Things We Did in the ’90s That Would Confuse Kids Today

Each era has its unique characteristics that require being part of it to truly grasp. The ’90s weren’t an exception; they were remarkably less complex than today (considering the current technological advancements). Back then, phones were hardwired to walls, music and films were stored in physical cabinets, and navigating unfamiliar places required a paper map.

It’s quite remarkable how advanced our current existence feels compared to what was once considered the pinnacle of modernity.

In simpler terms devoid of modern tech’s speedy features, the pace was somewhat leisurely. Consequently, we adapted our methods distinctively. Take, for instance, the time when one yearned to watch a fresh movie at home; one had to visit this specific place instead.

Before Streaming There Was Blockbuster

In the past, before streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and others became popular, providing us with endless movie choices anytime we wanted, there was Blockbuster. This was a store where people could rent VHS and DVDs to watch at home. Essentially, it functioned as a movie library, and was a common destination for families on Fridays, where they would select a film that everyone could appreciate.

REPLAY | Do You Remember These Iconic ’90s Commercials?

Today’s kids find it hard to comprehend how simple things from the ’90s, which were once so integral to our lives, seem absurd to them because everything is now easily accessible through their fingertips. So let’s explore some activities and experiences we had back then that today’s generation wouldn’t fathom.

Things We Did in the ’90s That Kids Today Wouldn’t Understand

We Had to Rewind Our Movies

In my day, movies were stored on VHS tapes. Whenever I wanted to enjoy a film repeatedly, I had to manually wind the tape back with my finger, or else I’d use a more sophisticated device to do it for me.

We Piled in Cars Without Seatbelts

We climbed into the backs of station wagons and located a space where we could comfortably ride. It wasn’t the most secure way to travel, as you might imagine.

We Drank From Neighborhood Hoses

After spending a long day outdoors, we grabbed the community water hose nearby. It was important to check its temperature first before taking a sip to ensure it wasn’t too warm.

We Played on Burning Hot Metal Playgrounds

Ouch! Burnt behinds and squeaky metal=fun.

We Had to Wait for Internet

Back then our internet used a telephone line so it took a bit to get connected.

We Made Mix Tapes and CDs

In the past, before digital playlists became popular, people used to create their own music collections called mixtapes. Instead of streaming your favorite songs online, you would listen to the radio and wait for your desired song to be played so you could record it. Later on, during the CD era, we started compiling our preferred tracks onto custom-made CDs, creating amusing mixes.

We Rode Our Bikes EVERYWHERE

Whether it was a friend’s house, a store, or halfway across town, we rode our bikes everywhere.

We Passed Notes in School

Occasionally, all we’d share was a simple note passed to a classmate. At other times, we’d exchange whole notebooks when bumping into friends in the corridor. Essentially, it was like sending messages.

Our Phones Were For Calls

In the past, instead of texting or chatting online, we would communicate with people over landline phones that were attached to the wall. Everyone in the house could potentially overhear your calls. Apart from speaking, mobile phones also came with a game called Snake and a T9 system for sending messages. With T9, you had to press one key for each letter when typing out a message. For example, “Hi” would be spelled by pressing “4,4,4,4”.

Or more concisely:

Landline phones were the primary means of communication in the past, with everyone in the house potentially listening in on calls. Mobile phones also had Snake and T9 for messages, where each letter required a single key press (e.g., “Hi” would be spelled using multiple 4s).

We Hung Out at Malls

Prior to the rise of fast fashion, shopping centers or malls were a common sight. We not only purchased items there, but they were also popular social spots where people would gather during weekends.

We Rented Movies…From a Store

Before streaming services existed, we would have to wait patiently at the front of the line to get our hands on a fresh movie release. It felt similar to visiting a library, but instead of books, it was all about films.

RELATED | Things You’d Find in Every ’90s Home Back in the Day

Ahh, the good ol’ days. What was your favorite thing about the era?

Every ’90s child can recall distinct sounds, whether they’re reminiscent of a popular jingle from an advertisement or the familiar whirr of dial-up internet, these auditory cues serve as nostalgic reminders of the era.

Sounds That Every ’90s and 2000’s Kid Will Remember

“You Lint Licker”

“F.R.E.E. That Spells Free”

“Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia”

“Like Sands Through the Hourglass…”

“It’s MY Money”

“It’s Mail Tiiiiime”

“So Long, Farewell”

“Yo Quiro Taco Bell”

As we nostalgically journey back to the ’90s, let’s revisit some of the beloved toys from our childhood days.

’90s Toys That Spark Instant Childhood Memories

American Girl Doll

Back then, they were extremely fashionable and they remain so today. Owning one was undeniably a symbol of prestige. It was quite trendy to have a doll that resembled you perfectly.

Baby Alive

We would feed her actual food and change her dirty diapers. Somehow this was fun.

My Size Barbie

Life size Barbie! The best part is that you could share clothes.

Barney

Back then, you may have had a cuddly toy or even a spooky pop-up toy like Jack-in-the-Box, but most likely, you were familiar with the character Barney.

Bop It!

“Bop it, pull it, twist it.” That was probably stuck in your head most days.

Don’t Break the Ice

Where anxiety began.

Bumble Ball

We can feel this picture.

Beanie Babies

Prior to Squishmallows, the popular collectible of the ’90s was Beanie Babies, a craze that still persists today (despite rumors about them containing spider eggs, which is untrue as you can verify by researching).

Crocodile Dentist

If you ended up becoming a dentist, it might have been here that your journey began. However, now those bites could sting a bit more.

Dream Phone

At its peak, it was a scorching hot guessing game where you’d gather with your closest friends, female companions, to unravel the secret admirer among the charming young men. Yet, we always seemed to appreciate that distinctive pink telephone the most.

Doddle Bear

Where we let our inner artist out.

Easy-Bake Oven

Essentially a hot light bulb that cooked small batches of batter. Yum?

Furby

They may seem creepy now, but looking back these little furry creatures were our beloved pets.

Gak

After watching Double Dare we were all obsessed with the sticky green substance.

Don’t Wake Daddy

We found ourselves tensed up, picturing our stealthy attempts to bypass challenges just to grab a late-night bite, all while waiting for the morning alarm – quite similar to our actual experiences.

Game Boy

Experience the joy of Nintendo right at your fingertips! It even included the revolutionary game that took the world by storm back then – Tetris.

Giga Pets

They were way needier than Tamagotchis.

Hit Clips

Is there anything cooler than miniature song snippets stored on keychain-like cartridges? The more of these you carried around on your backpack or belt loop, the more stylish you felt.

Glow in the Dark Stars

They lit up our rooms at night. 🌟The coolest rooms had these.

Hungry Hungry Hippos

This game truly ignited our spirit of competition. We found ourselves repeatedly pulling that small lever at top speed, disregarding whether a ball was nearby or not.

The game brought out the competitive spirit in us. We ended up pulling that little lever as quickly as possible, often without regard for whether a ball was there or not.

Let’s Go Fishin’

It was soooo satisfying when you got one. 🎣

K’NEX

They filled toy boxes and showed up in random places throughout the house.

Lite-Brite

The advertisements were enchanting, but the actual experience fell short a bit. However, we managed to enjoy ourselves regardless.

LIFE

Our guide for the real thing.

Mall Madness

You might have overlooked it until you spotted the sign with the central escalator, reminding you of a time when malls were extremely popular, much like a tasty snack of chips.

Miss Magic Hair

Oh, the hair accessories! I wish there was a modern-day version of Toys ‘R’ Us from the Millennial era so that people like us who couldn’t afford them as kids could buy them now.

Gosh, those hair stamps! If only there were a contemporary store like Toys ‘R’ Us from the Millennium for folks like us to finally get our hands on them since we couldn’t back then.

Mood Rings

If you don’t appreciate these, feel free to express your feelings non-verbally since that might help indicate your current state.

Mouse Trap

We barely knew how to play it, but we sure did like setting it up.

Nintendo

From Duck Hunt to Super Mario–Classic.

Ninja Turtles

Cowabunga! They were popular then, and they still are today.

Pin Art Board

We put our hands and face in it, and never cleaned it.

Pez Dispensers

They may not have meant to be a toy, but that didn’t stop us from playing with and collecting them.

Operation

Let’s set aside the gruesome detail that the game involved plucking ribs from a person, the mere thought of it was chilling.

Playstation

Hours of Crash Bandicoot played on this.

Pogs

Remember the days when all it took to entertain us was knocking down a stack of these?

Pokémon Cards

“Gotta Catch em All”… (and we tried).

Polly Pocket

The travel-sized doll house.

Poo-Chi Dog

I guess you may have overlooked it. These devices were our top-notch companions in technology. In fact, if we owned more than one, they would often engage in a sort of virtual conversation with each other.

Rainbow Art

We either had the kit or had the commercial seared into our brain.

Power Rangers

The tune of the opening theme truly got us pumped, and we selected our preferred ranger depending on the color of their uniform.

Sega

You can hear it now….”SeGaaa”.

Sky Dancers

1. “These cute mini-helicopters were on a rampage. Although they were cool, getting hit by one wasn’t enjoyable.”
2. “These charming tiny choppers were out for vengeance. While they were impressive, it wasn’t fun if they accidentally bumped into you.”
3. “These cute little whirlybirds were on a bloodthirsty spree. Despite their appeal, getting hit by one wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

Socker Boppers

The best way to work out issues with your siblings.

Spirograph

Made us feel like a legit artist. These for sure when on the refrigerator.

Slinky

We got these just to put them down the stairs.

Slap Bracelets

We would literally just slap them on and off our wrists all day. Had to be pleasant for parents.

Stretch Armstrong

This individual faced tough circumstances, but we pushed and contorted him to the limit. Remarkably, he didn’t snap under the pressure.

Super Nintendo

Mario on this was next level. Countless hours spent riding Yoshi around.

Tamagotchi

A small trinket with a significant influence on us. It taught us valuable lessons about responsibility, as its care required the same diligence as caring for an infant.

Waterful Ring Toss

Simple, yet satisfying.

Tech Deck Finger Skateboards

We put them together, then barely played with them.

Whoopie Cushion

Funny then, funny today. Who can resist a classic fart joke?

YoYos

Hey there! Do you recall those iconic gadgets that reigned supreme? They were the pioneers of the modern fidget toy craze, and I can’t forget the countless hours I spent perfecting tricks to be the undisputed ruler of the playground.

2025-02-25 23:55