Remember these gems? Garanimals, the ingenious clothing line that helps kids effortlessly mix and match their outfits. Each piece features a cute animal tag, so pairing a “zebra” shirt with “zebra” pants guarantees a perfect match. As a parent now, I realize that little ones couldn’t care less about coordinating their outfits—they actively try to mismatch. Honestly, I think Garanimals should be marketed to adults. I’d love to confidently match two hippo tags and strut around looking fabulous. Michael Kors, are you taking notes?
2. L.L.Bean Original Bean Boots
These iconic boots were all the rage in the ’80s, crafted for those who wanted the aesthetics of rubber boots but not the full protection. L.L.Bean still offers the original Bean boot, but despite their long history, they can’t seem to produce them quickly. Their website even advises customers to order early due to “extremely limited supply.” And don’t expect a speedy delivery—prepare for a horse and buggy wait of eight to ten months!
3. Steak-umms
It’s pretty remarkable that Steak-umms, those thinly sliced beef pieces touted for their ability to go from frozen to fully cooked in under a minute, are still around. As a busy mom, a meal that cooks in under 60 seconds sounds appealing, but I worry about the aftermath. Check out this classic Steak-umm commercial from 1981—does anyone else find it odd that the mom isn’t eating one? What does she know that we don’t?
4. Underoos
These beloved kids’ undergarments from the ’80s are back, now available in adult sizes for those who still want to embrace their inner superhero. They’re pretty amusing—at least from the waist up. But the real joke might be on you, big guy.
5. ThighMaster
This fitness product is still kicking, with Suzanne Somers leading the charge. Now featuring the ThighMaster Vibrato, it’s taken the original concept to a whole new level. Who knew that squeezing a device between your knees could be so entertaining? You can find the original model on eBay if you’re feeling nostalgic. After all, any exercise tool you can use while lounging is a win in my book—maybe even while waiting for those Steak-umms to cook!
6. Enya
Enya is still enchanting listeners with nearly two million Facebook fans. Her music is like a tranquilizer—impossible to feel stress while it plays. How about piping her melodies into doctor’s offices during check-ups? I recently heard her on the radio, and suddenly I was at the beach instead of the grocery store.
7. Swanson TV Dinners
Friday nights as a kid meant two things: Love Boat and a compartmentalized Swanson dinner. While they still make frozen meals, sadly, the iconic tin trays are gone, thanks to microwaves. There was something satisfying about scraping the tin tray for every last bite of those mashed potatoes. And if you were lucky, you’d get to enjoy the gooey apple cobbler at the end—a true childhood delight.
8. Electric Blankets
Ah, electric blankets! They’re still around, providing warmth and comfort, though I can’t help but feel a little uneasy tucking my kids in under those cuddly wires. “Just crank it up to 9 if you get chilly, sweetie—and don’t spill your drink!” They might come with directions similar to those for a Butterball turkey: Pre-heat and then cook for nine hours at 350 degrees.
9. Molly McButter
Sassy Molly McButter is still thriving, boasting over 10,000 Facebook fans. This butter-flavored flake has remained a staple, and her catchy jingle will have you humming for days. Who knew butter flakes could be so seductively marketed? I’d love to set Molly up with Enya; they’d make quite the duo!
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In summary, many items from our childhood have stood the test of time, continuing to bring joy and nostalgia to both young and old alike. Whether it’s mix-and-match clothing, comforting meals, or nostalgic music, these treasures remind us of simpler times.