My life took a turn the day I arrived in California and stood at my doorstep, watching the older kids in my neighborhood gliding effortlessly on roller skates in our cul-de-sac. They sported sleek white skates with vibrant orange wheels while I was stuck in my clunky adjustable skates that strapped over my shoes. My dad insisted they were more sensible because they would “grow with my feet,” but as the new kid, who wanted to be sensible?
What I craved was to emulate those cool girls flaunting Farrah Fawcett hairstyles and traditional laced roller skates. That moment ignited a fierce determination within me; I was only seven, and the internet was still a distant concept, yet the girls in my neighborhood, along with movies like Footloose and shows such as Square Pegs, fueled my desire for all the coveted items of the ‘80s.
If you were a child of this vibrant decade, chances are you learned the value of hard work. Many of us came from larger families with a sole breadwinner, making every extra purchase a challenge. Expensive jeans weren’t casually bought on a Saturday afternoon but were saved for special occasions like birthdays or Christmas. We mowed lawns or walked dogs just to afford the things we desired. Here’s a nostalgic list of ten items that many of us dreamed of:
- Guess Jeans
Getting my hands on these jeans felt like a rite of passage. It took two years before I finally found a discounted pair, as there was no way my parents would spend $50 on jeans in 1985. I can still hear their laughter when I first asked for them! - Call Waiting
This invention, although developed in the ’70s, was a game changer for us in the ’80s. No more busy signals! I felt so important the first time I got to say, “Hold on, I have another call.” If only I had mastered it sooner instead of accidentally hanging up on people. - A Swatch Watch
The ultimate accessory of the decade, my Swatch came with two different colored bands. In the ’80s, wearing one of these was a status symbol, and if you wore three stacked on your arm, you were practically a trendsetter! - Benetton Rugby Shirt
Strutting down the hallway in anything Benetton made you feel like royalty. I had a white one with turquoise letters that made me feel adventurous every time I wore it. - Anything Esprit
In junior high, the must-have was an Esprit backpack, reminiscent of today’s popular Nike styles. Their clothing was all the rage, but the price tags were hefty—if it had a logo, it better be big enough for everyone to see! - Jordache Jeans
These iconic acid-wash jeans, with their high waist and stylish pockets, were a staple. I remember feeling so fashionable in mine, complete with buttons and zippers that made them even more special. - Store-Bought Snacks
We all craved those sugary delights, whether it was sugary cereal, Oreos, or Drake’s fruit pies. Many of us had parents who preferred home-baked goodies, while we longed for the processed treats with long shelf lives. - A Decent Perm
Many of us attempted home perms, hoping to replicate the luscious curls from our favorite magazines. Instead of glamorous waves, we often ended up with frizzy disasters that could rival Brillo pads! - Michael Jackson’s First Album
My first cassette! My siblings and I would play it endlessly on our boom box in the yard, even attempting moonwalks for passing cars. If smartphones had existed back then, we surely would have gone viral! - A Leather Bomber Jacket
Inspired by Michael Jackson and fueled by Top Gun, everyone wanted one to pair with their stylish jeans. My first was faux leather, and though it wore out, I felt invincible while it lasted.
Reflecting on these desires from my childhood, I realize that the anticipation and effort made acquiring these items all the more rewarding. It’s those experiences that shaped the hardworking nature of Generation X.
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Summary
This article dives into the nostalgic desires of ’80s kids, highlighting ten must-have items that defined a generation. From trendy clothing to technological advancements, these items were often coveted yet rarely easy to obtain. The experience of longing for these goods contributed to the hardworking spirit of Generation X.