1. Fanny Packs
Back in the ’80s, fanny packs were a must-have accessory for any schoolkid. These handy little bags allowed you to carry your essentials while keeping your hands free for more important things—like trading stickers or trying to master a yo-yo. They came in every color of the rainbow, often featuring flashy designs or even neon lights. However, today’s fashion standards wouldn’t dare allow a fanny pack to make its way into the classroom. With an emphasis on sleek, minimalist styles, fanny packs are mostly seen as a fashion faux pas, and their practicality is often overshadowed by their outdated appearance.
While they once screamed convenience and were all the rage among kids, the idea of wearing one today would likely get you a few raised eyebrows from teachers and peers alike. The once-cherished accessory is now more likely to be relegated to the back of a closet or as a fun retro costume accessory. So, unless you’re attending a ’80s themed event, it’s best to leave your fanny pack at home if you want to avoid the embarrassment.
2. Lunchables
Lunchables were the pinnacle of ’80s school lunches, offering an “all-in-one” meal packed in a neat, compact box. Kids loved the idea of assembling their own tiny sandwiches or munching on crackers, cheese, and lunch meat, all while feeling like they were eating a grown-up meal. These pre-packaged delights were a convenient solution for parents who didn’t have time to pack elaborate lunches. But in today’s health-conscious world, Lunchables are often considered less of a treat and more of a nutritional disaster.
Filled with processed meats, artificial ingredients, and an unhealthy amount of sodium, they’re no longer seen as a smart lunch option. With increasing awareness of childhood obesity and healthier eating habits, Lunchables are a thing of the past for most schoolkids. Today, parents are more likely to pack fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade sandwiches, steering away from the overly processed snacks of yesteryear.
3. Trapper Keepers
Trapper Keepers were the ultimate school organizational tool back in the ’80s, featuring vibrant, eye-catching designs that reflected the era’s bold style. With their expandable folders and zippered pockets, they seemed like the perfect way to keep your papers neat and tidy. Kids loved them not only for their practicality but also for the fun designs featuring everything from unicorns to action heroes. But today’s students would likely get a few puzzled looks if they tried to show up with one of these bulky binders.
The sleek, digital age has moved away from the need for such physical storage, with students relying on laptops and tablets to store their notes and assignments. The colorful, often clunky Trapper Keeper has been replaced by thinner, more minimalist binders and digital devices, reflecting a shift towards more modern, tech-savvy organization. So, while a Trapper Keeper may have once been the height of cool, it’s now a relic of the past that no one would dare tote to class today.
4. Permed Hair
For a brief period in the ’80s, permed hair was the epitome of style. Whether you had long, voluminous curls or tight ringlets, the perm was a way to stand out and embrace the vibrant, bold attitude of the decade. Kids spent hours in salons getting their hair chemically processed to achieve the perfect volume, but today, that’s a no-go for most students. With the rise of natural hairstyles and a growing awareness of the damage perms can do to your hair, this style is now a thing of the past.
Nowadays, students are more likely to embrace their natural texture or opt for more subtle styling methods. With perms now seen as outdated and potentially harmful, it’s a look that most kids would avoid in favor of a more modern, healthy hairstyle. It’s funny to think that the once-popular ’80s perm, which was practically a rite of passage for many, would now be considered socially unacceptable.
5. Slap Bracelets
In the ’80s, slap bracelets were the hottest trend, with kids slapping them on their wrists to create a fun, colorful accessory that wrapped around your arm in a satisfying snap. They were so popular that you could find them in nearly every schoolyard, each one sporting a different design or color. However, slap bracelets quickly fell out of favor once they were deemed dangerous due to their sharp edges. Kids would sometimes hurt themselves or others, leading schools to ban them altogether.
Fast forward to today, and slap bracelets are a total no-go in school halls. Teachers and administrators would likely frown upon the sight of a slap bracelet, concerned more about safety than fashion. While they remain a nostalgic item for adults who remember the fun they had with them, these toys are best kept as a memory rather than a trendy accessory.
6. Portable Video Games
Portable video games were the ultimate distraction for ’80s kids, especially with the introduction of handheld devices like the Game Boy. Kids would sneak these devices into school to play between classes or during recess, completely engrossed in their pixelated adventures. While these games were groundbreaking at the time, today’s students would have a much harder time getting away with playing them in school. With the increase in smartphone usage and more advanced technology, playing old-school handheld video games now seems out of touch.
Moreover, with schools focusing more on digital learning and educational apps, playing video games at school is generally considered a violation of screen-time policies. Kids today are more likely to be told to put away their phones or tablets during class, with a much greater emphasis on using technology for learning rather than play. So, while the Game Boy was once the pinnacle of portable gaming, it’s now just another reminder of how quickly technology advances.
7. Neon Clothing
In the ’80s, neon was a bold statement. Kids loved to wear bright, fluorescent colors that practically glowed under black lights. From neon pink leggings to highlighter yellow socks, it was all about standing out. Today, however, neon clothing is almost universally avoided by school dress codes. Bright colors are no longer seen as edgy or fun but are often considered distracting or inappropriate for the classroom. Most schools today prefer more subdued, neutral tones that allow students to focus on learning rather than attracting attention.
Even fashion-forward trends today lean toward pastel shades and earth tones, with neon taking a back seat in the wardrobe. While it was once the perfect way to make a fashion statement, the era of neon is long gone in favor of styles that are more in line with current trends. So unless you’re heading to a ’90s-themed rave, you’re likely to leave your neon wardrobe in the past.
8. Pogs
Pogs were an essential part of the ’80s and early ’90s playground culture. Kids would gather in circles, slamming their slammers onto stacks of Pogs, hoping to collect more than their friends. It was a competitive game that spread like wildfire in schools, but today, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who remembers what Pogs even are. With safety concerns about the small, choking-hazard pieces and the game’s distracting nature, most schools banned them after a short, intense burst of popularity.
Now, the thought of children playing Pogs during recess seems utterly outdated, especially with today’s preference for digital entertainment like smartphones and tablets. It’s hard to imagine any modern-day schoolyard playing host to this spinning, slamming game. Pogs have long been relegated to dusty boxes in attics, as kids today look toward other ways to pass the time during their breaks.
9. Walkmans
Walkmans were the original personal music players, and they were an essential part of ’80s kids’ daily lives. Whether they were listening to tapes or later CDs, the Walkman provided kids with an outlet for their favorite tunes, even on the go. However, today’s kids would never be caught with a Walkman in tow. With the advent of smartphones and streaming services, carrying around a bulky tape player is now viewed as completely impractical.
Modern students typically use their phones or digital music devices for everything from listening to music to socializing, making Walkmans practically obsolete. In fact, you’d likely be considered out of touch if you walked into a classroom with one of these relics. The convenience of digital music has far surpassed the clunky, analog technology of the Walkman, leaving it in the past where it belongs.
10. Cabbage Patch Dolls
Cabbage Patch Dolls were the must-have toy of the ’80s, and kids everywhere carried them to school, showing off their unique, squishy faces. They were prized for their “adoptive” nature, making every doll feel like your very own special child. Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to imagine any child bringing a Cabbage Patch Doll to class. In today’s age of tech-savvy toys and virtual games, bringing a soft, stitched-up doll to school would likely be seen as odd.
What was once a highly anticipated, Christmas must-have has faded into a distant memory, now mainly found in thrift stores or tucked away in attics. Today’s toys are generally more interactive and technological, making Cabbage Patch Dolls feel like a relic of an era gone by. So while the dolls may hold sentimental value for many, they’re definitely not making a comeback in today’s classrooms.
11. Tamagotchi
The Tamagotchi was the epitome of virtual pet ownership in the ’90s. Kids would bring their digital pets to school, feeding them, playing with them, and even cleaning up after them—sometimes to the detriment of their education. While the toys were incredibly popular at the time, you won’t see anyone trying to care for a Tamagotchi during class today. With schools placing more focus on minimizing distractions and encouraging academic attention, the presence of a virtual pet would be a major disruption.
Today’s kids have moved on to other forms of entertainment, such as tablet apps or smartphones, leaving behind the once-innovative Tamagotchi. The digital pets are now more of a nostalgic novelty than an acceptable classroom companion. It’s hard to imagine a teacher tolerating a classroom full of students distracted by the beeping of their virtual pets, especially when the classroom experience has become so much more focused on technology-driven learning.
12. Lisa Frank Stickers
Lisa Frank stickers were a beloved collection for ’80s and ’90s kids, with their bright, colorful designs featuring everything from unicorns to pandas. Kids plastered their notebooks, folders, and even lunchboxes with these whimsical designs, proudly showing off their collections. But in today’s classrooms, you’d be hard-pressed to find any Lisa Frank stickers—let alone the highly coveted sticker sheets. They have long been replaced by more “grown-up” forms of personalization, with students opting for simpler, more sophisticated designs.
With the push toward minimalism and sleek, modern accessories, Lisa Frank’s colorful, cartoonish designs no longer fit in with the current school aesthetic. Today’s students are more likely to be carrying plain notebooks or tech accessories that reflect current design trends. While Lisa Frank stickers remain a fun throwback for adults, they’re definitely not a staple of today’s school supplies.
13. Skateboards
Skateboards were a huge part of ’80s kids’ identity, especially for those who lived in California or other skate culture hubs. Schoolyards would often become informal skateparks, with kids showing off their tricks and flips during recess. But in modern schools, bringing a skateboard to school is a surefire way to get into trouble. Many schools have banned skateboards for safety reasons, as the risk of injury from trying to skateboard on school grounds outweighs the fun.
Today, most kids who enjoy skating do so at designated skate parks, where the activity is safer and more controlled. The freedom of skating around school is long gone, as kids are more focused on structured activities and sports. Skateboards, once a symbol of youthful rebellion and style, are now viewed as a potential hazard on school property.
14. Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes were a staple of ’80s kids’ wardrobes, with their colorful plastic designs and comfortable fit. Whether in neon hues or sparkly versions, these shoes were the perfect blend of practical and cute. However, bringing jelly shoes to school today would likely earn you some strange looks. With the shift toward more durable and supportive footwear, jelly shoes are now considered impractical and outdated.
Not to mention, they often gave kids blisters, and the plastic material doesn’t always hold up well over time. Today, kids are more likely to wear sneakers or slip-ons, which are both more versatile and stylish. Jelly shoes might have been the trend of the moment, but their moment has long passed.
15. Slang from ’80s Movies
In the ’80s, slang from popular movies like The Breakfast Club and Fast Times at Ridgemont High made their way into the everyday language of schoolkids. Words like “totally tubular” and “gag me with a spoon” were heard all over the halls. However, using these phrases today would likely make you the target of ridicule. Kids today prefer more modern lingo, and hearing someone talk like they just stepped out of a teen movie from 1985 would be a bit cringeworthy.
The language of today’s kids is shaped by current trends, with influences from social media, YouTube, and memes rather than ’80s teen flicks. So, while it’s fun to reminisce about the slang that defined a generation, it’s clear that the colorful expressions of the ’80s have become relics of a bygone era.
16. Big Hair
Big hair was all the rage in the ’80s. From permed curls to teased-out manes, it was about volume, volume, volume. Kids spent hours using hairspray, mousse, and gel to create gravity-defying styles. But today’s school halls are much more likely to feature sleek, polished haircuts than the towering hairdos of the ’80s.
With a move toward more natural looks, big hair has fallen out of favor. Today, most students prefer more manageable styles that don’t require hours of maintenance. The idea of showing up to school with a hairdo that looks like it could double as a bird’s nest is no longer a goal, making the dramatic hair trends of the ’80s a distant memory.
17. Beepers
Before cell phones, kids had beepers (or pagers) to stay in touch with their friends and family. The beeper was often attached to a belt or carried in a pocket, buzzing to alert its owner to a phone call. But today, beepers are completely obsolete. With the ubiquity of smartphones, the beeper is as outdated as the Walkman. Most students rely on their cell phones for communication, making the beeper a relic of a time when technology was still figuring out how to connect us.
Today, it’s all about instant messaging, social media, and texting, so bringing a beeper to school would be seen as impractical. There’s no need to worry about receiving a page and finding a phone to call back when everything is available in the palm of your hand. The beeper might have been cool in its day, but its time has long since passed.
18. Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs, made famous by stars like Farrah Fawcett, were a hot trend in the ’80s. Kids would spend hours trying to perfect their feathered look with a blow dryer and a round brush. But feathered bangs today? Definitely not a thing. With the rise of sleeker, more modern hairstyles, feathered bangs are now seen as outdated and even a little goofy.
Today’s students are more likely to opt for straight-across bangs or no bangs at all, as feathered styles are reserved for nostalgia rather than current trends. The time and effort it took to perfect those bangs just isn’t worth it in an era where simplicity rules when it comes to hair styling. Feathered bangs might have had their moment, but their moment is firmly in the past.