15 Things From The Past That Made You Feel Rich as a Kid
Before we knew what real wealth looked like, certain things felt expensive. A shiny new Walkman or a backpack with way too many zippers meant you were basically a VIP in the schoolyard. It wasn’t about brand names or bank accounts—it was about perception.
These were the status symbols of childhood, the things that made you feel like royalty even if, in hindsight, they were just clever marketing tricks.
Let’s embark on a journey through the 15 things that made kids feel like absolute ballers back in the day.
1. Owning a Trapper Keeper
If your school supplies came in a basic folder, you were just another student. But if you had a Trapper Keeper—with its Velcro closure and cool designs—you were on a whole different level.
It wasn’t just a binder; it was a statement. Kids would show off their latest acquisitions, comparing themes and colors.
The allure wasn’t in its practicality but its flair. The Trapper Keeper was a passport to the cool kids’ club, effortlessly elevating your school status.
2. Having a TV in Your Room
Nothing screamed “I have arrived” quite like having your own TV. Sure, it was probably the size of a microwave and had bunny-ear antennas, but it was yours.
You could watch cartoons without negotiating with siblings—true luxury. Friends would flock to hang out in your room, making it the ultimate sleepover spot.
The independence of having your own screen was unmatched.
3. Wearing Light-Up Sneakers
Every step you took was a mini fireworks show on your feet. Light-up sneakers weren’t just shoes but a lifestyle.
The novelty of each blink with a step made heads turn, and kids would gather to admire them. If you had them, you might as well have been a rock star.
Their charm lay in their simplicity, yet they made you feel unstoppable.
4. Bringing Lunch in a Metal Lunchbox with a Matching Thermos
A plain brown paper bag? Amateur hour. A metal lunchbox with your favorite cartoon characters and a matching thermos? That was next-level sophistication.
These lunchboxes were canvases for self-expression, showcasing the coolest shows or movies. Bonus points if it had a built-in straw.
The pride in unboxing your meal from such a treasure chest was unparalleled. It wasn’t just lunch but a daily display of prestige and personality.
5. Owning a Walkman or Discman
Nothing said big time like walking around with a Walkman clipped to your jeans, untangling your headphone cord like a true music connoisseur.
These devices were gateways to personal soundtracks, offering a private concert experience. And if you had a Discman? You were basically living in the future.
The struggle to keep it from skipping was real, yet worth it.
6. Having a Phone in Your Room
A personal landline was the equivalent of a VIP pass to social independence. No more fighting over the family phone—now, you could talk to your friends for hours in private.
The phone was a symbol of growing up, adorned with stickers and secrets shared in hushed tones. It was the centerpiece of many late-night chats.
Having your own phone felt like a rite of passage, a step towards adulthood, wrapped in a coil of curly cord excitement.
7. Drinking Soda from a Can Instead of a 2-Liter Bottle
If your family drank soda straight from individual cans instead of pouring it from a shared 2-liter bottle, you knew you were living large.
Each crack of a can opened was a luxury, the crisp sound signaling a moment of indulgence. Extra bonus points if it was a name-brand soda and not the off-brand version.
This small act transformed ordinary moments into celebrations, making every sip a toast to personal fortune, one bubble at a time.
8. Wearing a Starter Jacket
If you had a Starter jacket, you weren’t just warm—you were legendary. These oversized, team-branded jackets were the flex of the playground.
The bold logos and puffiness made them instantly recognizable, a magnet for admiration and envy. Instantly boosting your social status.
The playground hierarchy shifted in your favor with one on your back. It was a badge of honor, representing both style and allegiance.
9. Getting the Good Cereal (a.k.a. the One with the Toy Inside)
If your parents let you get the cereal—the one with a toy buried in the box—you felt like royalty. Forget the nutritional value; this was an investment.
The prize became a coveted treasure, sparking breakfast-time excitement. Each box was a gamble, a delicious lottery of crunchy treats and surprises.
Having the good cereal was a sweet status symbol, turning an ordinary morning into a mini adventure.
10. Going to an Arcade with a Pocket Full of Quarters
Showing up to the arcade without rationing quarters? That was rich-kid energy. If you could keep playing without worrying about running out, you were living the dream.
The sound of coins clinking was a symphony of freedom, letting you conquer pixelated worlds. Each quarter was a ticket to endless entertainment.
Arcades became palaces of possibility, where kids could be heroes.
11. Owning a Super Soaker Instead of a Regular Water Gun
Regular water guns were fine, but a Super Soaker? That was power. The bigger the tank, the higher the status.
If you had the XP 100, you were feared. These were not mere toys but tools of splashy dominance, transforming backyard battles into epic showdowns.
Super Soakers empowered kids, turning playful afternoons into legendary water warfare.
12. Having Cable TV with More Than Basic Channels
If you had Nickelodeon, MTV, or any of the “extra” channels, your house was basically the neighborhood entertainment hub.
Everyone wanted to sleep over at your place, drawn by the allure of endless viewing options. It was a golden ticket to cultural richness and social gatherings.
Cable TV expanded horizons and friendships. It was a portal to a world of imagination and camaraderie.
13. Getting Brand-Name Sneakers Instead of Store Brands
Walking into school with a fresh pair of Nike Airs or Reeboks? Instant respect. If your sneakers were store-brand, you could still function—but deep down, you knew the difference.
Brand-name sneakers were symbols of style and success, badges of authenticity in the sneaker game. The envy they sparked was palpable.
Each step in them felt like walking on clouds of confidence. They were more than footwear; they were wearable trophies of triumph and trend.
14. Owning a Game Console Before Everyone Else
If you had the latest Nintendo or Sega system right when it came out, you weren’t just a kid—you were the chosen one.
Friends would magnetically gather at your house just to experience the cutting-edge graphics. These consoles were gateways to new worlds and endless fun.
Owning one meant being at the forefront of digital adventures. It was a badge of honor, signaling you were ahead of the game.
15. Going to McDonald’s and Getting Your Own Order Instead of Sharing
The true test of childhood wealth: not having to split a meal with your siblings. If you rolled up to McDonald’s and got your own full meal—with a large drink and fries? That was pure opulence.
Each bite was a culinary crown of achievement. The freedom to choose your own Happy Meal toy was priceless.
Dining like this made you feel like a gourmet guru. It was fast food, but it tasted like the lap of luxury.