Back to the 80s
The ’80s weren’t just big hair and faintly ridiculous clothes - everyday life had a certain charm to it that seems sadly gone now. Furniture and appliances lasted years, you’d visit the video store every Friday night, you read books rather than screens – it’s no wonder so many people miss the decade with a burning ache. Here are 17 everyday ’80s staples that really need to be brought back.
Arcade Games
There’s a lot of nostalgia surrounding arcade games right now and it’s easy to see why. There was just so much fun packed into Pac-Man or one of the Star Wars games. These days, people prefer to sit down on the Xbox and shoot each other on Call of Duty – the social aspect has gone.
Home-Cooked Meals
Sure, people still cook, but in the ’80s it was the norm, not the exception. There was something comforting about sitting down to a meal that you knew your family member had worked all day on. Now, people seem to prefer to order takeout more than anything else.
Solid Wood Furniture
Back in the ’80s, furniture wasn’t made of cheap and flimsy particle board - it was actually built to last. Your dresser could survive multiple moves and still look great. Today’s furniture feels downright disposable in comparison, and to some it’s a huge disappointment.
Handwritten Letters
In the ‘80s, you could go to the postbox and find a beautiful handwritten letter just waiting for you. Grandparents were especially good at sending these. These days people just send emails and DMs with a million emojis, and it’s nowhere near as good as getting a personalized letter.
Renting Movies From Video Stores
Friday nights meant a trip to the local video store, scanning aisles for the perfect (and age-appropriate) movie to keep you and your siblings entertained all night. Sometimes you’d argue over what to get, but that was all part of the experience, and it’s such a shame it’s gone now. RIP, Blockbuster. Goodnight sweet prince.
Home Libraries
It was very common in the ‘80s for homes to have a whole library, essentially, in the house. The books would be collected over many years and there would be some endlessly re-readable classics in there. Now, physical books are overlooked in favor of endless screens. It’s a shame.
Affordable College Education
Once upon a time, you could work a summer job and pay your tuition without taking on decades of debt. Ah, those were the days. While it’s not exactly an “item” to bring back, the idea of affordable college education is something we should have kept for the good of everyone.
Writing in Cursive
Remember when schools actually taught cursive? It wasn’t just about neat handwriting - it felt almost like making art sometimes. Back then even short notes had personality, and writing them was oddly satisfying. Now, with everyone typing, cursive feels like a sadly lost skill. The kids of today don’t know what they’re missing.
Polaroid Cameras
Instant gratification! You’d take the shot, wait a minute, and watch the picture fade into view. Each Polaroid was unique - no filters, no retakes, just the moment as it was. Polaroids badly need to make a comeback, but no luck yet. Regrettably, people just prefer their Instagrams.
Vinyl Records
Yes, vinyl is making a slow comeback, but in the ’80s it was the only way to enjoy music. You got to enjoy the album art, as well, and just hold a physical object in your hands. Streaming may be convenient, but physical media just can’t be beaten.
Regular Shopping
In the ’80s, “shopping” meant going to actual stores. You could see, touch, and try on things before buying them. Plus, it was a social event - running into friends, talking to staff, lounging around in coffee shops. Online shopping is convenient, but it really feels like we’ve lost something.
Durable Appliances
In the ’80s, your fridge, washer, or blender could last decades. But today, it feels like appliances are designed to fail after a few years – and in some cases they actually are: planned obsolesce is a thing. People are angry about their modern-day appliances breaking all the time, and rightly so.
Station Wagons
Before SUVs took over, the station wagon was the family car to beat. They had room for everything - luggage, coolers, even a dog - and usually came with that rear-facing back seat where kids could wave at cars behind them. Awww.
Rotary Phones
They were slow, they were clunky, and they’re very sorely missed. They’re a representation of a time when life was a bit slower, and if you wanted to call someone it had to be slow and deliberate. Now, cell phones have totally taken over, and while obviously they’re an intrinsic part of modern life now, many miss the old rotary phones.
Free Driver’s Ed
Many high schools offered free driver’s ed, making it easy for teens to learn the rules of the road without expensive private lessons. It was a rite of passage - getting your license felt like the first step into adulthood. But now, it’s so expensive it puts people off.
Car Phones
Long before smartphones, car phones were the ultimate status symbol. Sure, they were bulky and expensive, but there was something undeniably cool about making a call from your car. These days, people just answer their cell phone in their car – which is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Travel Agent Bookings
Before online booking, travel agents handled all the details - flights, hotels, even little extras you didn’t know you wanted. They knew all the best deals and could save you from trouble. Now it’s all on you, unless you’ve got very deep pockets.
