Nostalgic Objects Seen in Stranger Things: A Trip Back to the 80s

 

Kung may isang bagay na talagang bumihag sa mga manonood ng Stranger Things, bukod sa monsters, synth music, at supernatural na kaguluhan, ito ay ang nostalgia, and I'm one of those. The show captured not just the look and feel of the 80s, but also the little objects that defined childhood, friendships, and everyday life of that era.

Here are some of the most nostalgic items seen in the series, and why they matter—both in the story and in real-life 80s culture.

WALKIE TALKIES

“This is the lifeline of Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Eleven. In a time without cellphones, the walkie-talkie was the fastest way for kids to communicate. It became a symbol of friendship, adventure, and being ready for anything unusual—especially when a friend goes missing or when a demogorgon is lurking around.” In Stranger Things, they represent teamwork and childlike resourcefulness—perfect for supernatural emergencies.

EGGO WAFFLES

Sino bang makakalimot sa paboritong pagkain ni Eleven? Ang Eggo waffles ay naging iconic dahil kumakatawan sila sa pagiging inosente ni El at ang kanyang unti-unting pag-adapt sa normal na mundo. In the 80s, these were a classic quick-breakfast item in American homes. But in the Philippines, we never heard of the Eggo Waffles and sumikat kasi sa atin na galing din sa Amerika ay yung Kellog's breakfast creal at Koko crunch na masarap din para sa almusal. 

 VINTAGE BICYCLES

The gang’s bikes are pure 80s freedom. They symbolize independence, adventure, and the thrill of exploring your neighborhood—no parental supervision, just wide-open streets and imagination. Those bikes are those with big single headlights in front. Ang mga bike ng kids—lalo na ang BMX-style bikes—ay nagpapakita ng quintessential 80s childhood. I have one of those when I was 7 and also roaming the streets in San Andres, Manila, that was so, so classic. 

ARCADE MACHINES (DIG-DUG, GALAGA, DRAGON'S LAIR, and PACMAN)

Ang arcade ay parang “mall” ng mga kabataan noong 80s. Doon sila tumatambay, nagsasaya, at nagkukumpetensiya. Sa Stranger Things, kinakatawan nila ang youthful fun—at minsan ay clue sa mas malalalim na misteryo sa isang sci-fi series. Stranger Things uses the arcade not just as a setting, but as a symbol of simpler times.

VHS Tapes & VCR

VHS tapes are a major '80s hallmark. They embody the ways of renting movies and rewinding tapes. Stranger Things uses them to highlight the era’s analog charm. Sa show, makikita mo ang mga VHS tapes bilang paalala sa panahong limited ang choices, pero mas may charm at anticipation ang movie-watching.

Tiffany - I Think We're Alone Now

Polaroid and Film Cameras

Film and Polaroid cameras capture the authentic 80s feel—grainy, imperfect, and nostalgic. They represent the tangible nostalgia of physical photographs. Sa Stranger Things, ang mga photo scenes ay nagbibigay ng raw 80s vibe—walang filters, walang instant delete, at bawat shot ay may value.

Dungeons & Dragons Set

Ang D&D ang puso ng pagkakaibigan ng Hawkins boys. Simbolo ito ng imagination, creativity, at pagbuo ng world-building bago pa dumating ang video games. Maraming creatures sa show—Demogorgon, Mind Flayer—ay galing sa kanilang D&D sessions. Stranger Things perfectly uses the game as a metaphor for the real monsters they face.

Retro TVs

Ang malaking kahon na TV na may antena? Classic! Ito ang source ng news, cartoons, at late-night horror movies. Sa show it helps anchor scenes to the timeline—no flat screens, no remotes, just old-school channel switching. They represent the shared family experience of watching television.

Cassette Tapes & Walkman

Most of us nagkaroon ng Walkman like what Max has. That was so classic, noong kausuhan pa nito. I remember mine na dinadala ko pa minsan sa school at sa field trips. Kung meron ka kasing Walkman noon at Sony pa ang tatak, cool kid ka. Naging iconic lalo na dahil kay Max—ang Walkman niya ang literal na nagligtas sa buhay niya. Noong 80s, cassette tapes ang paraan para dalhin mo ang favorite songs kahit saan. Cassette players symbolize personal music freedom.

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights became one of the most iconic visuals in the show, representing hope, communication, and the eerie blending of the supernatural with everyday objects. Hindi lang pang-Pasko—ginamit ni Joyce Byers ang Christmas lights para makipag-usap kay Will na nasa Upside Down.

Michael Jackson - Rockin' Robin

Dustin’s Cap

Ang trucker cap ni Dustin — kulay red, white, at blue — ay isa sa pinakakilalang fashion items ng Stranger Things. It reflects Dustin’s unique charm—optimistic, nerdy, and unforgettable. In the 80s, these retro caps were trendy among kids, teens, and even adults, making them a perfect nostalgic detail. At hanggang ngayon naman may nakikita pa rin akong nagsusuot ng mga trucker caps. 

Trapper Keeper Binder

The Trapper Keeper binder was an iconic school essential in the '80s. With its bold covers, velcro closure, and compartments for papers and pens, it was the ultimate organizational tool—and a fashion statement. Having one meant you were stylish, organized, and keeping up with the trends. I own one, exactly what it looks like from the scene of Steve and Nancy. It really caught my eye, then suddenly I felt nostalgic. Sa mundo ng Stranger Things, perfect itong representasyon ng 80s school culture—organized chaos, bright colors, at teen individuality.

Halley’s Comet Sticker

Noong 1986, sumikat nang husto ang Halley’s Comet, at halos lahat ng bata noon ay may stickers, posters, at kahit notebooks na may comet design. Kapag nakita mo ang Halley’s Comet sticker sa Stranger Things, instant 80s throwback ito—reminder ng panahon na punô ng wonder, science fascination, at school kids na sobrang excited sa astronomical events. It represents childhood curiosity, imagination, and that universal excitement over something you’d only see once in a lifetime.

80’s Colorful Clothing

Nothing screams 1980s nostalgia more than colorful clothing—neon tops, wild geometric patterns, high-waisted pants, oversized jackets, and fashion combos that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Stranger Things captures this perfectly through the wardrobes of Eleven, Max, and the Hawkins teens. Their outfits represent the boldness and expressive spirit of the decade. Ang 80s fashion ay simbolo ng individuality, confidence, at ang paniniwala na “the brighter, the better.”