I can’t be the only one nostalgic for the simplicity of the 1990s. This list contains my favorite finds for offline parenting, and a more fun, playful childhood for our kids.
Sections
3
Alternatives to Internet Connected Devices
Books
Toys
Alternatives to Internet Connected Devices
Tin can is bringing back the land line! Skip the fancy cell phones and let your kids live it up by calling their friends directly on their own phone line
Tin Can - The Landline, Reinvented for Kids
Keep your kids offline with an old school tv dvd player combo. They’ll have a blast collecting DVDs to play. You can also search for used box tv vhs dvd combos but this is a safe option if you don’t like used!
Trexonic 15.4 Inch Portable TV+ DVD Player with Swivel TFT-LCD Screen and USB,SD,AV,HDMI Inputs
This truly works! Tap your phone to the brick and it locks apps of your choosing until you tap again.
Brick — Take Back Control of Your Screen Time
Cassette may be bringing it a little too far back for some families, but there is something special about an old school music player.
GPX® Portable Cassette Player with AM/FM Radio, Red and Black, CA337B
Collect CDs as a hobby! Use this boombox to show off the collection to their friends. You can find CDs at a ton of thrift and secondhand stores
iLive Audio Bluetooth CD Boombox with FM Tuner - Black (IBC233B): Portable Music System
Books
An absolute classic book series for kids. This book is timeless and great for imagination and literacy skills’
Magic Tree House Boxed Set: Books 1 - 4 (Magic Tree House Series) (Paperback) (Mary Pope Osborne)
Ideas for days when you need a little extra creativity!
Unplugged Play: Grade School - by Bobbi Conner (Paperback)
Make getting offline and off screens a whole family activity!
The Unplugged Family Activity Book: 60+ Simple Crafts and Recipes for Year-Round Fun|eBook
This book is full of edible science experiments for kids that will keep them entertained for hours
The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids - (Hardcover)
There has been an increase in literacy issues associated with the elimination of phonics. Sight words don’t always help kids learn to read. Phonics can be taught at home with workbooks and other toys to help with reading skills!
Bob Books - Beginning Phonics Workbook Phonics, Writing Practice, Ages 4 and Up, Kindergarten, First Grade (Stage 1: Starting to Read) - (Paperback)
Toys
Bring back CREATING! With this kit you can have your kid turn garbage into their own creations. Kid safe cardboard cutting and building tools for those boredom filled rainy days that we loved so much as kids.
Makedo Discover Kit for 2 to 5 Makers Construction Playset 126 pc
This is an absolute classic card game that kids can often play without parent help!
Asmodee Spot It Eco 2024 Card Game
More classic card games for kids! These can be mastered and enjoyed endlessly. Bonus is they are easy to pack and clean up.
Chuckle & Roar Kids Card Game Set (4-Pack) - Classic Family Card Games Ages 3+
Word bracelets are so back! This kit makes it easy to create art and jewelry with your kids.
Word Wear Personalized Jewelry Making Set - It's So Me: Bracelet & Friendship Kit for Girls, 1175 Pieces, Beads & Charms
Have the kids paint their own magnets! Perfect for a rainy day
Joyfy 12 Pcs Wooden Magnet Painting Kits For Kids, Spring Wood Paint Kit, Ideal Arts & Crafts, Birthday Gifts Party Favors for Boys Girls Age 3+
The modern Elefun! This toy is not only a ton of fun, but builds motor skills!
B. toys Flying Disc Launcher with Pedal
This wouldn’t be a 1990s parenting list without some sports balls! This kit has three different options to play with, Bo us is that they are a little more soft.
Franklin Sports Nerf Ball Set - 3pc: Outdoor & Toy Sports Set for Kids
This jumping toy burns a ton of energy for kids, but also builds gross motor skills!
My First Flybar - Red
Shin guards may be needed, but the Skip It is back!
Joyfy Ankle Skip Ball - with Purple Flashing Lights, Foldable Sports Toy, Exercise Equipment for Indoor & Outdoor Play, Birthday Gift for Kids Ages 3+