember when they were seen as plush investments?
I had a whole shelf dedicated to them! Now, they’re just a testament to my younger self’s financial naivety. The market for Beanie Babies was so intense that people would queue for hours just to snag the latest release.
Yet, as quickly as they rose, their value plummeted, leaving many collectors with a pile of toys and shattered dreams of fortune.
2. AOL CDs
AOL CDs were once the key to unlocking the world wide web. These free internet trial CDs were everywhere — even in places they had no business being, like in pizza boxes.
They littered our homes, promising a gateway to the digital age. I remember the excitement of booting up the PC and hearing, “You’ve got mail!”
Nowadays, these CDs are more likely to be found in landfills than in computers, a quirky reminder of the early days of the internet.
3. Tamagotchis
Tamagotchis were the digital pets that ruled our playgrounds, demanding attention at the most inconvenient times.
If you didn’t feed or play with them, they’d meet a pixelated end. Mine often did, much to my younger self’s dismay.
These tiny gadgets taught us a thing or two about responsibility, albeit in a very digital sense. Now, they’re mostly nostalgia-inducing relics, replaced by more sophisticated digital companions and apps.
4. Dial-Up Internet
The screeching sound of dial-up internet is etched into the memories of anyone who lived through the 90s.
Connecting to the internet meant tying up the phone line, much to the annoyance of anyone else in the household.
My siblings and I would argue over who got to use the internet next. Despite its slow speeds, dial-up was our first taste of the digital world. Today, it’s replaced by fast and silent broadband connections — a welcome upgrade, no doubt.
5. Pagers/Beepers
Before smartphones, pagers were the must-have gadget for anyone who needed to be reachable.
I remember the thrill of getting a message beep — it felt like a secret spy code. These devices were the height of coolness, even if they just told you to call someone back.
Fast forward to today, and they’ve been sidelined by smartphones, which do everything a pager could and much more.
6. Chain Emails
Chain emails were the viral phenomenon of the 90s, spreading like wildfire through our inboxes. “Forward this to 10 people or face bad luck!” — who could resist the urge to comply?
I confess, I was a serial forwarder. These emails often contained jokes, urban legends, or threats of dire consequences, capturing the essence of early internet culture.
Today, they’re more of a punchline than a genuine concern, replaced by social media shares and likes.
7. The Macarena
The Macarena was the dance craze that united everyone, from school kids to grannies. No 90s party was complete without it.
I remember the first time I nailed the entire routine; it felt like achieving a new level of coolness. But as with all fads, its novelty wore off, and now it’s more likely to induce eye-rolls than enthusiastic participation.
Still, it remains a staple at weddings and retro-themed events, bringing back memories of simpler times.
8. Disposable Cameras
Disposable cameras were the go-to for capturing memories during trips and parties, long before smartphones took over.
There was something magical about the anticipation of getting film developed. I once captured an entire vacation only to find half the shots were my finger over the lens!
These cameras have been replaced by digital options that offer instant results, but they hold a special place in the hearts of 90s kids.
9. Chat Rooms (AOL, Yahoo, MSN)
Before social media, chat rooms were where we gathered online. Whether it was AOL, Yahoo, or MSN, these virtual spaces were buzzing with conversations.
I spent countless hours chatting with friends and strangers alike, navigating the fascinating world of online communication.
These chat rooms were a precursor to today’s social networks, but they’ve mostly vanished, leaving behind fond memories of late-night chats and inside jokes.
10. Butterfly Clips
Butterfly clips were the must-have accessory for every 90s girl. Clipping them in my hair felt like adorning myself with tiny jewels.
These vibrant clips were a staple in my school days, adding a touch of whimsy to every hairstyle. Over time, they’ve become a relic of fashion past, mostly spotted in throwback posts and costume parties.
Still, they’re a sweet reminder of a time when hair accessories reigned supreme.
11. Slap Bracelets
Slap bracelets were the epitome of 90s cool. With a satisfying snap, they wrapped around our wrists, sometimes causing minor injuries but always bringing joy.
I remember the day they were banned in my school due to their “dangerous” nature. Today, they’re more novelty than necessity, a testament to a time when simple toys could create such excitement.
Despite their fall from favor, slap bracelets hold a nostalgic charm for those of us who grew up with them.
12. Blockbuster Video
Blockbuster Video was the mecca of weekend entertainment. Wandering the aisles, picking the perfect movie, and indulging in overpriced snacks was a beloved ritual.
I fondly recall family nights centered around our latest rental choice. However, as streaming services emerged, Blockbuster became a relic, except for that lone store in Oregon.
Its legacy lives on as a nostalgic memory of a time when movie nights meant a trip to the video store.
13. CD Towers
CD Towers were a proud display of one’s musical taste. A 200-disc collection was the ultimate bragging right. I remember arranging mine alphabetically, only for it to be raided by my siblings.
But as digital music libraries grew, these towers became less practical, turning into dust collectors rather than status symbols.
Though they’ve been replaced by playlists and streaming services, they symbolize an era when music was something physical and personal.
14. Furbies
Furbies were the interactive toys that took the world by storm. With their blinking eyes and bizarre chatter, they were both endearing and slightly creepy.
My Furby would often start talking in the middle of the night, much to my fright! These toys were a sensation in the 90s, but today they seem more like quirky collectibles than must-have gadgets.
Furbies remind us of a time when toys seemed to have a mind of their own.
15. Boy Band Rivalries
Backstreet Boys vs. NSYNC, the epic showdown that divided fans. Choosing a side was serious business and sparked passionate debates.
I was firmly Team Backstreet, much to the chagrin of my NSYNC-loving friends. While both bands still have nostalgic appeal, the craze has cooled significantly.
Boy band rivalries represented a time when pop culture was dominated by catchy tunes, synchronized dance moves, and poster-filled bedrooms.
16. Starter Jackets
Starter Jackets were more about style than fandom. Wearing one, especially a Hornets jacket, was a statement.
I remember proudly donning my oversized jacket, feeling on top of the world. These jackets were fashion staples, often imitated but never truly replicated.
Today, their popularity has waned, but they remain iconic symbols of 90s sportswear, cherished by collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts alike.
17. Ask Jeeves
Before Google, Ask Jeeves was the online butler we turned to for answers. I’d ask Jeeves the most random questions, convinced he had all the answers.
This whimsical search engine was a fixture in our early internet experiences, characterized by its polite demeanor.
Now, it has been overshadowed by more efficient search engines, but it remains a fond memory of the internet’s growing pains.
18. Flip Phones
Flip phones were the epitome of mobile cool. The satisfying snap of closing them after a call was unparalleled.
I felt like a secret agent every time I flipped mine open. Once seen as cutting-edge technology, they’ve been replaced by sleek smartphones.
Yet, the nostalgia they evoke remains strong, a reminder of simpler times when a phone’s primary function was to make calls.
19. Lisa Frank Stationery
Lisa Frank Stationery was a vibrant explosion of rainbows, unicorns, and psychedelic dolphins.
My school folder was a parade of bright colors and fantastical creatures, making every note-taking session a visual delight. Collecting these colorful pieces was a rite of passage for many 90s kids.
Though they’ve fallen out of favor, Lisa Frank’s art remains an enduring symbol of childhood whimsy and creativity.
20. The Y2K Panic
The Y2K Panic was a global freakout over computer clocks. As the millennium approached, the fear was that computers would malfunction, leading to chaos.
I remember stockpiling canned goods, just in case. When midnight struck on New Year’s Eve, the world held its breath, only to realize nothing had happened.
It turned out to be much ado about nothing, a curious chapter in the annals of technological history.
21. Hit Clips
Hit Clips were tiny music players that offered 60 seconds of pop songs.
Paying premium prices for a snippet of a tune seemed like a good idea back then. I had a collection of these little cartridges, each one a gateway to musical bliss. But technology moved on, and soon full songs were just a download away.
Hit Clips now serve as reminders of a time when music consumption was a different beast altogether.
22. Trapper Keepers
Trapper Keepers were the ultimate in school organization, turning binder management into an art form.
From secret compartments to bold designs, having the right Trapper Keeper was like having a mini personal assistant.
I prided myself on finding the coolest designs each school year. Today, they’re replaced by digital planners, but they symbolize a time when paper ruled and personality was shown through stationery.
23. “You’ve Got Mail”
Hearing “You’ve Got Mail” was thrilling. It meant someone cared enough to write an email.
This phrase became iconic, even inspiring a movie title. I remember eagerly waiting for those words, hoping for messages from friends or family.
Today, email notifications are taken for granted, but back then, they symbolized connection in a rapidly evolving digital age.
24. Chain Wallets
Chain Wallets were a skater or punk style essential, jingling with every step.
They were all about attitude and practicality, ensuring none of your cash slipped away. I remember proudly wearing mine, feeling the ultimate mix of cool and secure.
Nowadays, they’re largely a thing of the past, replaced by sleeker, less embellished options. Still, they remind us of a time when fashion was as bold as it was functional.
25. MySpace
MySpace was the ultimate social media platform — until it wasn’t.
It was where we connected, shared, and discovered new music. I spent hours customizing my profile and ranking my friends. But as new platforms emerged, MySpace’s star faded.
Today, it’s a relic of the early social media era, fondly remembered by those who lived its glory days.