QUIZ: Can You Identify These Common Things From The 1980s?
The 1980s was a time of floppy discs, jelly shoes, fax machines, and other items some people probably won’t remember. That being said, others might know more than they think!
How well do you remember the common objects from that decade? Can you name the item by looking at a picture? Take this quiz and find out!
What were these called?
A. Birkenstocks
B. Crocs
C. Doc Martens
D. Jelly shoes
Answer: Jelly shoes
Introduced to the U.S. during the 1982 World’s Fair, jelly shoes were wildly popular in the ’80s because of their bright colors and inexpensive cost. Today’s jelly shoes come in a variety of styles including heels and wedges.
What is this wearable item?
A. Apple Watch
B. Telephone watch
C. Fax watch
D. Calculator watch
Answer: Calculator watch
First released in the mid-1970s, calculator watches exploded in popularity during the ’80s after mass-produced varieties became available. Casio released a model that could even store appointments and phone numbers, but the watches were eventually replaced with PDAs and cell phones.
What game are they playing?
A. The Game of Life
B. Connect Four
C. Chinese Checkers
D. Trivial Pursuit
Answer: Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit was first released in 1981. Since then, dozens of themed question sets have been released. 1984 saw the game’s popularity peak, with 20,000 sets sold. The point of the game is to answer trivia questions correctly and earn “pie wedges” to fill in your circular playing piece.
What are these objects?
A. Personal computers
B. Audio recorders
C. Modems
D. Typewriters
Answer: Typewriters
Before the days of personal computers, people used typewriters to transfer words to paper. They were usually noisy to use, and although they were invented in 1874, they weren’t office fixtures until the 1980s.
What is this?
A. Zip disk
B. Compact disk
C. Cassette tape
D. Floppy disk
Answer: Floppy disk
Remember these? Floppy disks or “floppys” required a special drive to read. Although the disks aren’t used much today, their image is used as the “save” icon in many modern computer programs, showing how popular they once were.
What are these?
A. Can openers
B. Rubber stamps
C. Key cutters
D. Label makers
Answer: Label makers
A label maker is a device that prints text that a user selects onto a self-adhesive strip of paper. Today, most label makers are digital but this is what they used to look like.
What is this?
A. Tape recorder
B. VCR
C. Video rewinder
D. Fax machine
Answer: Fax machine
Fax (short for facsimile) machines were used to send text and images to a page in a remote location. The fax machine was invented soon after printed telegraphs came along. Faxes are still around although not used widely.
What is this large piece of furniture?
A. Credenza
B. Safe deposit box
C. Filing cabinet
D. Card catalog
Answer: Card catalog
If you recognize this, you might be an avid reader! This is a card catalog, which contains records of all a library’s holdings. Today, most libraries use an online public access catalog (OPAC).
What product line is this?
A. Pyrex
B. Popit!
C. Rubbermaid
D. Tupperware
Answer: Tupperware
“In keeping with the fast-paced ’80s, Tupperware introduced products designed to maximize people’s time,” says the company’s website. The brand has been around for decades, and many children of the ’80s will remember their parents attending Tupperware parties.
Do you recognize this?
A. Speak & Spell
B. Laptop computer
C. Mimeograph
D. Word processor
Answer: Word processor
Word processors were similar to typewriters except with computer technology that allowed users to input, format, and edit text before printing it. They were popular in the ’70s and ’80s but were eventually replaced by personal computers.
What is this?
A. Portable EKG machine
B. Scale
C. Calculator
D. Rotary phone
Answer: Rotary phone
Unless you had an extra-long cord for your phone, you were stuck having all your conversations in the kitchen or hallway, where most people kept them. If you recognized this, you probably miss hearing a dial tone when you pick up your phone today.
What was this used for?
A. Transferring written text to Braille
B. Night vision
C. Brain imaging
D. Entertainment
Answer: Entertainment
Users would put a cardboard disk called a “reel” into a ViewMaster and be treated to a 3-D photograph. Travel and tourism-themed reels used to be popular among adults but View-Masters are primarily used by kids today.
What are these called?
A. VHS tapes
B. 8-tracks
C. Floppy discs
D. Cassette tapes
Answer: Cassette tapes
A cassette tape is an analog recording format used to record and play audio. Back when these were popular, people would make mixtapes of their favorite songs to share with friends.
What was unique about this camera?
A. It was disposable
B. It was waterproof
C. It was digital
D. It printed its own photos
Answer: It printed its own photos
Although the Polaroid Corporation made lots of electronic products, the company’s name is synonymous with instant cameras. Polaroid cameras peaked in popularity in the 1970s but were still pretty common in many households throughout the ’80s and beyond.
What is this kitchen utensil?
A. Cheese shaper
B. Colandar
C. Fondue pot
D. Mortar and pestle
Answer: Fondue pot
Fondue is a dish that’s made by melting cheese in a pot over a small burner and dipping various breads or meats into it. This method of cooking has been around for ages but hit peak popularity in the ’70s and into the ’80s.
Which game console did this controller work with?
A. Sega
B. Atari
C. ColecoVision
D. Nintendo
Answer: Nintendo
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) cartridge-based video game console was launched across the United States in 1986 and quickly swept the nation as the #1 selling game console of the time.
What does this device store?
A. Tax returns
B. Passwords
C. Recipes
D. Contact information
Answer: Contact information
A Rolodex is a filing system that holds special index cards containing business or personal contact information. They’ve been used since the 1950s and although it’s become less common to see them, you can still purchase a Rolodex today.
What is the popular jacket brand from the 80s, worn by Steve Harrington in Stranger Things?
A. Members Only
B. Nike
C. Tommy Hilfiger
D. Levi’s
Answer: Members Only
The Members Only jacket became a staple fashion item of the 80s. The brand offered consumers the chance to belong to something “exclusive” when in reality, it was an awesome marketing scheme that put thousands of people in the same jacket.
What is this hand-held Parker Brothers game called?
A. HandTac
B. Merlin
C. Tic-Tac-Tech
D. Marvin Machine
Answer: Merlin
This handheld Parker Brothers game looked like an early version of a red cellphone. The game, called Merlin, was actually designed by a NASA scientist who decided the world needed a more complicated way to play Tic-Tac-Toe.
Which brand did this mascot represent?
A. California raisins
B. California prunes
C. Ocean spray
D. Dr. Pepper gum
Answer: California raisins
Even if you didn’t eat them, you probably saw the California Raisins on TV in the mid to late 80s. The R&B group represented as raisins was led by musician Buddy Miles.
What is this electronic device?
A. Shoe polisher
B. Charging station
C. Geiger counter
D. Boombox
Answer: Boombox
This is a “boombox,” a portable music player that came with one or two cassette tape players and an AM/FM radio. These had handles so they could be easily carried around.
Have you ever used one of these?
A. Mastermind
B. Transformers
C. Q*bert
D. Rubik’s Cube
Answer: Rubik’s Cube
The 1980s saw a “Cube Craze,” and it’s estimated that 200 million Rubik’s Cubes were sold worldwide from just 1980 to 1983. Today, there are a number of Rubik’s contests and conventions held around the world.
What is the large, light-colored object at the front of the desk?
A. Multi-track tape recorder
B. Label maker
C. Word processor
D. Early desktop computer
Answer: Early desktop computer
Considered the first mobile computer, the Osborne 1 was released in 1981. Although the Osborne Computer company failed soon after, desktop computing rapidly improved over the decade. The model pictured here is an Apple II.
What was this portable music player called?
A. Sony Talkman
B. Sony Walkman
C. Sony PlayTrack
D. Sony PlayBack
Answer: Sony Walkman
This is the original ‘Walkman’ model TCS 300. It was first manufactured by Japanese tech company SONY, circa 1980. This version of the walkman was the first personal stereo cassette recorder sold by Sony so people could have music on the go!
What brand are these popular classic basketball shoes?
A. Jordan 23s
B. Michael Jordans
C. Air Jordans
D. Jordans
Answer: Air Jordans
The iconic Air Jordan shoe was designed and manufactured for Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan in 1984. The shoe was released to the public for purchase the following year on April 1, 1985, and quickly became a staple in basically everyone’s closet.
What was this gaming system called?
A. Atari 2600
B. Nintendo Entertainment System
C. Sega
D. Gameboy Original
Answer: Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 was a home video game console that was designed and released in September 1977. The gaming system would change the face of home entertainment and launch a competitive race between tech companies to develop the best system.
What are these popular 80s watches called?
A. TicClock Watch
B. Snap Watch
C. Swatch
D. ColorWatch
Answer: Swatch
The Swatch was a stylish staple accessory for any cool kid growing up in the 80s. The unique designs and watch faces made the timepieces must-haves for children and teens of all ages!
What is the fashion accessory shown on Christie Brinkley’s legs?
A. Insulators
B. Tall Socks
C. Leg Warmers
D. Footie Socks
Answer: Leg Warmers
The 80s gave us tons of fashion inspo and not all of it was good! Leg warmers were a huge fashion trend as aerobics and pilates took the fitness world by storm.
What is this toy called?
A. Yoyo Ball
B. Pogo Ball
C. Gogo Ball
D. Board Ball
Answer: Pogo Ball
You needed to be an olympic gymnast to actually use one of these Pogo Balls but it didn’t stop every parent from putting one under the tree on Christmas morning. Ah, remember the injuries?
What are these popular scented dolls called?
A. Cabbage Patch Kids
B. Berry Patch Dolls
C. Chatty Cathy
D. Barbie Patch Babies
Answer: Cabbage Patch Kids
If you’ve ever snuggled up to a Cabbage Patch doll you surely remember the powdery sweet scent that seems to puff out of them. These dolls became a collector’s item in some houses!
What was this thing in the car?
A. Ashtray
B. A drawer to hold things
C. A battery
D. A pencil holder
Answer: Ashtray
The thing this lady is staring at in the picture is actually a built-in ashtray. Unless someone is driving a very old car, these ashtrays are rarely seen in cars anymore.
What are these bears called?
A. Care Bears
B. Jolly Bears
C. Smiley Bears
D. Healthy Bears
Answer: Care Bears
Created in 1981 as an American Greeting Card character, Care Bears made their way to becoming popular plushy stuffed animals by 1983. Eventually, the characters even got their own television show!
What is the name of this doll?
A. Strawberry Shortcake
B. Hello Dolly
C. Cherry Girl
D. Strawberry Baby
Answer: Strawberry Shortcake
This doll is Strawberry Shortcake, a popular character in the 1980s. In fact, the character became so popular it got its own television show, video game, and a whole lot of memorabilia, including pajamas.
These colorful pegs were used in which toy?
A. Lite-Brite
B. Color Me Fancy
C. Nite-Lite
D. Neon Daydreams
Answer: Lite-Brite
These colorful pegs were part of the Mattel toy Lite-Brite. Plugging the toy into the wall, kids put a piece of black paper into the toy, sticking it with these colorful pegs to create a neon masterpiece!
These are what type of balls?
A. Koosh balls
B. Dodge balls
C. Bouncy balls
D. Fringe balls
Answer: Koosh balls
These two toys are called Koosh Balls. The idea behind the Koosh Ball was to forego a typical hard ball and to create something that was safe for kids to play catch with.
These little guys began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s they were everywhere. What are they called?
A. Smurfs
B. Blue Man Group
C. Blue People
D. Blue Gnome Gang
Answer: Smurfs
Smurfs came about in the 1960s in comic strips. By the 1980s, these little blue people were virtually everywhere, including in figurine form like the ones in this photograph, television shows, and films
What was this toy called?
A. Magic 8 Ball
B. Fortune Teller
C. Future Seeker
D. Fortune Seeker
Answer: Magic 8 Ball
People would grab a Magic 8 Ball, shake it, and ask it a question. After the question was asked, you flip the Magic 8 Ball around and it would give you an answer!
What are these dolls called?
A. My Buddy and Kid Sister
B. Strawberry Shortcake
C. Polly Pocket
D. Cabbage Patch Kids
Answer: My Buddy and Kid Sister
Hasbro created the My Buddy doll line for little boys to help them learn about caring for others, which was controversial at the time. The company later released the Kid Sister doll, marketed to girls.
What are these?
A. Cookies
B. Scratch and Sniff Stickers
C. Temporary tattoos
D. Candy
Answer: Scratch and Sniff Stickers
Scratch and sniff stickers were created in the 1970s but were popularized in the 1980s, and were used in sticker form, labels for vinyl, CD and cassette covers, movie gimmicks, and even children’s books.
What is this machine called?
A. Sega Genesis
B. Nintendo 64
C. PlayStation
D. Atari
Answer: Sega Genesis
The Sega Genesis was first released in Japan in 1988 as the Mega Drive and, in 1989, released as Genesis for the North American market. It was most successful in North America thanks to the number of arcade ports on the system.
What is this?
A. Answering machine
B. Tape recorder
C. VCR
D. Cassette player
Answer: Answering machine
Answering machines were invented in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they became a mainstay of American homes. People would record greeting messages that would play unless someone answered the phone.
Can you recognize this machine?
A. Pager
B. Cassette
C. Cell phone
D. Voice recorder
Answer: Pager
Pagers, also known as “beepers,” have a long history, but their widespread use took off in the 80s and allowed instant human interaction, similar to texting. It was the fashion to wear them hanging off a belt or shirt pocket.
This machine is called a:
A. VCR
B. VHS
C. CDR
D. MAC
Answer: VCR
Videocassette recorders or VCRs were popularly used in the 1980s to play VHS tapes and record live TV to either keep or to watch again later. People would rent VHS tape movies or buy blank tapes to use for recording.
What was this disc called?
A. Capacitance Electronic Disc
B. Vinyl record
C. CD
D. DVD
Answer: Capacitance Electronic Disc
The Capacitance Electronic Disc, or “RCA Video Disc,” as it was commonly known, was a disc that worked similar to a vinyl record, except it was connected to a TV and played video.
What are these toys called?
A. Shrinky Dinks
B. Cabbage Patch Kids
C. Lego
D. Super hero action figures
Answer: Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks were toys that kids could color and stylize however they wanted. They were drawings on flexible pieces of plastic that could be painted and, after being put into an oven, would shrink, becoming more rigid and suitable for playtime.
What is the name of these gloves?
A. Freezy Freakies
B. Oven mitts
C. Snow mitt
D. Magic Mitts
Answer: Freezy Freakies
Freezy Freakies became a fad in the mid-1980s. They were gloves that would transform in cold winter temperatures, revealing colorful designs. They are made with thermochromic ink, a temperature-sensitive ink like the one used in mood rings.
What is this kind of bed called?
A. Waterbed
B. Waveform mattress
C. Ocean bed
D. Sea bed
Answer: Waterbed
Waterbeds were initially made for medical purposes but became popular in the 80s because of the cool factor of sleeping on water. By 1987, one out of five mattresses sold was a waterbed.
