When we think back at past times, there are always those moments that we cringe to remember. The bad haircuts, tacky outfits, and hilarious trends. It is easy to feel this subconscious positioning of oneself in relation to the past–when we think we are superior now to who we were then. But I tend to sometimes wonder what it is that is popular now, that in a couple of years, we will look back on with the same confused laugh and say, “How was this acceptable?” But of course, that is not always the case. There are in fact some fads that we wish were still as acceptable as they were in the past—those few songs, foods, and fashion statements that we cannot help but miss. If you’re still skeptical of what I am referring to then check out this list of past time greatness that will guarantee to jog your memory for the good old glory days.
1. Board games (such as Mouse Trap)
Remember when there would be commercials on TV advertising family game night?
2. DVDs
We used to always count down the days for the DVD version of a movie to come out after we saw it in theaters. Or when I was little and I packed my DVD player for a long car ride or travel days. But now, with On Demand and Netflix I can’t think of a reason why anybody would need to purchase a DVD. Some people may not even have a DVD player to watch it with!
3. Dunkaroos
The best surprise of all time was when you went over for a playdate t your friend’s house and they had these in their snack cabinet.
4. Dodger Shorts
My friends and I would wear Dodgers shorts all the time to school—but of course we wore them with a nice Abercrombie and Fitch shirt. #Duh
5. Trix Yogurt
Trix is for kids!
6. iPods
When was the last time you saw someone use an iPod? Ever since the iPhone revolution, you have all the music you’ll ever need right on your phone or on Spotify. The last time I remember was using my iPod shuffle on the bus during trip days at camp.
7. Easy Bake Ovens
You are lying if this was not on one of your Christmas orHanukkah wish lists growing up. The most epic toy of all time; I honestly wish I still had mine.
8. Tie Dye
Or better yet matching tie dye with tie dye. I wish that this was still an acceptable trend to wear. Tie dye will always be my favorite print. The days when it was acceptable to walk out of the house wearing tie dye Soffe shorts with a matching tie-dye messenger bag will forever be happy memories for me.
9. Cha Cha Cha Chia pets
I am still not exactly sure what this toy was, but I do know that it had the most annoying commercial ever.
10. Minute Maid Juice Bars
I got these every day of day camp; they were literally amazing. Where did they go?!
11. Sticker Books
Growing up, my friends and I had the most amazing sticker book collections. I would beg my mom to take me to A.I. Friedman's and make her spend $20 or something absurd like that on stickers. I loved getting the pop-up ones or the fun oily ones so that I could show them off and trade them on the camp bus. #StickerGoals
12. Oreo O’s Cereal
I used to beg my mom to buy this in the grocery store for us. However, every time I would be shut down with: “It’s so unhealthy.” I guess most mothers felt the same way, because I haven’t seen those boxes on the shelves in ages.
13. Moon Shoes
These were actually so dope. Imagine if they had caught on now.
14. Wonderballs
I used to see these all the time on check-out lines. It was a genius combination of candy and toys mixed together in one.
15. Lunchables
I remember being so mad at my mom for not letting me ever get these as a kid. Just the other day in college, I exercised my independence and bought one to try for myself. It tasted pretty good, but it was only then that I realized she was really being a good parent for not letting my lunch consist of that.
16. Reading for pleasure
Honestly, I miss this. I have so much work, stress, and technology in my life now that it is hard to find the time to read. When I was little, I used to read a book every night before bed. I miss reading books for just the simple reason: because it’s fun.
