14 Things We Did in the ’80s That Are Totally Extinct Now

If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably have fond memories of a simpler time – a time of big hair, bold fashion, and totally radical experiences. But while the ’80s may have been awesome, there are plenty of things we did back then that have gone the way of the dinosaurs. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore 14 once-common practices from the ’80s that are now totally extinct. So put on your leg warmers, grab your Walkman, and get ready for a nostalgia overload!

Using Rotary Phones

Remember the days of rotary phones? You know, the ones where you had to stick your finger in the little hole and spin the dial for each number? Nowadays, most people have never even seen a rotary phone, let alone used one. And don’t even get us started on untangling those curly phone cords – that’s a lost art in itself!

Adjusting Rabbit Ear Antennas

Before the days of cable and streaming, we had to rely on good old-fashioned rabbit ear antennas to get our TV signal. And if the reception was bad? We’d spend hours adjusting the antennas, adding tin foil, and maybe even smacking the side of the TV for good measure.

Smoking Indoors

It’s hard to believe now, but back in the ’80s, smoking was allowed pretty much everywhere – restaurants, offices, even airplanes! Imagine trying to enjoy a meal or a movie while someone puffs away next to you. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and we can all breathe a little easier (literally).

Drinking Milk from Cartons

Remember when milk came in those little cardboard cartons instead of plastic jugs? And how the missing persons ads were printed right on the side? Somehow, drinking milk just doesn’t feel the same without a side of true crime.

Pumping Leaded Gas

In the ’80s, leaded gasoline was still the norm, and gas was a whole lot cheaper than it is now. You could fill up a muscle car for less than $10! Of course, we now know that leaded gas isn’t exactly great for the environment (or our health), so it’s probably a good thing that it’s gone the way of the dodo.

Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons

For kids in the ’80s, Saturday mornings were all about one thing: cartoons. We’d wake up early, pour ourselves a bowl of sugary cereal, and plop down in front of the TV for hours of animated goodness. Nowadays, with streaming services and 24/7 kids’ channels, the magic of Saturday morning cartoons has kind of lost its luster.

Reading the Sunday Paper

Back in the ’80s, getting the Sunday paper delivered was a big deal. We’d spend hours poring over the comics, clipping coupons, and checking out the sales ads. But with the rise of the internet and digital media, the Sunday paper has become a relic of a bygone era.

Dreaming of Space Shuttle Rides

In the ’80s, every kid dreamed of one day taking a ride on the space shuttle. We watched in awe as astronauts blasted off into the great unknown, and we imagined ourselves following in their footsteps. But after the Challenger disaster in 1986, our dreams of space travel were put on hold indefinitely.

Attending Chicken Pox Parties

Believe it or not, in the ’70s and ’80s, some parents would actually intentionally expose their kids to chicken pox by bringing them to “chicken pox parties.” The idea was to get the illness out of the way early, rather than risk catching it later in life. Thankfully, we now have a vaccine for chicken pox, so this bizarre practice is no longer necessary.

Being Bored

In the ’80s, being bored was just a part of life – especially for kids. We didn’t have smartphones or tablets to entertain us 24/7, so we had to find ways to amuse ourselves. Whether it was playing outside with friends, reading a book, or just staring off into space, boredom was a constant companion.

Using Potpourri and Incense

In the ’80s, we were all about making our homes smell good – even if it meant using some pretty questionable methods. Potpourri and incense were staples in many households, filling the air with a sickly-sweet aroma that was supposed to cover up the smell of cigarette smoke. Nowadays, we’ve traded in the potpourri for essential oil diffusers and scented candles.

Displaying Decorative Soaps

Remember those little decorative soaps that everyone had in their bathrooms in the ’80s? The ones shaped like seashells or flowers that were strictly for display purposes only? Yeah, we don’t really get it either. But hey, at least they made our bathrooms look fancy!

Falling for Scams

The ’80s may have been a simpler time, but that doesn’t mean we were immune to scams. From “erasable” pens that never actually erased to 1-900 numbers that charged exorbitant fees to talk to cartoon characters, we fell for some pretty ridiculous schemes. Thankfully, we’ve gotten a little savvier in the decades since.

Rocking Big Hair

Last but not least, we couldn’t talk about the ’80s without mentioning the hair. The bigger, the better – that was the motto of the decade. From perms to hairspray to teasing combs, we did whatever it took to achieve that perfect, voluminous ‘do. And while big hair may be making a bit of a comeback, we’re not sure we’re ready to revisit the full-on ’80s look just yet.

18 Childhood Adventures That Today’s Kids Will Never Experience

18 Childhood Adventures That Today’s Kids Will Never Experience

15 Modern Problems That Baby Boomers Can’t Wrap Their Heads Around

15 Modern Problems That Baby Boomers Can’t Wrap Their Heads Around