We Hate to Break it to You But if You Recognize Any of These Pictures, You’re Officially Old

This article appeared in Cleverclassic and has been published here with permission.

If You Recognize Any of These Pictures, You’re Old

The truth is that if you can name any of the items below, then yes, you’re old. These were the things that helped shape most of our childhoods. Look back at them, have a laugh or a cry, and be surprised when you realize just how far times have come since these were invented. Some items are completely wiped out, and some, like iMac computers, have just evolved. Technology has grown significantly since most of these were created. Have fun browsing, and don’t be ashamed to agree with the title!

Bring Out the Childhood Games

Wow, we’re going back! Many kids wouldn’t know what this is. A TV game switch is still used in some cases today. This adapter helps connect vintage games like Atari to TV systems. These adapters can even work on modern TVs.

Bring Out the Childhood Games

They are very far and few between, but still, a few gamers use these today when they want to get their old childhood games out and relive some happy memories.

Good Old M*A*S*H

If this doesn’t make you feel old, then nothing will. We all remember the M*A*S*H intro music. As kids, when this song came on, it was time to head off to bed. M*A*S*H was one of those shows that kids hated but parents got a real kick out of.

Good Old M*A*S*H

There are people who enjoy watching reruns of M*A*S*H, but many have let it go and prefer to watch something more modern than a show from the 1970s.

Were These Cool?

Ah, yes, the good old car air conditioners. This is another form of technology that’s come a long way. Many people remember giving these a good hit or two when they stopped working.

Were These Cool?

It usually did the trick. They could’ve done that part better when it came to cooling you down. You might have one if you have an old vintage car sitting in your garage. Just don’t rely on them to cool you down.

Remember These?

These might look familiar to many of you, as they’re still used today. Back then, everyone used them to dress up plates to make the table look fancy or to serve bread rolls. These days, they’re used as wall decor.

Remember These?

Many of these are painted and different sizes are mixed and arranged on walls to look pretty. These are sometimes used to hold lollies and chips at parties, but many have switched to serving platters and fancy bowls.

The Common Alarm Clock

Everyone remembers what these alarm clocks looked like because they were so commonly used, and everyone’s parents had one. These have left an imprint in our brains after seeing them so often. You were considered different if you didn’t have one.

The Common Alarm Clock

The good thing about these was the fact that they were reliable. Now, we have Siri or Alexa to do the job for us and you don’t even need to set the alarm manually; you can set it in a few words.

Ice Cream From a Toilet Paper Roll?

Depending on how far we went back, there weren’t fancy bowls and cups or half-white and half-dark chocolate-coated waffle cones. You got served ice cream in what looked like an empty toilet paper roll. We can say it wasn’t a toilet paper roll but a cardboard tube.

Ice Cream From a Toilet Paper Roll?

You had to eat the ice cream fast before it started to melt and make the tube soft and soggy. We’re not sure how it’d taste being inside wet cardboard, but we can be grateful we don’t have to eat ice cream like this anymore.

How Many Pins?

These are very old, but did you know they’re still used today? Many home sewers and even professionals still use these to keep their pins secure in one place. No one forgets how much they hurt when you pick one of these up and 50 pins prick you all at once.

How Many Pins?

The professional name for these is a pin cushion. They come in many different shapes and sizes even now, as they did back then. They first came out long ago, in the 1770s.

Remember Nestle Quik?

A brand that’s still going strong today, Nestle Quik was a popular item in the 1940s. We now have the modern version, which is Nesquik. Quik only came in chocolate flavor, but we now have strawberry and banana flavors.

Remember Nestle Quik?

One thing is still the same, though, the good old way you open them. Put a spoon or fork under the lip and flick it open. After all this time, they could’ve worked out a better way to open the tin.

Oh God, These Chairs

That is what everyone says now when they see one of these: “Oh god, these chairs!” This type of chair would be seen right next to the pool, sitting in the sun. They looked comfortable until you sat on one.

Oh God, These Chairs

When you got up, you’d have lines of pressure on your body from the straps, and you’d often lose a layer of skin as you’d stick to them in the hot sun. There are still a few floating around, but you won’t find them by the pool; they’re better off tucked away in the garage.

Phone on the Wall

It might be hard for many young ones out there to think about us having a phone connected to the wall. Often, they’d have their cords stretched as you were on the phone while keeping an eye on the kids. Haven’t we come a long way from that? We now have phones connected to headphones that we can talk into.

Phone on the Wall

No more stretching cords to see into the living room; you walk there instead. You couldn’t even see who was calling, nor did it have the ability to call back and see who rang while you were out.

Every Baby Owned One of These

If your baby didn’t own one of these, then something was wrong with you. Every baby had one, and they’d have endless fun with these activity centers, even though they weren’t battery-powered and didn’t talk or make sounds.

Every Baby Owned One of These

These days, Fisher-Price toys are more interactive and can copy your voice. The good thing is, we’re sure a few babies out there would still have fun with one of these.

Fisher-Price Does it Again

Does this toy look familiar to anyone? The good old Fisher Price garage with elevator. It’s amazing to see how much technology has changed, considering now these toys have a push-button elevator and mechanical cars that go themselves.

Fisher-Price Does it Again

Many kids would look at this and wonder how it works and where you put the batteries. Nevertheless, it never let children down when bored and when there were few toys to play with.

A Collection Worthy of Envy

Back in the day, it wasn’t enough to just have a CD collection. You also needed a way to carry around your music and, more importantly, show off your admirable collection.

A Collection Worthy of Envy

People had all sorts of fancy CD cases, so they could efficiently compare their music with others. Some cases had watercolors, some had glitter, and some were just practical without any design. But absolutely everyone had some version of a CD portfolio.

Punch in a Can?

This was a fruity red punch that was non-carbonated, featuring flavors of pineapple, apple, orange, papaya, apricot, and passionfruit. Have you ever seen a fruit punch drink in a can that you need to open with a can opener? It’s definitely something interesting!

Punch in a Can?

Now, we just have the little flap hook that we flick up, and the can is open! You can still purchase the fruit punch. However, you no longer need a can opener; it features a normal can opening.

You’ll Remember the Fright

These things were so fun, and whenever parents said it was time for the park, every kid would rush and jump on one of these. It was all fun and games until you forgot to hold on, or it was spun when you least expected it.

You’ll Remember the Fright

You’d fly off at very high speeds, and who knew where you’d land. It’s a wonder these things didn’t cause more serious injuries. They’re not found in many playgrounds anymore, these days.

You’ve Got to Remember These

These bowls would either have salad or french roll breadsticks; they were reused repeatedly and seemed to last forever. You might have one that belonged to your grandma or another family member.

You’ve Got to Remember These

They have since grown in appearance and are used for more things now. Now, bowls like this contain lollies and potato chips, which are tastier than the salad and bread we previously used them for.

A Hot Stew

Going to grandma’s for tea or Christmas lunch would always mean this stew dish coming out of the oven. It’d smell amazing, and everyone would rush to get the leftovers.

A Hot Stew

There are a few varieties of this dish, and you’ll know them when you see them. Some are still floating around, even though casseroles and hot pots are something we don’t see very often anymore.

You Can Smell it Already

Ah, the good old favorite macaroni pasta bake. Cheese, minced meat, some flavoring, and pasta – simple, yet so yummy. In some homes, it’s still a popular meal the whole family enjoys.

You Can Smell it Already

Easy to make and affordable, it was always on the menu back when times were tough. The modern version has a few varieties with added ingredients to make it more personal. Did we just give you an idea for dinner?

Light it Up

Anyone was able to become an artist with Lite Brite! Not to mention that it kind of felt like Christmas all year round when this toy was in the house.

Light it Up

There was something about the colors being bright and lit up that made any creation made with this toy extra beautiful. It’s basically like when we, as adults, see fireworks or a light show. We can’t explain why it’s so magical – it just is.

Oh, the Floral

Every home had one of these rooms. Unfortunately, they were a room we thought looked good. Compared to how we decorate our living rooms now, kids would be shocked to think their grandparents decorated like this.

Oh, the Floral

We’ll stick to the modern decor, for now. You shouldn’t even be able to match cushions or a throw rug. As for the curtains, they’d have to go!

Free Carpet, Anyone?

This is the type of carpet found in many homes from the 70s and onwards. If you had this carpet, you were living in the right era. It was considered nice back then, which is hard to believe.

Free Carpet, Anyone?

The color was unattractive, and the feeling of the carpet was even worse. This carpet is from the past, and we should leave it there.

Those Killer Doors

Yes, we call them killer doors because you’d most likely knock someone out if you opened one of these onto them. One of these doors’ weight was outstanding, and it’s amazing how the hinges held up that amount of weight.

Those Killer Doors

Compared to the vehicle doors we have now, there’s no doubt they’ve come a long way regarding the weight of the actual door. Even the thickness is ridiculous! Now, we have slimline doors that hardly weigh anything.

We Can Feel the Pain Already

Oh dear, you can still feel the pain from sitting at one of these desks all day at school. Your legs and hips would cramp up with barely any room to move. Getting out of one of these felt as though your body was unfolding like an accordion.

We Can Feel the Pain Already

When bad weather occurred, the teacher would always tell us to get under the desk. Hmm, these desks wouldn’t offer any protection, though.

No, With the Retro

This flooring was popular in the 60s and 70s, and everyone in that period loved it. It was always in kitchens. There are some older homes that still have this type of flooring, but it isn’t something you’ll find in many homes from the 2000s onwards.

No, With the Retro

That’s for a very good reason. Imagine walking into the room, half asleep, and you see this flooring before having a coffee. We can’t imagine that’d make for a good morning.

Don’t Remind Us

This wall paneling was popular in the 1970s, and every living room had walls like this. While it didn’t look that great, it was easy to wash and didn’t attract dust as much as wall paint does.

Don’t Remind Us

This paneling is still quite popular, but it’s often found in modern colors like white and gray and referred to as shiplap. This is done as an accent wall, instead of every wall as they did back then.

Now, We’re Talking Fun

Even though these are vintage and no child today will know what they are, how fun were they? Although frustrating, as the difficulty level was quite high, they were still something you couldn’t put down.

Now, We’re Talking Fun

We bet a few children would still get some good fun out of these things. We doubt you can buy them anymore, but there might be one roaming around in grandma’s attic.

The Old-School Projectors

Wow, isn’t it funny to look back at these? They were used in all schools, conferences, and work training courses. Undoubtedly, they did the job well, but they’re outdated. Funny enough, there are countries like South Africa that still use these.

The Old-School Projectors

We’re now using much better technology than back then, which makes these essentially obsolete. We don’t think anyone will miss pushing these around school.

Vintage Tapes

These were the best back in the day – a big booklet that stored your CDs! Not only were your discs safe from scratches and damage, but they were all together so you could take every tape you liked with you. Not only have these become obsolete, but you won’t see them for sale much anymore.

Vintage Tapes

Many stores have already pulled them from the shelves. They can’t compete with iPods and interactive pods like Alexa that play music on demand. You might just have one of these in your childhood memories box.

This Dates Back

We’re going back here with the old-school attendance books. The poor teacher had to carry one of these to class each day to mark who was in attendance and who was away. Now it’s all done digitally, with the use of iPads, and the program is built in.

This Dates Back

Schools are lucky these aren’t being used anymore. Imagine trying to backtrack attendance and counting each page! Now, it’s all added up automatically for you.

Does Anyone Know How to Play?

Here’s a game that was hilarious because we all used to play it, but there were very few who knew how to play the game of Minesweeper! Most of us would just keep pushing squares to see what would happen.

Does Anyone Know How to Play?

Does anyone know this game’s point system and how to play it? After pushing the square, numbers would appear, and if you pushed on a bomb, it was game over.

Does This Look Familiar?

Writing notes to friends in class has stayed the same, except now it’s done through mobile phones. Many turn to the good old paper notes when the phone is confiscated. The best part about these was that the letters were always folded elaborately.

Does This Look Familiar?

The receiver of the note could then enjoy opening the folded letter to reveal the message inside. Often, the outside of the note had not only the receiver’s name on it but instructions, such as “pull” and “private”. Those were the good old days!

Radio With a Removable Face

Well, these were a good idea! If you went to a party, you’d take the cover off your CD player so no one could take it. Stealing a CD player with no face served no purpose. Now, we have built-in ones that you can only take out with special tools and a lot of time.

Radio With a Removable Face

The problem was where to store the CD front when you took it out. In your handbag? Your back pocket? We think it ended up with more scratches than anything.

Good Old Etch A Sketch

You were considered cool if you owned one of these. If you didn’t, you were begging to go to your friend’s house to play with it. They were sometimes annoying and didn’t go according to plan, but they were still good fun despite the frustration.

Good Old Etch A Sketch

This toy first came out in the 1960s, and it had a gray screen with white knobs and a red frame. The one in the picture is a more modern version.

Were DVDs a Thing?

These certainly were a thing! These were the updated version of VHS videos. Many people remember watching their favorite Disney movies like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. DVDs are now obsolete, and many stores aren’t selling DVD players anymore. Everything has now changed to online streaming programs like Netflix and Amazon.

Were DVDs a Thing?

The good thing about DVDs was that you only had to pay for them once, and you could keep them forever. All video streaming programs now require a monthly subscription, and they don’t even have all the classic shows.

These Were the Bomb

This toy entertained many, even adults. You’d stand on them, hold the rope, and try to walk and balance. The plastic bucket ones, like these, were the modern version; they began as tin cans.

These Were the Bomb

When mom was finished with the tinned tomatoes or tinned apples, you’d take the tin and make these. There were always a few tin cuts until the plastic models came out.

Laser Pointers

These are old, but they’re still very much used today. They’re mostly used to entertain cats who like to chase moving light. You’d get the little laser on a keyring, which would come with a heap of little tips to make bigger, smaller, and patterned lasers.

Laser Pointers

These are still around, but they’re banned everywhere as they damage the eyes. It’s amazing how everyone survived them back in the day.

Tetherball Tennis

Here’s another oldie but goodie with which so many kids and adults had fun. These still exist today! While they’re a little better looking, they still do the same thing. Hammer the pole into the ground, and you’re good to go!

Tetherball Tennis

There are even ones designed to keep your dog occupied outside. Many people ended up with bat injuries, as no one looked where they were swinging, but it was all in good fun.

Tazos Were a Thing

There are better things than these to collect now. But at one time, these were what everyone was collecting. They came in a packet of chips, which would be ripped open to see what Tazo was inside. The folders came out shortly after, to store them and keep them safe.

Tazos Were a Thing

To bask in the wonderful world of cartoons, Tazos first distributed a set of 100. They featured images of characters from Looney Tunes and 124 images were from Tiny Toons. They first came out in 1994.

Snap Bracelets

There are still quite a few snap bracelets floating around today, but the trend has long gone. These accessories were popular when they were launched in 1983, and they were originally marketed as “Slap Wrap.”

Snap Bracelets

They’re banned in some places because metal wristbands, or slap bracelets, can penetrate their outside protective fabric and expose sharp edges that can cause lacerations in young children. If you hit them onto your skin hard enough, there’d be bruises on the skin.

Sky Dancers

These were great toys, and every girl dreamed of owning one. The fairy would sit on top, and when you pulled the string, it’d fly off and into the air. Just don’t stand too close to them; they hurt when they hit you, and your hair can get tangled up in them.

Sky Dancers

There’s a famous video of a little girl on Christmas morning who was playing with hers and flew it straight into the fire. You can’t predict where they’ll fly!

Juice Bars

These were so yummy and enjoyable, chilled or frozen. They quenched your thirst and cooled you down on a hot day. The downfall was when your mom put one in your lunchbox, and you spent all your lunch trying to get the thing open.

Juice Bars

Either you’d give up or you’d open it and spill it everywhere. They were hard to open, but they tasted good. They came in strawberry or grape flavors.

Long Time No See

These go back a long way, and many people have never seen one. They’re not used in schools anymore. Nowadays, chairs are just spaced more apart to allow for privacy. The only place we still use this type of thing today is when we’re voting.

Long Time No See

You could still copy work if you leaned back far enough, but that’d often result in falling backward. We’re sure teachers remember fighting over who got which color.

Who Didn’t Love an iMac?

Everyone remembers the Apple iMac, and we all loved them. The shape, the color – they had it all going for them. They were in schools and kids always fought over getting the blue ones – they were the most popular. They were computers that wouldn’t let you down, either.

Who Didn’t Love an iMac?

Looking at our current computers, the brand is still strong. However, the iMac computer is long gone and certainly wouldn’t keep up with the programs and internet speeds we run these days. They first appeared in 1998.

Invisible Ink

Wow, who remembers these? They were so much fun, and everyone was fascinated by the fact that you could only see the ink under a special light. Everyone who had one of these liked to think of themselves as secret spies.

Invisible Ink

Kids are still fascinated by these and think they possess magical powers. Invisible inks have been used for more than 2,000 years by the ancient Romans and Greeks.

Do You Know What This Is?

Who can tell us what this is? These aren’t that old, and some people still use them, especially those who are into old-fashioned, traditional photography and develop their own photos. Does that give you a clue?

Do You Know What This Is?

It’s a roll of film! After removing the film from the camera, photographers store it in these containers. It keeps the film safe and away from sunlight while in transit to the shop to be developed. Confused about all that? Cameras that weren’t digital did exist.