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Nostalgia

10 things people born in the 1980s have nearly forgotten

Digilifetrends Updated 2026-10-12 2 min read

If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember a time before constant screens and online distractions, but after the shift into the digital age began.

Video cassette player and tapes

That generation learned early how to cope with boredom, entertain itself, and wait for TV episodes, games, or movies to arrive. It also grew up with plenty of everyday objects that were once common but are now rarely seen.

Most people still recall favorites such as the Rubik’s Cube, toy record players, and VHS tapes. But a number of other household staples from that era have faded from memory.

Wired TV remote

Before wireless remotes became standard, some televisions and early VCRs came with a corded remote that plugged directly into the set. It let viewers change channels or adjust the volume without leaving the sofa, though it could also become a tripping hazard or get chewed on by pets. At least it was harder to misplace than a modern remote.

Phone answering machine

Before voicemail and caller ID became common, answering machines played an important role in homes with landlines. They recorded messages from callers while no one was home, and they also let families screen calls by listening first to find out who had phoned. Many models even allowed a custom outgoing greeting so callers knew they could leave a message.

Plastic sofa covers

Some families used clear vinyl covers to protect their best furniture from spills, dust, and children’s rough use. In many homes, the covers came out only when guests visited, while everyone else had to live with a sofa that squeaked and stuck to the skin on warm days. As furniture became more affordable, these covers gradually disappeared.

Disposable McDonald's ashtrays

Smoking was still allowed inside restaurants in the 1980s, so ashtrays were common on dining tables. McDonald’s even used small foil disposable trays for customers to put out cigarettes while eating. Once smoking bans and changing public attitudes took hold, the aluminum ashtrays vanished along with indoor smoking.

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