Get ready to hop in your DeLorean and rev up the nostalgia engine! Whether you’re an 80s or 90s kid, these top 10 things are guaranteed to bring back those radical memories. From neon vibes to Saturday morning rituals, we’re about to dive into a time when cassette tapes ruled, and the only time we spent indoors was to play 8-bit video games.
I love looking back at all the things I cherished, it helps me to imagine new and fun crochet projects. Memories are so special, but childhood memories can be the best of the best. The world was yours for the taking; and no matter what, we were going to conquer it with while rockin’ our MC Hammer pants and “don’t worry be happy” tee. So, buckle up, because this list is a blast from the past that’ll have you saying, “I totally remember that!”
1. Slap Bracelets
Why it was cool: These bad boys were all the rage! You’d slap them on your wrist, and boom—instant accessory. They came in neon colors, wild patterns, and were the ultimate playground fashion statement. Sometimes you would get one that didn’t quite snap – ouch! Flashback moment: Remember trading these with your friends at recess? Total classroom distraction, but worth it!
I never would have thought to do this, but now I’m going to – yarn-wrapped DIY slap bracelets by Design Improvised. OMG, so cute!
2. Saturday Morning Cartoons
Why it was cool: There was nothing better than grabbing a bowl of sugary cereal and parking your butt in front of the TV for hours of non-stop cartoons. From DuckTales to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it was a weekly ritual we all looked forward to. Somehow, parents are now feeling guilty for doing to same but they shouldn’t, we all turned out fine! Flashback moment: That devastating moment when you realized it was the last episode of your favorite show. No DVR back then!
I have so many ideas for cartoon characters, and will add some to my free crochet pattern gallery very soon – in the meantime why not crochet an adorable tv purse by skymagenta to truly inspire the good old days. Butt planted on the floor in front of the tv for HOURS (mine was also on a cart so we could roll it to the table and watch while we ate!)
3. Cassette Tapes & Mixtapes
Why it was cool: Whether it was recording songs off the radio or making the perfect mixtape for a friend (or crush), cassettes were life. And don’t forget the trusty pencil for rewinding when the tape got all tangled up. Flashback moment: The stress of waiting to hit ‘record’ right when your favorite song came on the radio—no interruptions, please!
Head on over to my patterns to collect your very own C2C crochet pattern for a rad cassette tape to add to your blanket – create in any color to go with the rest of your blanket theme. I love the idea of neon (as you can tell, I love neon….like, a lot).
4. mood rings
Why it was cool: Mood rings were the ultimate accessory for anyone who wanted to feel their emotions (literally). The color-changing gem would “reflect” your mood, cycling through colors like blue for calm or red for excitement. It was part fashion statement, part magical mystery—everyone wanted to know what color their ring would turn next. Flashback moment: Showing your friends your ring and debating whether or not it really worked. Regardless, it made you feel extra cool wearing it!
As a kid, I believed everything. The kid that disappeared behind the moving train (never to be seen again), the ghost on the balcony in my friends house that was definitely there even though I couldn’t seem to get a glimpse, and my mood ring magically knowing how I felt. I do believe in the connection between color and how it makes you feel. Why not use this guide in your next crochet blanket project to assess the “mood” you want to convey.
5. Walkman & CD Players
Why it was cool: Before iPods and Spotify, we had our trusty Walkman or portable CD player. Jamming out to our favorite tunes on-the-go, hoping your CD didn’t skip with every step (unless you saved up for months for the Panasonic Shock Wave like I did, proudest purchase of my teens!) Flashback moment: Carrying around a CD case filled with your fave albums—NSYNC or Backstreet Boys, anyone?
I think the idea of creating purses out of nostalgic memorabilia is just the best. This particular bag by Atelier & Delilah – so cute. And if needlework is your thing, these coasters are to die for. You get the walkman and the cassettes all in one!
6. Beanie Babies
Why it was cool: These cute little stuffed animals were more than just toys; they were investments (or so we thought). We proudly displayed them on shelves, trading with friends and believing we were sitting on a goldmine. Flashback moment: The thrill of getting the rarest Beanie Baby, convinced it would fund your future. I still remember the little plastic snap on covers to protect the precious tags. I think I still have a few beanie babies kicking around here somewhere…
These days Amigurumi has basically taken over. I will in time have some patterns in my shop I’m sure, but for now I found the cutest crochet bear pattern from The Friendly Red Fox. Just look at that cute little face, awe. If you’re a knitter and love vintage – this weldons teddy bear is so sweet.
7. Pogs
Why it was cool: Simple yet addictive, Pogs were all about collecting and slamming. The designs ranged from cool to totally weird, and every kid had a stack ready for battle. I LOVED any that were sparkly! Flashback moment: The heartbreak when you lost your favorite slammer in a high-stakes game.
According to Play, Live, Repeat pogs are back? What?!? I NEED them…but I digress. Personally I would create coasters or, if you were to start your collection back up, then why not a crochet pattern for a pog pouch! Complete with a drawstring.
8. Dial-Up Internet
Why it was cool: Okay, maybe it wasn’t cool, but waiting for that dial-up tone and hearing “You’ve Got Mail” was the ultimate online experience. AOL chat rooms were the original social media. Flashback moment: The struggle of trying to use the internet and your mom picking up the phone, disconnecting you from the world – even though you only really talked to your friends you just saw at school an hour ago…
I was trying my best to think of something clever until I stumbled upon the classic movie You’ve Got Mail from 1998, and the amazing quote “Hey, how about… oh, how about some coffee or, you know, drinks or dinner or a movie… for as long as we both shall live?” Yes please – what a melter. If you are into embroidery you might need this by BZCreationsShop.
9. Tamagotchis & Gigapets
Why it was cool: Taking care of your little digital pet was a full-time job. Feeding, cleaning, and making sure it didn’t die while you were in math class—serious responsibility for a kid. Flashback moment: The panic when you heard the low battery beep, knowing your Tamagotchi was in trouble!
If you still have one kicking around that might have kicked the bucket, but you want to keep it for sentimental reasons why not make a case with a loop to hang on your tree this Christmas! This gave me the best idea for holiday patterns…nay, so many ideas!
10. Frosted Tips & Scrunchies
Why it was cool: Fashion was bold, bright, and sometimes questionable. Frosted tips were the peak of cool guy hair, and scrunchies were the go-to hair accessory for every girl (and sometimes around the wrist for good measure). Ok, I’ll admit I have gone back to them and have one on my wrist as I type this! Flashback moment: Flipping through old photos, realizing how wild our fashion choices were but still feeling a little proud!
Of course you can make your own scrunchies! These are small, but quick, and I love that CJ Design used a velvety yarn. So chic. The scrunchies from Savlabot seem to be a little thicker, and such a unique look. You can make them any color, texture, and thickness you would like. I prefer mine big and thick for my long hair.
And there you have it—a total trip down memory lane! Whether you rocked out to your Walkman or were obsessed with feeding your Tamagotchi, these memories are totally gnarly. What would you add to the list? Drop a comment below and let’s relive the good old days together.
Check out all of my free crochet patterns here!
“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”