It might not seem that 2010 was so long ago, but many things have changed since then. From quirky fashion statements to iconic toys and digital fads, the 2010s vividly shaped a generation’s daily life. The “remember when” memories will flood throughout this article, and that’s the exact nostalgia needed for the day!
1. Selfie Sticks
Starting strong, what happened to selfie sticks? Selfie sticks were everywhere, helping people take better, wider selfies without having to prop their phones up on something. Its popularity soared so high that, by 2014, it was named one of Time magazine’s best inventions, and stores dedicated entirely to selfie sticks even popped up in places like Times Square.
2. Mustache Motifs
What started as an ironic statement among hipsters quickly became a full-blown pop culture phenomenon. Suddenly, mustaches weren’t just found on faces; they were everywhere. This trend could be found printed on shirts, emblazoned on wallets, turned into jewelry, and even tattooed on fingers for an instant “finger stache” photo op. You could even find funny one-liners like “I mustache you a question.” While this trend might have been “cringe,” it sure does bring back some good memories.
3. Wii U and Nintendo Wii
These consoles took over gaming in 2010, leaving a mark in living rooms worldwide. The Wii, launched in 2006, revolutionized gaming with its motion-sensing controllers and focus on group play, making video games accessible and enjoyable for all ages and skill levels. The Wii U, released in 2012 as the Wii’s successor, introduced HD graphics and the unique GamePad controller with an embedded touchscreen, offering new ways to play and interact with games.
4. Silly Bandz
Kids across the United States loved these rubber bands’ colorful, collectible appeal. These silicone rubber bands, shaped like animals, objects, and symbols, became must-have accessories almost overnight, with children stacking dozens up their arms and eagerly trading them with friends. The phenomenon was so intense that retailers struggled to keep up with demand, and schools in multiple states began banning Silly Bandz due to their distracting nature.
5. Vine
Vine burst onto the scene in 2013 as a groundbreaking video-sharing app, captivating millions with its unique six-second looping clips and simple, tap-to-record interface. Acquired by Twitter before its official launch, Vine quickly became the fastest-growing app of its time, with over 40 million registered users. Alas, this trend died just as soon as it started, but it did inspire many other platforms that are still much-loved today.
6. BlackBerry Phones
When BlackBerry phones first hit the market, they were a must-have for every person. At its peak in 2010, BlackBerry commanded over 40% of the U.S. smartphone market and boasted millions of global users. The BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) service was a social lifeline for many long before iMessage became mainstream. iPhone quickly took over the market, and the idea of BlackBerry quickly faded into oblivion.
7. “Live, Laugh, Love” Decor
No phrase dominated the walls, shelves, and mugs of the 2010s quite like “Live, Laugh, Love.” Etsy and Pinterest surely did their part in fueling the fire of this phrase throughout the 2010s. While “Live, Laugh, Love” has since become a target for memes and jokes about “basic” decor, it remains a daily affirmation with decor appeal in many homes. Every house has a touch of inspirational quotes, and you’ll most likely still find these everywhere you go!
8. Wearing Business Casual to the Club
There was no time like 2010 when you could wear the same outfit to the club or a business meeting. The rise of “athleisure” and relaxed dress codes in workplaces blurred the boundaries between work and play, making it easy to transition from a late meeting to a night on the town without a wardrobe change. One good thing that came from this was that you didn’t have to diversify your wardrobe too much because business casual was all you needed, no matter the occasion.
9. iPods
If you didn’t own one of these bad boys, you were seriously behind the rest of the world. Launched by Apple in 2001, the iPod revolutionized how people listened to music, allowing users to carry thousands of songs in their pockets with unmatched convenience and style. Over its two-decade run, Apple sold an estimated 450 million iPods, making it one of the best-selling gadgets of all time. As smartphones absorbed their functions, iPods quietly disappeared from pockets and store shelves, marking the end of an era for dedicated music players.
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