There are certain boardgames that simply just a mention will send me right back to my childhood. The other day, my husband and I were out at a vintage and antique market and came across a perfectly in tact Mall Madness boardgame. It took all of my strength to not purchase it right then and there, but with the death of the American Mall, I'm not sure my kids would be able to fully feel the joy we felt when playing that game. So much of our childhood is not totally relevant to our kids, but a little bit of me would love to find a way to bring my kids back in time to that place so they could play and love the games I grew up with.
Here's a list of the games I loved growing up and why they may not ever make a comeback.
Dream Phone was one of my top 5 go to's for slumber parties. It was this super fun board game where we would use a chunky, neon pink phone to call cute boys and figure out who our secret admirer was. We’d gather around, giggling and gossiping, trying to piece together clues from the phone calls. But honestly, kids today would probably just roll their eyes at it. They’ve grown up with smartphones, texting, and social media, so the idea of calling someone on a big, clunky phone seems ancient to them. Plus, who even has a communal family phone anymore? Everything's so instant and digital now. I’d love to share that nostalgic fun with my kids, but they just wouldn’t get the magic of waiting for that phone to ring and hearing, “Hey, it’s not me!” Ah, the good old days!
Girl Talk was the ultimate sleepover game for us Gen X and Xennial moms. We'd sit in a circle with our best friends, ready to tackle the hilarious dares and spill our juiciest secrets. It came with this bright red spinner and a bunch of cards that dared you to do things like put makeup on without a mirror or reveal your latest crush. It was all about laughing, bonding, and maybe getting a bit embarrassed in a fun way. But if I tried to get my kids to play Girl Talk today, they’d probably just give me a weird look. They’ve grown up with Snapchat, TikTok, and group texts, where sharing secrets and silly moments is done instantly and digitally. The thrill of spinning a physical dial and doing goofy dares in person just doesn't compare to their high-tech world. I’d love for them to experience the same giggles and memories I had, but they’re more into virtual games and online chats and dares that are more for social media clout than creating bonds with their friends.
Heartthrob was an absolute favorite back in the day. We’d gather around, sorting through cards of cute boys, trying to decide who we’d want to date and guessing who our friends would choose. Each round, we’d secretly pick our “heartthrob” based on looks, personality, and other quirky traits, then reveal our choices amidst giggles and gasps. But if I tried to introduce Heartthrob to my kids now, they’d probably think it’s ancient history, or cheugy (are kids still using that word?). They’re all about apps like Tinder and Instagram, where picking a crush is all about instant swipes and scrolling. The whole idea of passing around paper cards and writing down our choices just seems so out of touch to them. I wish they could experience the same excitement and silliness we did, but their world is all digital now. That's not even to mention that this game is exits in a time and place where assuming everyone was straight was appropriate. Our kids are way too progressive for that.
The Clarissa Explains It All Game was such a blast for us Gen X and Xennial kids. Based on the quirky and fun TV show, this game let us dive into Clarissa's world, navigating her zany adventures and trying to solve problems just like she did. We’d laugh at the silly scenarios and try to outsmart each other with our problem-solving skills. But nowadays, my kids wouldn’t have a clue who Clarissa Darling is. With their streaming services and endless new shows, the charm of a 90s Nickelodeon classic just doesn’t hit the same.
The Sweet Valley Twins Board Game was all about diving into the drama and excitement of Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield's lives. We’d play through scenarios from the books, dealing with school events, crushes, and twin sister escapades. It was like living in Sweet Valley for a few hours. But for my kids, the world of Sweet Valley is totally off their radar. With today’s YA series being all about fantasy worlds and dystopian futures, a game based on 80s and 90s high school drama feels pretty out of touch.
The Babysitters Club Board Game let us step into the shoes of Kristy, Claudia, Stacey, and the rest of the gang. We’d manage babysitting jobs, solve mini-crises, and try to run the best club in Stoneybrook. It was such a fun way to bring our favorite book series to life. But my kids have so many other entertainment options now, from video games to social media, that the idea of playing a board game about a babysitting club doesn’t seem exciting to them. The Babysitters Club might have made a comeback on Netflix, but the old-school board game just doesn’t have the same appeal in their fast-paced, tech-savvy world.
Are You Afraid of the Dark Board Game was an absolute favorite for us Gen X and Xennial kids, bringing the spooky tales from the iconic Nickelodeon show to life right in our living rooms. We’d sit around the game board, telling creepy stories, solving mysteries, and trying not to get too freaked out as we moved our pieces through eerie settings. It was all about the chills and thrills, just like the Midnight Society meetings. But if I tried to get my kids into this game now, they’d probably just shrug it off. They're used to high-definition horror games and instant scares from YouTube and streaming services. The idea of getting spooked by a board game based on a 90s TV show doesn’t quite measure up to the intense, fast-paced scares they’re into today. It’s a different world now, and the charm of gathering around a board for some good old-fashioned ghost stories just doesn’t have the same allure.
So many of these games hold a special place in our hearts, even if our kids can't quite relate. It’s funny how something as simple as a board game can capture a moment in time and bring back a flood of memories. What about you? What games did you love growing up that your kids just wouldn’t get? It’s always fun to reminisce and see how much things have changed. Share your favorite childhood games and let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane together!