17 Fads You Wish Would Make a Comeback

Some trends are too good to be left in the past. They brought us style, fun, and maybe a little bit of cringe, but we’d bring them back in a heartbeat for the nostalgia alone. Here are 17 fads that deserve a revival, reminding us of simpler times when slap bracelets and frosted tips ruled the world.

1. Friendship Bracelets

Nothing showed friendship like a DIY bracelet in neon colors with intricate knots and patterns. Making friendship bracelets was a rite of passage, involving hours of twisting threads with painstaking care (or a bit of chaos). Imagine a world where giving and receiving these bracelets is still a sign of loyalty. It’s DIY nostalgia and friendship, all tied into one.

2. Beanie Babies

Beanie Babies weren’t just plush toys; they were investments (or so we thought). Kids collected these with the intensity of stockbrokers, carefully tucking the tag protector on to keep them in “mint condition.” They came in every imaginable animal, each with a personality and name, turning us into mini collectors. Let’s bring them back—and this time, we’ll actually play with them.

3. Slap Bracelets

A piece of flat metal wrapped in colorful fabric that magically curled around your wrist with one satisfying “slap”—what more could a kid want? Slap bracelets came in all colors and patterns, and wearing multiple was the ultimate fashion statement. Sure, some were banned from classrooms for “safety concerns,” but that only added to their allure.

4. Tamagotchis

Taking care of a digital pet that constantly needed food, cleaning, and attention taught us about commitment. Tamagotchis were everywhere, and it was a serious responsibility to keep that little creature alive. Picture it: a Tamagotchi revival where we could all proudly wear our digital pets on our keys again, comparing progress like it’s 1998.

5. Rollerblading

Remember when rollerblading was cool? Gliding down the sidewalk in neon skates with a backward baseball cap felt like pure freedom. It was an art form, with spins, jumps, and maybe a few wipeouts. Rollerblading deserves a comeback—not just for fitness, but for the sheer thrill of it. Imagine Friday night skate meet-ups with your crew.

6. Lisa Frank Everything

From rainbow unicorn binders to leopard-printed school supplies, Lisa Frank turned every kid’s school life into a daydream. The colors were bright, the designs were wild, and nothing said “I’m fun” like a neon dolphin pencil case. Bring back Lisa Frank and fill our lives with rainbows and neon leopards once again.

7. Flare Jeans

Flare jeans were the definition of cool, making you look like a rock star with just the right amount of “flare.” Paired with a tucked-in graphic tee, they had a way of adding that retro ‘70s look to any outfit. If skinny jeans can trend for over a decade, surely flare jeans deserve a second go. After all, they’re comfortable and effortlessly stylish.

8. Mood Rings

The science was questionable, but the fun was real. Mood rings “changed color” depending on your emotional state, or so we thought. They were mystical, and seeing your mood magically appear in colors made every day feel a little more magical. Let’s bring back mood rings and make mood-checking a stylish, wearable affair.

9. CDs and Portable CD Players

Portable CD players made music feel special, where each album played from start to finish without skipping (hopefully). There was a ritual to picking your CD, inserting it just right, and plugging in your headphones. Imagine a world where we went back to curated playlists and deep cuts on scratched CDs. It’s time we remember the charm of a CD collection.

10. Gel Pens

In every color of the rainbow (plus glitter), gel pens made homework, notes, and doodles infinitely better. They wrote smooth as butter and left a vibrant, sometimes sparkly trail that made schoolwork almost fun. Imagine a gel pen revival where taking notes is an art form and doodling your way through class is back in style.

11. Blockbuster Trips

Friday nights at Blockbuster were like a ritual. The thrill of wandering the aisles, picking out the perfect movie, and maybe sneaking in a tub of candy was unmatched. Streaming is convenient, sure, but it lacks that special feeling of choosing a movie in a real store. Bring back Blockbuster and give us all the thrill of a good old-fashioned movie night.

12. Butterfly Clips

Butterfly clips made hair an art project, letting us twist and clip with colorful little butterflies that made every hairstyle adorable. Whether it was creating a butterfly crown or just adding a few here and there, it felt like pure creativity. Imagine bringing them back today for a look that’s both retro and fun—tiny, colorful butterflies everywhere.

13. Slip-on Vans

These weren’t just shoes; they were a lifestyle. Slip-on Vans, especially in checkerboard, were a must-have for anyone wanting that skater vibe. Comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear, they went with everything and had a way of looking cooler the more worn they got. Gen Z’s current love for retro style makes it the perfect time to bring them back.

14. Pogs and Slammers

Pogs may not have had a clear purpose, but they were undeniably fun. Stacking, flipping, and winning (or losing) them was a whole subculture in itself. With unique designs, Pogs allowed for collection, competition, and some seriously epic games on the playground. Imagine a world where Pogs are back, creating a new wave of collectible fun.

15. Frosted Tips

Frosted tips might have been the most daring hair trend of the early 2000s. They gave every hairstyle a bit of edge, making you look like you were ready to step into a boy band at a moment’s notice. Sure, it was bold, but sometimes, a little risk is what fashion needs. Let’s bring back frosted tips and let everyone live their inner 2000s pop star dreams.

16. Snap-on Belts

Snap-on belts with customizable, interchangeable belt buckles were peak early-2000s fashion. The ability to swap out your belt buckle with something new or extra edgy made every outfit feel personal. A snap-on belt could be punk rock one day, preppy the next. It was fashion with a dash of personality, and it deserves a comeback.

17. Flip Phones

Before smartphones took over, flip phones were the coolest gadgets around. That satisfying “snap” when you hung up? Unmatched. Sure, they didn’t have Instagram or games, but the simplicity of a flip phone made social time actually social. Imagine a world where we’re back to snapping phones shut dramatically—bring back flip phones, please.