Though science has shown that our memories are deeply interwoven with our sense of smell, you don't need to take it from a team of lab coat-clad researchers. Just ask any '70s, '80s, or '90s kid - they can be transported back to their childhood at the mere whiff of hairspray, erasers, and even a gym closet.
From Shrinky toys to gun cap ammo, here are 17 nostalgic childhood photos we can absolutely smell.
1
Shrinky Toys
In four magical minutes, they bake and shrink … and make your entire kitchen smell of melted plastic!
2
MadBalls
“MadBalls! Loved the smell and feel of the foam rubber these things were made of. I had the eyeball, and the mummy.”
3
The Gym Closet
We remember the plastic smells of these basketballs, hula hoops, and big, rolling buckets better than some of our dodgeball teammates.
4
Scratch n’ Sniff Stickers
Scratch. Sniff. Remember. Repeat.
5
Play-Doh
The official scent of our kindergarten classrooms.
6
Ring Caps
“Who remembers the smell of Cap Gun ammo as a child?”
7
Liquid Paper
Nothing could white out the smell of these iconic school supplies.
8
Bonne Bell Lip Balms
They may have done nothing to moisturize our lips, but they sure left an imprint on our smell psyche.
9
Fruit Corners Fruit Roll-Ups
We can still smell the artificial strawberry from these iconic ‘80s snacks.
10
Glade’s Potpourri Spray
“Country Garden?” More like Grandma’s bathroom!
11
Aqua Net
Spray for spray, ounce for ounce, and scent for scent, Aqua Net gives you more of what you spray for.
12
Plastic Bubbles
“If you're a child of the 80's; you can smell this pic.”
13
Scented Markers
“Surprised I don’t have a drug addiction from all the classroom huffing I did of these. Education baby!!!”
14
Mimeograph Machines
While they may mime papers, nothing can mimic the scent of this iconic ‘90s gadget.
15
Fancy Car Seats
Famed for their softness, we could recognize these velvet-y car seats by scent and scent alone.
16
Target in the ‘90s
The store’s ‘90s slogan should have gone “expect more … linoleum-twinged scents.”
17
Fruit-Shaped School Erasers
Great for smelling, terrible for keeping your homework rip-free.
