The ’80s were bold, loud, and totally unforgettable—but let’s face it, some of the things we considered normal back then seem downright bizarre today.
From fashion choices to everyday habits, it was a decade full of quirks that only made sense in the moment. Here are 12 things that were totally normal in the ’80s—but now make us do a double take.
Leaving Kids Unsupervised
In the ’80s, it was common for parents to let their kids play outside for hours without supervision. You might remember being told to come home before dark, with little worry about where you were during the day. This carefree approach to childhood is now often seen as unusual or even unsafe.
Smoking Everywhere
In the ’80s, smoking was a common sight. You could find people lighting up in restaurants, airports, and even on planes. It felt perfectly normal to see a cloud of smoke in public places.
At that time, smoking was less restricted, with many considering it a social activity. The culture around smoking has changed dramatically, making those memories feel quite strange today.
Latchkey Kids
In the ’80s, being a latchkey kid was quite normal. You often went home to an empty house after school. This gave you a sense of independence at a young age.
Many kids entertained themselves, watched TV, or snacked until parents came home. It was a time of freedom and self-reliance that shaped your childhood experiences.
Steel Playground Structures
Remember the thrill of climbing on those steel playground structures? Back in the ’80s, these metal wonders were everywhere.
You likely played on monkey bars and slides that were tough and shiny. It was common to hear laughter mixed with the occasional scrape from a fall. Today, these playgrounds seem almost dangerous, but they created unforgettable childhood memories.
Writing Checks for Payments
In the ’80s, writing checks was a standard way to pay for almost everything. You would fill out a check for bills, groceries, and even dinner outings.
Many people enjoyed the tactile experience of writing a check and sending it in the mail. Today, this method may seem outdated, as digital payments have taken over.
Mixed Tapes
Creating mixed tapes was a beloved pastime in the ’80s. You would carefully select tracks to express your feelings or set the mood for an event.
Sitting by the radio, you’d wait for your favorite song to come on, ready to hit record. These tapes were thoughtful gifts, often shared with friends or crushes, making them a unique part of musical culture back then.
Commercials on TV
In the ’80s, watching TV meant enduring some unique commercials. Brands often used catchy jingles and quirky characters to capture your attention. For instance, ads like the Oscar Mayer Wiener commercial showcased fun animations that made you smile.
You might remember the iconic, “Where’s the Beef?” campaign that became part of everyday conversation. These ads reflected a simpler, more playful era in advertising culture.
Payphones
Remember payphones? They were everywhere in the ’80s, offering a way to connect when away from home. You’d scrounge for change, find a booth, and make your call.
With the rise of cellphones, payphones faded from daily life. Today, spotting one is a fun reminder of a simpler time when reaching out meant finding a phone booth.
Encyclopedia Sets
You might remember how every home had a set of encyclopedia books on the shelf. These thick volumes were your go-to for information long before the internet existed.
Flipping through pages, you could find answers to all sorts of questions. People relied on these books for homework and research, making them a staple in many households.
Phone Books
Remember the days when you relied on a bulky phone book to find someone’s number? Those thick, yellow-covered books were a household staple. You’d flip through the pages, searching for familiar names or addresses.
Now, everything is digital. Just a quick search on your phone gives you instant access to contact information. That stack of paper has become a relic of the past.
Teased Hair
In the ’80s, bigger was definitely better when it came to hair. You would see styles like permed locks and teased hair that created impressive volume.
Feathered bangs and crimped strands were common, giving a soft yet dramatic look. Using hairspray was essential to keep those styles in place all day.
Writing Down Personal Information for Purchases
Back in the ’80s, it was common to jot down your personal information when making purchases. You often filled out forms with your name, address, and phone number.
This practice seemed normal at the time but now raises eyebrows regarding privacy and data security. Today, many prefer quick checkouts without sharing so much personal information.
