Only ’90s Kids Will Remember These 35 Weird, Wonderful Things from the Past

The 1990s were a magical time filled with neon colors, dial-up internet, and a whole lot of quirky trends that defined a generation. Before smartphones ruled the world, life was filled with cassette tapes, slap bracelets, and Saturday morning cartoons that made waking up early totally worth it. While some of these things have faded away completely, others have left a nostalgic imprint on our hearts. Whether you grew up in the ’90s or just appreciate the era’s charm, this list will take you on a time-traveling joyride. Here are 35 things from the ’90s you probably haven’t thought about in years—but definitely will now.

Ask Jeeves

Before Google became the dominant search engine, there was Ask Jeeves, a site that let users ask questions in natural language. The quirky mascot, Jeeves the butler, was designed to make the search process feel more conversational and personal. Users could type questions like “What’s the weather in New York?” and receive straightforward answers, making it a hit in the early days of the internet. While it was innovative for its time, it struggled to keep pace with Google’s powerful search algorithms. Eventually, Ask Jeeves rebranded to Ask.com, shifting its focus to general Q&A rather than search. Though it’s mostly forgotten now, for a brief period, Jeeves was the internet’s go-to butler.

Surge Soda

Surge was the ’90s answer to Mountain Dew, but with a little extra kick. This citrus-flavored, caffeine-packed soda was marketed as the ultimate drink for thrill-seekers. The neon green color and bold flavor made it a favorite among teens. Surge was heavily advertised with edgy campaigns, featuring extreme sports and high-energy music. Despite its cult following, it was discontinued in 2001, leaving fans devastated. But thanks to nostalgic demand, Surge made a limited comeback in the 2010s, proving its lasting impact on ’90s soda culture.

Hit Clips

In the late ’90s, Hit Clips were the portable music players that everyone had to have. These tiny, square devices played short 60-second clips of popular songs, offering a taste of your favorite tunes in a compact form. You’d buy these little plastic cartridges, each containing one song, and pop them into the player. The sound quality wasn’t great, but the novelty was unmatched. Hit Clips were like a preview for your music library, and they were small enough to clip to your backpack. While they never became the music player of choice long-term, they were the ultimate ’90s music accessory for kids on the go.

Butterfly Hair Clips

These tiny, colorful plastic clips were a defining hair trend of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Worn in multiples, they were often used to section off small strands of hair for a playful, fluttery look. Whether you were going for a Y2K style or just copying your favorite pop star, they added instant flair. The clips came in every pastel and glittery shade imaginable. While not always practical, they were undeniably fun and expressive. Today, they’ve made a nostalgic comeback with Gen Z embracing the look all over again.

Windows 95 Startup Sound

The iconic dun-dun-dun-dun-dun that played as Windows 95 booted up became a defining sound of the ’90s. For many, it was the first sound they ever heard when starting up their computer. It signaled the beginning of a new digital era, filled with dial-up internet, floppy disks, and the excitement of early internet browsing. The upbeat melody was simple, but it became synonymous with the thrill of technology advancing. People even joked that it was the sound of “hope” or “progress.” Today, that sound is pure nostalgia, and hearing it again can instantly transport you back to the excitement of early computing.

AOL Trial CDs

Before broadband internet, millions of people got their first taste of online access through AOL’s infamous trial CDs. These colorful discs, often bundled in magazines or mailed out in droves, promised hours of free internet access—usually for a limited time. With AOL’s dial-up service, you’d load the CD, install the software, and connect with the infamous dial-up tones. Every trip to the mailbox might include a new stack of them, each offering more “free” minutes to explore the digital world. Of course, those free minutes were often cut off once you hit the limit, leading to endless frustration. Despite the chaotic frustration, these CDs became the gateway to online chatting, gaming, and the early days of browsing.

Clear Landline Phones

Before the days of sleek smartphones, clear plastic landline phones were the ultimate in ’90s home decor. These phones were see-through, often in bright neon colors, and you could see the inner workings—wires, circuits, and all—making them look high-tech and cool. The novelty of being able to peer inside your phone while you chatted made them a conversation starter. They came in all sorts of shapes, from basic handsets to funky designs with flashing lights or funky shapes. Landline phones might be obsolete now, but back then, a clear phone was a status symbol of cutting-edge style. It was a quirky ’90s trend that made even a phone call feel like an experience.

Pogs and Slammers

These cardboard discs caused playground chaos and lunchtime showdowns. Pogs were collected, traded, and stacked in tall towers, only to be knocked over by metal “slammers.” The game itself was simple, but the competitiveness was fierce. Kids often kept their rarest pogs in special tubes or binders. The designs ranged from cartoons to holographic prints, making each one feel like a treasure. Though the fad was short-lived, pogs were the ’90s version of a social network.

JNCO Jeans

With legs so wide they could hide a small pet, JNCO Jeans were a ’90s fashion phenomenon. These denim monsters were often paired with chain wallets and oversized graphic tees. Popular among skaters and ravers, they made a loud, rebellious statement. The giant back pockets could practically double as backpacks. Parents hated them, which made teens love them more. Though they faded out of style, JNCOs remain an unforgettable symbol of extreme ’90s fashion.

Skip-It

This ankle-bound toy was part jump rope, part fitness tracker, and completely addictive. You’d strap it to one ankle, spin the counter-weighted end, and jump over it with your free foot. The built-in counter made it a competitive game to see who could rack up the most skips. It was a staple of playgrounds and driveways in the ’90s. The commercials made it look effortless—until you tripped and face-planted. Still, mastering it felt like unlocking a secret level of cool.

TV Guide Channel

Before streaming and smart TVs, the TV Guide Channel was how you found out what was on. It displayed a slow-scrolling list of channels and upcoming shows along the bottom of the screen. If you missed your channel, you had to wait for it to cycle back—no fast forwarding. Sometimes there were previews or celebrity gossip playing in a small box above. It was frustratingly slow, but oddly hypnotic. Today, it’s a relic of a time when patience was part of watching TV.

Lite-Brite

Lite-Brite was the ultimate creative toy for kids who loved a little glow with their art. You’d insert small colored pegs into a black, backlit screen to make glowing pictures. Templates helped you recreate popular designs, but freehanding was half the fun. The satisfying click of each peg was part of the experience. It made bedrooms feel like tiny art studios at night. Today, it’s remembered as one of the most low-tech yet magical toys of its time.

Delia*s Catalog

Delia*s wasn’t just a clothing catalog—it was a lifestyle guide for ’90s teens. Packed with quirky fonts, bold patterns, and endlessly cool outfits, it felt like a magazine made by and for girls. It showed up in mailboxes and got passed around at school like a sacred text. Whether you were circling your dream wardrobe or just admiring the models’ edgy looks, it was a fashion moment. The catalog helped define the era’s teen style: chunky shoes, baby tees, and loads of attitude. Even if you never ordered anything, you definitely flipped through it.

Push Pencils

Before mechanical pencils took over, push pencils were the cool classroom accessory. Each came preloaded with a stack of plastic lead cartridges that you pushed through the barrel as the tip wore down. When one piece ran out, you’d pull it out and stick it in the back, pushing a new one forward. Kids loved taking them apart and reordering the tiny leads just for fun. They weren’t the most reliable writing tools, but they looked sleek and futuristic. Somehow, they made even math homework feel a little more exciting.

Magic Eye Posters

If you could “see” the 3D image, you were a genius. Magic Eye posters were both a party trick and a test of patience. You’d stare and cross your eyes, hoping the hidden shape would finally emerge. Some swore it worked every time; others never saw a thing. Mall kiosks sold them in droves. It was the most confusing form of entertainment we couldn’t get enough of.

EZ Squirt Ketchup

Heinz turned heads in the early 2000s with EZ Squirt, a line of ketchup in wild colors like green, purple, and blue. Aimed at kids, the novelty was irresistible—even if it looked like something from outer space. The bright colors made ordinary meals suddenly feel like science experiments. Parents were skeptical, but kids couldn’t get enough. Despite tasting exactly like regular ketchup, the visual shock factor made it a short-lived hit. Eventually, the hype wore off, and the product was discontinued, but it remains a bizarre food memory for many.

Giga Pets

Before smartphones and apps, Giga Pets were the ultimate pocket-sized responsibility. These digital pets required constant feeding, cleaning, and attention—missing a few hours could mean virtual death. Kids clipped them to backpacks and checked on them obsessively during class. Each one had its own personality, from dogs to dinosaurs to aliens. Competing with Tamagotchis, Giga Pets sparked debates about which brand was better. They were a crash course in time management and digital devotion.

Velcro Wallets

These were the must-have wallets for kids and teens in the ’90s, often made of nylon and available in bold, neon colors. The satisfying rriiip of the Velcro opening was unmistakable and echoed through school hallways and arcades. They typically featured a clear ID slot, a zippered coin pocket, and sometimes even cartoon characters or sports logos. Durable and affordable, they were perfect for holding allowance money or arcade tokens. Some even came with a matching lanyard or keychain ring. Over time, the loud Velcro sound became a dead giveaway if you were trying to be discreet. While most adults eventually upgraded to leather wallets, Velcro versions still spark instant nostalgia.

Cassette Tape Rewinders

Before CDs and digital playlists, cassette tapes were the go-to for music lovers. But rewinding them in a tape player was slow and drained the device’s batteries. Enter the standalone cassette rewinder—a gadget dedicated solely to zipping tapes back to the beginning. Many were shaped like cars or came in bright, funky colors. They sped things up and saved wear and tear on your stereo. For mixtape makers and music fans, they were an essential part of the listening ritual.

MASH Game

MASH stood for Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House—a childhood fortune-telling game that “predicted” your future life. Using a paper and pen, you’d list categories like who you’d marry, what job you’d have, or what car you’d drive. A friend would draw a spiral or tally marks to randomly eliminate options until one in each category remained. The results were always absurd, like marrying your math teacher and living in a shack with a pet llama. Still, the game was a sleepover staple and a guaranteed laugh. It was a perfect mix of imagination, chaos, and low-stakes drama.

Koosh Balls

Koosh Balls were an iconic ’90s toy that consisted of a mass of rubber filaments attached to a small central core. Their unique texture made them irresistibly fun to squish and throw. Kids loved tossing them around, watching them bounce unpredictably in all directions. The tactile sensation of squeezing the soft rubber was oddly satisfying. Unlike most toys, Koosh Balls were low-maintenance—no batteries, no assembly, just pure, simple fun. They quickly became a staple in toy boxes and were often used as stress-relievers or mini hand exercisers.

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers

Mr. Sketch markers were the ultimate sensory experience in the ’90s. Each marker was not only brightly colored but also released a distinctive scent when used. With flavors like cherry, grape, and even mint, they made coloring feel like a treat for your nose as much as your eyes. Kids loved using them to create vibrant art while enjoying the sweet, fruity smells that filled the air. The markers were often a coveted item in classrooms and at home. While they may have faded from mainstream use, they remain a nostalgic favorite for anyone who grew up in the ’90s.

Slap Bracelets

Slap bracelets were one of the most iconic fads of the early ’90s. Made of flexible metal covered in colorful fabric or plastic, they’d curl around your wrist with a satisfying snap. Kids loved the tactile thrill of slapping them on over and over again. They came in wild patterns—leopard print, neon, glitter, even cartoon characters. Eventually, schools started banning them due to minor injuries and the distraction they caused. Still, they remain a fun symbol of how simple toys could totally take over a playground.

Bubble Chairs

These transparent, hanging acrylic chairs looked like something out of a futuristic spaceship. Often suspended from the ceiling with a metal chain, they offered a unique way to lounge and spin. Popular in teen bedrooms and magazine spreads, they added instant cool to any space. The rounded shape made you feel like you were floating in your own personal bubble. While not the most comfortable seating option, they were a major style statement. Today, they’re a retro design icon that instantly screams late-’90s glam.

Aladdin Pants (Harem Pants)

These super-baggy, low-crotch pants were a bizarre fashion hit in the ’90s. Inspired by genie attire and popularized by MC Hammer, they offered maximum comfort and questionable style. Kids and teens rocked them in neon colors and wild patterns. They were equal parts bold statement and walking punchline. Despite their odd look, they were surprisingly freeing to wear. Today, they’re mostly remembered as a fashion experiment that never really came back.

Nickelodeon Gak

Gak was the gloriously gooey, stretchy, and squishy toy that came in neon colors and a plastic splat-shaped container. It made rude, fart-like noises when pushed into its container, which was half the appeal for kids. Nickelodeon marketed it with wild commercials that leaned into its messy, irreverent charm. It felt like a cross between slime and silly putty, but with more attitude. Every kid wanted one, even if it grossed parents out. Gak wasn’t just a toy—it was a sensory experience straight out of the ’90s.

Bop It

This handheld electronic game gave frantic voice commands like “Bop it,” “Twist it,” and “Pull it”—and you had to respond instantly. The commands got faster the longer you played, turning it into a high-stress memory challenge. With its catchy sound effects and rhythmic gameplay, Bop It was perfect for parties and long car rides. It wasn’t just a toy—it was a test of coordination and focus. Later versions added even more actions, like “Spin it” and “Flick it.” Few toys have caused as much laughter and frustration in such a short time.

Jelly Sandals

These translucent, glittery plastic shoes were a ’90s summer fashion must-have. They came in every color imaginable and were often paired with socks (for better or worse). Kids wore them to the beach, the park, and just about everywhere else. Despite their squeaky charm, they weren’t exactly comfortable—blisters were almost guaranteed. Still, their shiny, candy-like appearance made them irresistible. Today, they’re a nostalgic fashion throwback that occasionally makes a comeback.

Chain Wallets

Chain wallets were the ultimate ’90s accessory for skaters, punks, and rebellious teens. With a thick metal chain connecting your wallet to a belt loop, they were as much about style as security. The clinking sound they made as you walked was basically a badge of attitude. Even if your wallet was empty, the chain made a statement. They were common in mall stores like Hot Topic and became a staple of alternative fashion. Though mostly impractical, they embodied the carefree, edgy spirit of the decade.

Gooey Alien Eggs

These squishy plastic eggs came with a jelly-like alien baby inside—sometimes even two. Kids were obsessed with the slime texture and stretchy, sticky feel. Playground rumors swirled that if you left two aliens together, they’d “have babies.” Spoiler: they never did, but the myth only added to their appeal. They were cheap, gross, and completely irresistible. It was one of those weird ’90s toys that made no sense—but that was the whole point.

Sega Channel

The Sega Channel was an ahead-of-its-time gaming service that let players download Sega Genesis games through their cable TV connection. It launched in the mid-’90s and offered access to dozens of rotating titles each month. No cartridges were needed—just a special adapter and a subscription fee. For many kids, it felt like gaming magic, especially before the internet was widely used. It wasn’t available everywhere and required cooperation from cable providers, which limited its reach. Still, for those lucky enough to have it, it felt like a glimpse into the future of gaming.

Candy Necklaces and Bracelets

Wearing your candy was just as important as eating it in the ’90s. These stretchy accessories were made of pastel-colored, chalky candies strung onto elastic. Kids wore them to school, parties, and carnivals, proudly showing off their edible bling. The candy got sticky fast, especially after a few bites, but no one cared. Stretching the band to take a bite without snapping it on your neck was a skill. They were sweet, silly, and perfectly suited to the playful spirit of the decade.

Mouse Balls (Remember When Mice Had Balls?)

Before optical mice became the norm, computer mice had rubber balls inside that physically rolled to track movement. These “mouse balls” needed regular cleaning, as dust and lint would clog the rollers and cause erratic cursor behavior. Prying one out felt oddly satisfying, like unlocking a tech secret. Kids would play with the balls like marbles, even though they weren’t meant to be removed. Offices kept spares in drawers, and losing one meant your mouse was useless. It’s a strange piece of tech history that now feels almost comically outdated.

Pencil Toppers with Troll Dolls

Troll dolls were a quirky ’90s phenomenon that made their way onto pencils in the form of colorful, hair-raising toppers. With their wild neon hair and exaggerated facial expressions, these little figures added personality to every school supply. Kids would collect them, trade them, and even name them, making them more than just desk decorations. Their bouncy heads were perfect for fidgeting during class, but they also served as good luck charms before tests. The small figures were often sold with other novelty items at school book fairs. Though they’ve faded in popularity, the memory of those tiny, eccentric dolls remains a staple of ’90s school life.

Bubble Tape

“Six feet of bubble gum—for you, not them!” This iconic pink roll of gum was a lunchtime staple for kids in the ’90s. It came in a small, portable container that let you unroll and chew as much as you wanted. The sugary flavor faded quickly, but the novelty of the tape kept kids coming back for more. It was impossible to chew without showing off to your friends. Bubble Tape made regular stick gum seem boring by comparison.