Lisa O
Do you remember paging your friends with a special code instead of texting them? Or rushing to the store to check if they had the newest Beanie Babies? These were everyday activities for kids growing up in the 1990s. Since then, the world has changed a lot. But there are still many ways to tell if you have a ’90s kid spirit. Here are 30 things literally every Millennial had in their parent’s house growing up in the ’90s.
Essential Frozen Juice Concentrate
Cans of frozen juice concentrate were a freezer staple for making “fresh juice.” Many people today might not know what frozen orange juice concentrate is—but it used to be in every American home. By removing the water from fresh juice, a concentrate was made that could be easily shipped nationwide. This product played a big role in boosting the orange juice industry.
Trusted Home Remedies Handbook
Here’s another thing every millennial had in their parent’s house: A copy of The Doctors Book of Home Remedies. It was often found in the kitchen among the cookbooks. When it was first published in 1990, it became a crucial part of Rodale Books’ most successful series. Twenty years, ten spinoffs, and millions of copies later—this book is still as popular as ever.
Iconic Little Tikes Picnic Table
The orange and yellow Little Tikes Picnic Table was often covered in crayon marks or faded from the sun if left outside for years. It was a popular choice for outdoor spaces in the ’90s, known for its durability and roomy seating. Perfect for gatherings and kids’ activities—it was a convenient addition to any backyard.
Reliable Landline Telephones
Remember those landline phones with squishy buttons and a light that turned on when you picked up the receiver? Back in the early 1990s, most homes had these phones. They were connected to a single phone jack, meaning each house had just one telephone line. These phones were very common, and everyone had their favorite spot for making calls—whether it was in the kitchen, living room, or a cozy corner.
Handy Answering Machine Tapes
Backup mini-tapes for the answering machine were often found in the junk drawer of every ’90s house. These tapes recorded messages and were always handy. Data tapes were used similarly to back up computer data before hard drives were common. They were stable and cost-effective—making them popular. However, the drawback was that finding and reading data from these tapes took a long time.
Homey Kitchen Resin Decor
Back in the ’90s, many homes had a special touch in their kitchen decor with Homey Food resin wall decor. It was a common sight—especially if your kitchen had a country apple theme instead of country geese. Decorating our homes with things we cherish has always been a way to make them feel cozy and personal.
Fragrant Glade PlugIns
Another common item found in every Millennial’s parent’s house in the ’90s was Glade PlugIns, which used gel packets that could become gooey and dusty over time. Glade is a well-known brand of household air fresheners that has been around since 1956. The idea for PlugIns originally came from Frederick Gammon, who invented it while working for Johnson & Johnson.
Practical Corn Holders
Nearly every millennial kid had corn holders in their parents’ house during the ’90s. Sometimes, though, parents forgot to bring them out when eating corn on the cob (yes, that happened). These holders had an ergonomic handle that was comfortable to hold and non-slip. Their sharp pins made it easy to stick the corn securely for mess-free eating.
Ornamental Decorative Plates
Almost every millennial kid remembers seeing a fancy decorative Mexican folk art or Southwest plate in their parent’s house during the ’90s. It was often placed in the dining room, but no one was allowed to use it—it was just for decoration. In Western culture, these plates were considered so beautiful and precious that folks often hung them on their walls instead of using them for dining.
Budget-Friendly Fake Plastic Grapes
Do you recall those fake plastic grapes in a bowl that sat in the dining room or kitchen? Our parents in the ’90s were quite savvy regarding saving money. Since fresh fruit could be very pricey and didn’t stay appealing for too long—they opted for plastic fruit as a cheaper alternative. It was a very clever way to add a touch of decor without breaking the bank.
Hi-Tech Stereo with CD Player
With its three-disc CD player and remote control, the stereo system was cool and high-tech. You could listen to music for hours and get lost in the beats just by pressing a button. It made regular moments feel extra special with all the great sounds. It showed how much folks back then loved new technology and how it could bring joy and excitement.
Artistic Decorated Cardboard Boxes
Back in the ’90s, many parents had these cool cardboard boxes that looked like they were decorated with decoupage. They weren’t just for keeping stuff—they were like little pieces of art! You’d find them all over the place: on shelves, tables, anywhere they could add a bit of charm. It just goes to show how creative and fun millennial parents were when it came to making their homes very special.
Sturdy Rubbermaid Laundry Hampers
Remember those tough Rubbermaid plastic laundry hampers from the ’90s with the little holes all over them? They seemed unbeatable, right? Ever wonder why they had holes? Well, it’s because clothes can hold onto moisture, whether they’re dirty or clean. Those holes let the air flow through—helping to dry out the dampness. Without them, mold and mildew could make themselves at home in your laundry.
Durable Metal Mattress Frame
Another thing millennials probably remember from their parent’s house is that metal mattress frame with wheels. You know, the one that always seemed to be in the way, and you’d bump into it or stub your toe on it? Those wheels were handy for moving it around! One cool thing about metal bed frames is they’re low maintenance. Unlike wood, metal doesn’t get dented or scratched easily, so it looks good for a long time.
Decorative Bath Oil Beads
Every millennial remembers how much our parents loved decorating the house in the ’90s. They’d spruce up every nook and cranny, from the dining room to the bedrooms and even the bathrooms. One quirky thing they’d put in the bathroom was those bath oil beads. They were more for show than anything else—nobody ever actually used them for a bath! But they sure did add a touch of flair to the bathroom decor.
Functional Wicker Mail Basket
Back in the ’90s, lots of homes had this cool wicker basket for mail. It was handy and all, sitting near the front door or in the kitchen. You’d toss your mail in there, thinking you’d sort it later. But “later” often turned into forever—and before you knew it, that neat basket turned into a mess. It got filled with all sorts of junk mail and old catalogs, just collecting dust.
Cozy Campbell’s Soup Mugs
Remember those Campbell’s Kids soup mugs? They were like cozy little buddies, perfect for holding yummy soup on cold days. But they weren’t just for soup. Oh no! They were also great for sipping hot cocoa with fluffy marshmallows or enjoying a warm meal on chilly evenings. These mugs weren’t just cups—they were like gateways to happy memories and comforting treats.
Elegant Fancy Desk Lamps
Back in the ’90s, parents had these fancy desk lamps. They looked classy and gave off a gentle light that made working or reading in bed easier. Placed on desks or bedside tables, they added a touch of elegance to any room. But here’s the thing: they could get pretty hot! If you weren’t careful and touched them—you’d quickly learn about heat. It was a reminder that even beautiful things can have a bit of danger.
Delicate Glass Domed Clocks
The metal candle holders on the walls of ’90s homes gave off a romantic light and made the place feel fancy. With their beautiful curves and detailed designs—they really caught our attention. But here’s the thing: nobody ever lit the candles! They were more for looks than anything else. Folks back then liked using electric lights instead of real candles. So those holders stayed shiny and untouched, just adding to the fancy vibe of the room.
Nostalgic Marbled Picture Frames
Imagine those nice marbled picture frames in ’90s living rooms and on the dressers of parents. They were like fancy decorations, showing off special memories. Each frame held a precious photo, maybe of a big family moment or just a happy time. Those photos turned into treasures—making the room feel cozy and nostalgic. You might find some of these in your old house.
Memory-Filled Collage Photo Frames
Those hallway photo frames in ’90s homes were like time machines, taking you back to special moments with your family. Each frame was packed with memories from vacations, birthdays, and just everyday fun times. They turned boring hallways into happy places—showing off all the love and laughter in your family. Anyone who walked by couldn’t help but feel part of the story, too.
Rustic Dried Flower Swags
Remember those dried flower swags from the ’90s? They weren’t just decorations—they were bits of nature brought inside. Hung up over doors or near pictures, they gave the place a rustic feel and made it calm. Each flower reminded us of how pretty nature is, even when it’s not in bloom. They showed that nature’s beauty lasts forever.
Enchanting Orb Candles
Do you remember those cool orb candles? They had this magical glow that made rooms feel enchanting. People would light them halfway for a cozy vibe or just leave them as decorations. Either way, they brought a calm and romantic feel to the room. They turned regular moments into something really special—making the place feel very beautiful and peaceful.
Magical Disney Collector Cups
Remember those Disney collector cups from Burger King in the ’90s? Each cup had characters from classic Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, and Aladdin. Every time you took a sip, it felt like you were stepping into a magical world. Many folks kept these cups in their homes—bringing happiness and memories of fun times watching cartoons and hanging out with beloved characters.
Timeless Oak Kitchen Table
The strong oak kitchen table was where families came together for meals and good times. The table itself was built to last, promising to stick around for a long time. But those matching chairs? Well, they weren’t exactly comfy. They looked nice but weren’t great for sitting on for too long. Still, despite their flaws—they saw so many moments shared, memories created, and connections strengthened around them.