Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s was a unique experience, filled with memories that today’s kids might find hard to imagine. As technology has rapidly advanced and society has shifted, many of the everyday activities and objects that were once a big part of childhood have become relics of the past.
In this blog post, I’ll take a nostalgic journey through 15 childhood experiences that today’s kids will likely never understand. These are the things that shaped our youth and defined a generation but now seem almost like ancient history.
Waiting for your favorite song on the radio
You had to listen to the radio for hours, hoping to catch your favorite song. When it finally came on, you rushed to hit the record button on your cassette player. Sometimes, the DJ would talk over the intro, ruining your perfect recording. This process taught you patience and made each successful recording feel like a real victory.
Blowing into video game cartridges
When your game console wouldn’t read the cartridge, you’d take it out and blow into it. This was the go-to fix for every gaming problem. You’d repeat this ritual over and over, hoping it would magically make your game work again. Looking back, it probably didn’t do much, but it felt like the right thing to do at the time.
Making prank calls
Before caller ID, making prank calls was a mischievous pastime for many kids. You’d dial a random number or choose someone from the phone book, then try to keep a straight face while saying something silly. It was thrilling and a bit naughty, but mostly harmless fun. Of course, this behavior is now easily traceable and considered inappropriate.
Using encyclopedias for homework
When you needed information for a school project, you’d turn to a set of encyclopedias. These heavy books contained a wealth of knowledge, but finding what you needed could take ages. You’d flip through pages, following cross-references from one topic to another. Often, you’d end up learning about subjects completely unrelated to your original search, getting sidetracked by interesting facts and illustrations along the way.
Saturday morning cartoons
Saturday mornings were sacred for kids. You’d wake up early, grab a bowl of cereal, and plant yourself in front of the TV for hours of cartoons. This was the only time to catch your favorite shows, and missing them meant waiting a whole week to see them again. It was a shared experience that brought kids together.
Using a phone book
Before smartphones, finding a business or friend’s number meant flipping through a massive phone book. You had to know how to alphabetize and use those little tabs on the side to navigate quickly. If the person you were looking for had a common name, you might end up calling several wrong numbers before finding the right one. This process could be time-consuming and frustrating, especially when you need to reach someone urgently.
Using a video rental store’s return drop box
After watching your rented movie, you have to remember to return it on time to avoid late fees. Many video stores had outdoor drop boxes for after-hours returns. You’d drive by, roll down your window, and slip the video through the slot, hoping it made it inside safely. It was oddly satisfying to hear the thud as it fell into the box.
Using a phone booth
Before cell phones, making a call while out meant finding a phone booth. You’d step into this tiny glass box and close the folding door for privacy. Hoping you had enough coins, you’d dial your number and try to keep your conversation brief. All the while, you’d be aware of impatient people waiting outside, making it hard to focus on your call.
Playing games on floppy disks
Computer games used to come on floppy disks, which you had to carefully insert into your computer. Loading a game could take several minutes, and you might need to swap disks multiple times during play. The satisfying click of pushing in a floppy disk is a sound today’s kids will never know.
Using film cameras
Taking photos used to be a more thoughtful process. You had a limited number of shots on each roll of film, so you had to choose your moments carefully. You couldn’t see your pictures immediately, and you never knew if you got a good shot until the film was developed. This made each photo more precious and memorable.
Writing notes in class
Before smartphones and messaging apps, if you wanted to communicate with a friend during class, you had to write a note. You’d fold the paper into a tiny square or creative shape. The thrilling part is when you try to pass it discreetly without getting caught by the teacher. It was risky but added excitement to an otherwise boring class.
Trading Pokémon cards on the playground
Pokémon cards were more than just collectibles; they were a playground currency. You’d spend recess huddled in groups, comparing cards and negotiating trades. Some kids memorized the values of rare cards, becoming expert traders. The thrill of finding a holographic card in a new pack was unmatched.
Using a physical alarm clock
Before smartphones, you relied on an alarm clock to wake up. You had to remember to set it each night and make sure the time was right. The snooze button was your best friend and worst enemy. Some kids even had two alarms to make sure they didn’t oversleep on important days.
Making cootie catchers and paper fortune tellers
These origami-like paper toys were a staple of childhood. You’d spend time carefully folding them and writing fortunes inside. Then you’d play with friends, choosing numbers and colors to reveal your “future.” It was a simple but entertaining way to pass time during class breaks.
Using a card catalog at the library
Finding books at the library used to involve tiny drawers filled with index cards. You had to look up your topic, write down the call numbers, and then hunt through the shelves. It was like a treasure hunt every time you needed to do research for a school project. It can be a little tiresome but it’s something most kids from the 80s miss.
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