1.
The Magic Eye posters that they sold at Spencer’s, which you could never see the hidden image of.
2.
And the George Costanza in his underwear poster, which they also sold at Spencer’s, and made you wonder who bought it.
3.
The McDonald’s trayliners that would match whatever movie and Happy Meal toys they were promoting.
4.
Nutri-Grain bars, when they came in the very shiny wrapping with colors that matched the flavors.
5.
SoBe drinks that came with “extreme” packaging.
6.
Imaginarium, which was the most magical toy store in the mall, and sold bougier toys.
7.
The Disney Store and its iconic blend of old Hollywood deco and ’80s/early ’90s design, which was almost impossible to resist stepping into.
8.
And the beanbag toys that the Disney Store released to compete with Beanie Babies.
9.
Those water wheel timers that everyone had and were kinda mesmerizing to look at:
10.
The developed photo film section inside stores where you would look for your or your family’s photos by going through them (though they were usually placed in alphabetical order):
11.
The creepy hide-and-seek/time-out dolls that usually your “arts and crafty neighbor” made and that they would place in the corner of rooms or near staircases:
12.
The Foster Farms commercials that featured the two unhealthy chicken puppets that tried to pass themselves off as Foster Farms chickens…in the hope of being eaten?
13.
The Free Money guy that was always dressed like the Riddler in his commercials.
14.
And the Wendy’s commercials that featured its founder, Dave Thomas.
15.
BMG Music, which was the competitor to Columbia House.
16.
Bubble Beeper gum cases that you would attach to your waistband or pocket like a real pager.
17.
All the extra labels that came with blank VHS tapes that no one would ever use.
18.
The Good Seasons dressing bottle that every family seemed to own. And which made you feel like a gourmet chef if your parents asked you to make the dressing, even if it was just pouring a seasoning packet into oil and vinegar.
19.
E!’s Talk Soup, hosted by John Henson, which was the old-school way to watch viral videos.
20.
Wilson on Home Improvement, whom they always found a way to hide his face, much to all of our frustration.
22.
The History Channel being called “The World War II” channel because it basically only showed WWII documentaries.
23.
Lever 2000 soap, which moms loved to buy in bulk.
24.
Publishers Clearing House magazine stamps that came in the mail, and you would use to order magazines that you then would never pay for.
25.
Beaded sequin vests that your grandma or great-aunts would wear to parties with a turtleneck underneath (of course!).
26.
Camel Cigarette featuring Joe Camel ads that were EVERYWHERE.
27.
Tweety Bird T-shirts and merch that portrayed him as an angry badass.
28.
And Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts, which were the ultimate souvenir you could bring back from your family vacation.
29.
Kmart stores that smelled like Little Caesars pizza as soon as you walked in.
30.
Binaca, which you would spray in your mouth until it felt like you burned a hole on your tongue or cheek.
31.
I Spy books that were full a little worlds you could get lost in.
32.
Sky Dancers, which was all fun and games until they crashed back down on your face.
33.
Home Interiors candles that smelled sugary and came in what looked like jelly jars.
34.
Chicken Soup for the Soul, which everyone owned a copy of because it was a default gift to give.
35.
The Outland: The Complete Library book that every family seemed to have a copy of.
36.
And The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, that every family also seemed to own a copy of, and kept in the kitchen among the cookbooks.
37.
The hamster wheel on Double Dare that you always thought you’d be able to beat.
38.
Halogen torchiere floor lamps that would heat up so hot, you couldn’t even touch the upper part of it.
39.
And lastly, the Quik Drop box at Blockbuster Video stores that seriously saved you (or your parents) from having to pay the late fee.
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