90s Trends Gone: Crystal Pepsi, Tamagotchis, and More!

Remember When? 90s Fads That Vanished From Our Lives

The 1990s were a wild time for trends, from fashion to food to technology. Many of us look back fondly on this era, but not everything from the ’90s has stood the test of time. A recent video from Watch Mojo counts down the top 50 things from the ’90s that no longer exist, and it’s a trip down memory lane filled with some surprising goodbyes.

Crystal Pepsi: The Clear Choice That Wasn’t

Kicking off the list at number 50 is the one and only Crystal Pepsi. In the ’90s, even soda had to be cool. Pepsi tried to make a splash with this clear, see-through drink, which they marketed as pure and healthy. It was an overnight sensation for a while, with everyone from kids to adults grabbing a bottle. But the competition, especially Coca-Cola’s Tab Clear, was fierce. After only two years, Crystal Pepsi disappeared from shelves. While it’s made a few limited comebacks, it’s mostly remembered as a classic ’90s fad.

Tamagotchis: The Digital Pets That Demanded Constant Attention

Next up at number 49 is the Tamagotchi craze. Before smartphones and apps, these egg-shaped digital pets were all the rage. Kids (and adults!) had to constantly feed, play with, and care for their virtual creatures. Forgetting to feed your Tamagotchi meant facing the dreaded virtual death, a terror that many ’90s kids will never forget. While you can still buy Tamagotchis today, the original fervor and high-stakes gameplay are hard to replicate. The constant beeping and demands for attention made them a unique, if sometimes stressful, part of ’90s childhood.

Candy Cigarettes and Slap Bracelets: Playtime Perils

At number 48, we have candy cigarettes. The idea of kids mimicking adult smoking habits, even with candy, eventually led to these being banned in many places. While they were a playful novelty for some, the association with smoking made them a no-go for schools and parents. Following closely at number 47 are slap bracelets. These colorful, metallic bands were a huge playground status symbol in the ’90s. Kids would collect them and wear them proudly. However, after reports of injuries from the sharp edges, schools began banning them. While they might seem harmless now, their reign as a must-have accessory was cut short.

The ‘Just Say No’ Campaign: A Well-Intentioned Failure

Number 46 brings us to the ‘Just Say No’ initiative. This anti-drug campaign, famously promoted by Nancy Reagan, aimed to teach young people about substance abuse. The slogan was simple and direct: just say no. However, studies later showed that the campaign had little effect on actual drug use. Many found it too simplistic or even boring. While the intention was good, the execution fell flat, and it’s now remembered more as a well-meaning but ultimately ineffective effort.

Skippets, Wet Seal, and Lawn Darts: Fads That Faltered

Number 45, Skippets, were a fun ankle-twirling toy that took over summer afternoons. You’d tie the plastic ring around one foot and hop over it with the other. They were addictive and skillful, but overexposure and potential for ankle injuries led to their decline. At number 44, we revisit the mall staple, Wet Seal. This store was a haven for teenage girls looking for trendy and fun clothing. Sadly, changing fashion tastes and competition from stores like Forever 21 led to Wet Seal closing all its physical locations in 2017.

Number 43, lawn darts, were a backyard game that seems incredibly dangerous in hindsight. Weighted darts were meant to be thrown at targets, but injuries quickly mounted. The game was eventually recalled and banned due to safety concerns. It’s a stark reminder of how product safety standards have changed over the years.

Personal Ads, Lax Airport Security, and Milli Vanilli: Things We Won’t See Again

Before the internet made everything instant, personal ads in newspapers (number 42) were how people bought and sold items or looked for dates. You’d pay to place an ad and hope someone called. It was a slow, old-fashioned way of connecting. Then there’s number 41: lax airport security. The events of 9/11 drastically changed how we travel, making the casual security checks of the ’90s a distant memory. The creation of the TSA means those days of easy airport access are gone forever.

At number 40, we have the infamous Milli Vanilli. This pop duo won a Grammy but were later exposed for lip-syncing their entire album. The scandal was huge, leading to them being stripped of their award and becoming a laughingstock. Despite attempts to revive their career, they never regained the fame they briefly had.

Butterfly Clips, Computer Games, and Classroom Movies: ’90s Joys

Number 39, butterfly clips, were a colorful and cute accessory that held back sections of hair. They were a major fashion statement, especially for elementary school girls. While similar clips exist, they don’t hold the same pop culture power. Number 38 brings us to computer games. Think Solitaire, Minesweeper, and Roller Coaster Tycoon played on dial-up internet. These simple games were a huge part of ’90s childhood, offering endless entertainment on slow computers.

Number 37 is a treat many kids today can only dream of: watching a movie in class. When the teacher wheeled in a bulky TV with a VCR, it meant a break from lessons and a chance to enjoy a film. It was a special event that signaled movie time and a welcomed change of pace.

Toys R Us, Smoking Sections, and More: The End of an Era

Number 36, Toys R Us, was a retail giant that defined toy shopping for generations. The iconic store, with its massive selection, sadly filed for bankruptcy in 2017 due to the rise of online shopping and changing markets. Number 35 touches on smoking sections. In restaurants and public places, designated areas for smokers were common. As public opinion on smoking shifted, these sections gradually disappeared, reflecting a broader societal change.

The list goes on, highlighting everything from the fall of Millie Vanilli to the simple joy of butterfly clips. Each item represents a piece of ’90s culture that has faded, but the memories remain strong for those who lived through it.

Source: Top 50 Things from the 90s That Don't Exist Anymore (YouTube)