ADVERTISEMENT

While the ‘90s were only a few decades ago, the way we celebrate Christmas has changed quite a bit. Back then, holiday cheer was measured by circling toys in catalogs, picking up holiday movies from Blockbuster, and finding a Game Boy under the tree.

Not to mention the joy of hearing "All I Want for Christmas Is You" for the first time and hurriedly going to the mall to see it all lit up and decked out for the occasion.

Does that sound familiar? If so, this list might just be for you. We at Bored Panda have collected some of the most nostalgia-inducing memorabilia that made Christmas in the ‘90s. To keep the holiday spirit going, let’s all scroll through the pictures that perfectly capture what festivities were like just over three decades ago.

#1

These Christmas LifeSavers "Books" Were Guaranteed To Be In My Stocking Every Year

These Christmas LifeSavers "Books" Were Guaranteed To Be In My Stocking Every Year

Report

Add photo comments
POST
David
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, this one IS a memory. I have both given and received. And none of that trick packaging c**p. What you see is exactly what you got. No "picture of contents that turns out to be covering a blank space"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

Feeling Captivated By The Computer Animation In The Coca-Cola Polar Bears Commercials

Feeling Captivated By The Computer Animation In The Coca-Cola Polar Bears Commercials

edimas1000 Report

#3

Still The Best Christmas Movie

Still The Best Christmas Movie

TheMuppets Report

Add photo comments
POST
steven mayes
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quite possibly the best version ever. Michael Caine was brilliant. Well worth a watch.

View more commentsArrow down menu

For those who weren't born in this decade, the ‘90s was a time when our obsession with Kevin McCallister started and kids were fighting over what to watch on TV—Muppet Christmas Carol or Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.

Many iconic films came from this decade that we still tune into today. Some of them include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jingle All the Way, and Jack Frost.

#4

1993 Campbell's Soup "Melting Snowman" TV Commercial

1993 Campbell's Soup "Melting Snowman" TV Commercial

ewjxn Report

#5

The M&M Commercial That's Been Playing Every Christmas For As Long As I Can Remember

The M&M Commercial That's Been Playing Every Christmas For As Long As I Can Remember

noconnostalgia Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Interestingly, despite the cheerful associations with Christmas movies from this time, in retrospect, they aren’t that really joyful.

In the 1990s and 1994 in particular, holiday movies were quite dark. For example, a story like The Santa Claus was defined by divorce; Miracle on 34th Street was about a court procedure; and in the famous Home Alone, a boy was abandoned by his family and attacked by robbers.

#7

Those Big Cans Of Flavored Popcorn That Always Showed Up Around Christmas Time

Those Big Cans Of Flavored Popcorn That Always Showed Up Around Christmas Time

theheatherchronicles.wordpress.com Report

#8

These Satin Thread Christmas Ball Ornaments

These Satin Thread Christmas Ball Ornaments

Sno0pyBo0 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Every Parents' Regrettable Christmas Present: A Loud Aiwa Multi-CD Player Shelf System

Every Parents' Regrettable Christmas Present: A Loud Aiwa Multi-CD Player Shelf System

skullmyers Report

However, these films aimed to show people that holidays can’t fix a broken marriage or that some adults tend to disappoint their kids. And that makes sense for the era, as the mid-'90s saw the rise of grunge, with people resisting the status quo and fighting for cultural changes.

#10

The Muppet Christmas Carol - Still Genuinely Holds Up As One Of The Best Christmas Movies Of All Time

The Muppet Christmas Carol - Still Genuinely Holds Up As One Of The Best Christmas Movies Of All Time

Two-HeadedAndroid Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Christmas Morning, 1992

Christmas Morning, 1992

daniellrob Report

Add photo comments
POST
Joshua David
Community Member
11 months ago

92? By then the super was out for 1 year already. This seems older.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

It Was Christmas Morning December 25, 1998. My Brothers And I Had Just Ripped Open Our Presents, And Low And Behold A Brand New N64 And The Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time

It Was Christmas Morning December 25, 1998. My Brothers And I Had Just Ripped Open Our Presents, And Low And Behold A Brand New N64 And The Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time

ArtOk6196 Report

Back then, upcoming holiday films were published in TV magazines like Radio Times, which included the best recommendations for everything shown over the festive period. People would flick through the magazine, pick, and circle the best movies that were a must-watch. It might seem weird to us that people would organize what to watch weeks in advance, but that’s how it was done without the magic of rewinding.

#13

A Home Alone Christmas

A Home Alone Christmas

This film makes me nostalgic for a warm '90s Christmas: a large decorated cozy house, lots of family, a crackling fireplace, and the most delicious pizza ever captured on film!

GumboCrab Report

Add photo comments
POST
sbj
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being an introvert, for me, being Home alone for Christmas is a dream come true

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Looking Forward To The Toys "R" Us Holiday Catalog

Looking Forward To The Toys "R" Us Holiday Catalog

The Nostalgia Mall Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kat Pekin
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that a baby Lindsey Lohan in the bottom left corner of the top right image??

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

The 1993 JCPenney Christmas Catalog Gaming Section

The 1993 JCPenney Christmas Catalog Gaming Section

Slovejoy Report

Add photo comments
POST
Irish Lassie
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We always got the Sears catalog. Bigger than our phone book and the toy section was phenomenal !

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Over the years, different trends, films, and television have influenced the must-have Christmas toys of the year. In the '90s, many kids circled them (a lot of circling was done) while flicking through the Toys R Us or Argos catalog to add to their wish list for Santa. Now, we couldn’t imagine children playing with them or parents queueing up at 6 a.m. to get their hands on them. The latter most likely looked like something from the movie Jingle All the Way.

#16

I Can Taste This Picture

I Can Taste This Picture

RetroNewsNow Report

Add photo comments
POST
Joshua David
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved these. I always chew my suckers to make a nice chewy ball of sugar with intense flavor. Anyone else?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Wanting Rubber Stamps So That You Could Decorate Your "Christmas Cards" With Them

Wanting Rubber Stamps So That You Could Decorate Your "Christmas Cards" With Them

etsy.com Report

#18

Bottom Of My Feet Hurts Just By Looking At These

Bottom Of My Feet Hurts Just By Looking At These

venezueladeayer , boomchampionstt Report

Add photo comments
POST
Beansie-never-visited-me-once
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my god I forgot about these. The shapes would fall off and we would always step on them barefoot.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

This decade saw the arrival of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Game Boy, and, of course, Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear. You may also have found Power Rangers, a Furby, a Tamagotchi, and Tickle Me Elmo hiding under the tree. The older ones might even have gotten their first home computer, which now, in comparison, seems like something from ancient times. Board games such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? were very popular as well.

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

Breaking Multiple Light Bulbs Every Time You Assisted In Putting Up The Outdoor Christmas Lights

 Breaking Multiple Light Bulbs Every Time You Assisted In Putting Up The Outdoor Christmas Lights

etsy.com Report

#20

Dining With Placemats That Had Drawings Of Poinsettias And Always Sticking To The Classic Colors Of Red, White, And Green

Dining With Placemats That Had Drawings Of Poinsettias And Always Sticking To The Classic Colors Of Red, White, And Green

etsy.com Report

#21

1993: I Put My Talkboy Out Every Year For Christmas And It Still Has Original Content That I Made

1993: I Put My Talkboy Out Every Year For Christmas And It Still Has Original Content That I Made

Today was the first time I’ve listened to it since 1993. My Beavis and Butthead impressions could use some work. I also hated my sister back then.

I_play_high420 Report

The Talkboy came into existence after it was used by Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2. Before the film, the toy actually never existed. While writing a sequel, the creator, John Hughes, knew that in certain situations (like while booking a suite at the Plaza Hotel) Kevin would need to pass as an adult.

So he included a futuristic recording device in his script that would allow the boy to change his voice. Together with toy companies, they came up with a silver device that featured a microphone and a cassette tape for recording sound and conversations.

ADVERTISEMENT

The demand for the toy was so high that it was almost impossible for them to keep up. It continued to be popular beyond the 1993 holiday season, and in 1995, they introduced Talkgirl, a purple and pink version of the original.

#22

Your Grandmother Decorating Her Home For The Holidays Using Christmas Scene Plates From Either Thomas Kinkade Or Franklin Mint

Your Grandmother Decorating Her Home For The Holidays Using Christmas Scene Plates From Either Thomas Kinkade Or Franklin Mint

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
sbj
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An Aunt of mine had these but she kept them hanging on the wall the whole year

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Teaching My Sister To Play Mario Bros. Christmas Of '92

Teaching My Sister To Play Mario Bros. Christmas Of '92

malinarttt Report

The ‘90s also gifted us many jingle hits that withstood the test of time, just like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” Her 1994 hit is considered a holiday classic, with Billboard ranking it number one on its list of the Greatest of All Time Holiday 100 Songs.

The tune was written very early in the singer’s career on her little Casio keyboard. It was the first Christmas song she ever wrote, and she definitely didn’t expect it to become an icon of the '90s, let alone of all time.

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

I Found "I Spy Christmas" At The Doctor's Office Today

I Found "I Spy Christmas" At The Doctor's Office Today

sparrows_silence Report

Add photo comments
POST
Nova Cat
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter and I would spend a lot of time with this book, not in the 90's though, about 10 years ago.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Sipping Hot Cocoa From Mugs With Festive Country Christmas Geese

Sipping Hot Cocoa From Mugs With Festive Country Christmas Geese

etsy.com Report

#27

My Husband Still Has His Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Christmas Decorations From 1990, Complete With A Box

My Husband Still Has His Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Christmas Decorations From 1990, Complete With A Box

MrsFeatures Report

Add photo comments
POST
John L
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, looking at the condition of the box...it is indeed, unbreakable!

View more commentsArrow down menu

Taking this nostalgic journey through the festivities of this decade, it's clear that the holiday season back then was a combination of iconic movies, toys, and memorable music. The Game Boy or Tickle Me Elmo might not have withstood the test of time, but the popular Christmas films and jingles have sneakily entered the 21st century and don’t seem to be leaving any time soon. And we’re totally fine with that!

For more of that magical charm of the '90s, make sure to check out our earlier publication on the most popular gifts from that era.

#28

Who Remembers Crayola Collectible Tins?

Who Remembers Crayola Collectible Tins?

This was found at a second-hand store unopened! I had this exact one when I was a kid. Bought it so I can give it to my kids this Christmas. Can't wait! 

HeartFullOfHappy Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#29

These Christmas Candles

These Christmas Candles

beardynolando Report

Add photo comments
POST
Susan
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanted these but times were tough so I remember making them out of two wrapping paper tubes and construction paper. I was so proud.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

I Still Have My Christmas "Puffalump Mouse"

I Still Have My Christmas "Puffalump Mouse"

YouAndYourPPareGross Report

Add photo comments
POST
sturmwesen
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I am 36 and only now have a name/brand for my Mimi and feel cheated since she seems to be supposed to wear a dress!!! She still "lives" and even lost the nosebleed spots.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Rescuers Down Under Christmas Tree Ornaments From McDonald's (1990). Who Else Had Bernard & Miss Bianca On Their 90's Christmas Trees?

Rescuers Down Under Christmas Tree Ornaments From McDonald's (1990). Who Else Had Bernard & Miss Bianca On Their 90's Christmas Trees?

acousticwonder Report

#32

Anticipating A Good Christmas Gift As Your Parents Brought Out The Camcorder On Christmas Morning

Anticipating A Good Christmas Gift As Your Parents Brought Out The Camcorder On Christmas Morning

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
LauraDragonWench
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, my dad bought one of the first commercially available camcorders back in the 80s. It was about the size of a toddler and weighed nearly as much. I so wanted one of these newer models , but no luck. Never got another camcorder again, actually. 🤔

View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Found My Ribbon Shredder From The 90s

Found My Ribbon Shredder From The 90s

Shangrilaista Report

Add photo comments
POST
SweetCheesySpaghetti
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG!! I loved this thing. I thought i was SO cool when i brought my gifts to school for my friends :)

View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Furby Became The Best Selling Toy In The US For Christmas 1998

Furby Became The Best Selling Toy In The US For Christmas 1998

-DNV- Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lara Verne
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanted one so badly, but never got them. I recently mentioned it to my mom and she told me that now I can buy fifty Furbys if I want. Yeah, that's the point. I no longer want them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

This Mighty Ducks Wrapping Paper From 1993 I Found In A Hand-Me-Down Box Of Christmas Stuff

This Mighty Ducks Wrapping Paper From 1993 I Found In A Hand-Me-Down Box Of Christmas Stuff

kingevanxii Report

#36

Kemps Christmas Ice Cream Treats

Kemps Christmas Ice Cream Treats

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#38

Christmas Day, 1997

Christmas Day, 1997

HeelTurn Report

#39

LEGO Christmas Catalogue From 1993

LEGO Christmas Catalogue From 1993

This is LEGO’s golden age of catalog design. I found it in the garage and uploaded it for anyone wanting a hit of nostalgia. Unfortunately, there are a few 2-5 years stuff and one Technic page missing.

TurbulentLifeguard11 Report

#40

Feeling Like The Red And Green Christmas M&M's Tasted The Best

Feeling Like The Red And Green Christmas M&M's Tasted The Best

Betamax King Report

#42

My Gram Always Had Fruit Delights During Christmas Time In The 90s. They Are The First Thing I Look For When The Christmas Stuff Starts Coming Out

My Gram Always Had Fruit Delights During Christmas Time In The 90s. They Are The First Thing I Look For When The Christmas Stuff Starts Coming Out

cantthinkofthismovie Report

Add photo comments
POST
LonelyLittleLeafSheep
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Turkish Delight! We still buy these every year as a Christmas treat! The Dessert Delights and Berry Delights are scrumptious!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

90s Toys "R" Us Holiday Commercial

90s Toys "R" Us Holiday Commercial

iBleeedorange Report

Add photo comments
POST
Hi
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have every system in this picture. Retro gaming is the best.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#45

Star Trek And Star Wars Christmas Ornaments From The 90s. It Cost Less Than 8 Dollars

Star Trek And Star Wars Christmas Ornaments From The 90s. It Cost Less Than 8 Dollars

Leahtyer Report

#47

Best Christmas Ever - Circa 1993

Best Christmas Ever - Circa 1993

IskateAlmost2 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#48

This Box Has Not Been Opened Since 1995, It Smells Like The 90's

This Box Has Not Been Opened Since 1995, It Smells Like The 90's

I remember seeing boxes like this on top of the shelves at "Hooked on Toys" and "Walmart", I always fantasized about what it was like to open all the boxes.

Dnunn88 Report

#49

SNES Christmas Ad

SNES Christmas Ad

fourloonies Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

I See Your Argos Catalog And Raise You This Filthy Coop 1992 Christmas Toys And Games Booklet I Found

I See Your Argos Catalog And Raise You This Filthy Coop 1992 Christmas Toys And Games Booklet I Found

Vhsrex Report

Add photo comments
POST
Julie S
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing made me happier than sticking coop stamps in the book and when the book was full buying something with it. Happy days.

View more commentsArrow down menu
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#51

I Definitely Had These

I Definitely Had These

PrissyLov3 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Irish Lassie
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every single year, starting in the 60’s, we ALWAYS got an apple and an orange in our stockings that were knitted by my Grandmother. I have no idea why this was a tradition but I carried it on when I had my daughter

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#52

Throughout The Entire Month, Your Grandma Consistently Wears Her Christmas Vest, Typically Paired With A Red Turtleneck

Throughout The Entire Month, Your Grandma Consistently Wears Her Christmas Vest, Typically Paired With A Red Turtleneck

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rayne OfSalt
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only the absolutely insane would wear warm clothing around xmas time here.

#53

Those Popcorn Tins You Received For Christmas Eventually Turned Into A Trash Can In Your Room Once They Were Empty

Those Popcorn Tins You Received For Christmas Eventually Turned Into A Trash Can In Your Room Once They Were Empty

Flrg808 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Susan
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They always turned into Christmas cookie tins in my house.

#54

1992 JCPenney Christmas Catalog

1992 JCPenney Christmas Catalog

GodBlessTexas713 Report

#56

90s Kids Waking Up Christmas Morning To Find Stockings Full Of Bath And Body Works Art Stuff Body Glitter, Those Weird See-Through Socks, And Lip Smackers

90s Kids Waking Up Christmas Morning To Find Stockings Full Of Bath And Body Works Art Stuff Body Glitter, Those Weird See-Through Socks, And Lip Smackers

SSTralala Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#57

My Mom Found My Talkboy. Have A Merry Christmas You Filthy Animals

My Mom Found My Talkboy. Have A Merry Christmas You Filthy Animals

aKILOofCOCJIN Report

Add photo comments
POST
#58

Christmas Crunch, With Pokemon Watch (1999)

Christmas Crunch, With Pokemon Watch (1999)

OmicronGR Report

Add photo comments
POST
#59

Treasure Troll Christmas Wrap

Treasure Troll Christmas Wrap

JerKing22 Report

#60

Spot's Magical Christmas, 1995

Spot's Magical Christmas, 1995

nikkicocoa7 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#61

Another One Of My Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ornaments From 1990

Another One Of My Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ornaments From 1990

MouseRatRul3s Report

Add photo comments
POST
#62

I Got A Reptar Bar For Christmas. It Turns Your Tongue Green

I Got A Reptar Bar For Christmas. It Turns Your Tongue Green

Nammoflammo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#63

Continuously Looking At The Beautiful Pictures In The I Spy Christmas Book

Continuously Looking At The Beautiful Pictures In The I Spy Christmas Book

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#64

Tales From The Crypt: Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas (1994)

Tales From The Crypt: Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas (1994)

OmicronGR Report

#65

The Facebook Marketplace Gods Have Blessed Me - $10 For This Gorgeous And Supposedly Rare 1994 Santa Clause Blow Mold. I Love Some Vintage Christmas

The Facebook Marketplace Gods Have Blessed Me - $10 For This Gorgeous And Supposedly Rare 1994 Santa Clause Blow Mold. I Love Some Vintage Christmas

megthegoobygirl Report

Add photo comments
POST
#66

Cap'n Crunch's Christmas Crunch, 1994

Cap'n Crunch's Christmas Crunch, 1994

enIighten-me Report

Add photo comments
POST
#67

Drinking Out Of Christmas Glasses With This Design On Them

Drinking Out Of Christmas Glasses With This Design On Them

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#68

Constantly Having To Pick Up These Outdoor Light-Up Candle Decorations As They Were Hollow And Frequently Knocked Down By The Wind

Constantly Having To Pick Up These Outdoor Light-Up Candle Decorations As They Were Hollow And Frequently Knocked Down By The Wind

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Awesome At Being Autistic
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We never had a problem. My dad just sunk a couple of pieces of rebar lengths into the lawn, and then put the candles over that. When it's time to put the decorations away, the rebar stores in the candles. Simple.

#69

For Some Inexplicable Reason, Having A Penguin Ornament On Your Christmas Tree. Why Were Penguin Ornaments Such A Trend?

For Some Inexplicable Reason, Having A Penguin Ornament On Your Christmas Tree. Why Were Penguin Ornaments Such A Trend?

etsy.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Joshua David
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Penguins are always in style. That and they're known to be cold weather species.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#70

Having That Single Fancy Neighbor Who Adorned Their Home With Eerie And Sad Victorian Decorations

Having That Single Fancy Neighbor Who Adorned Their Home With Eerie And Sad Victorian Decorations

etsy.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#71

Begging Your Parents To Purchase Christmas Stickers For You

Begging Your Parents To Purchase Christmas Stickers For You

etsy.com Report