“When I was a kid…” is something that parents say far too often; however even teens catch the nostalgia bug.

A recent Lancer Media survey found that teens still miss the toys and television shows from their childhood.  According American University’s School of Communications research, ratings have dropped on television shows lately because of the increase of on-demand television.  It’s hard to imagine that there are “good old days” just 5-7 years ago.

The top three television shows teenagers miss:

1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air– A well-off family in Bel-Air receives a great gift from their poorer family in Philadelphia. This gift is their cousin Will (Will Smith.) His mother wanted him to gets some good old fashion family and life values. Will quickly adapts to the family, the Banks’, lifestyle while for the Banks it takes some getting used to having another person in the household. Yet, during all of the show Will shows that family love and loyalty can not be bought at a price.

2. Spongebob Squarepants– is a sponge who lives in the ocean with his best friend Patrick Star, a star fish. In the show, they go on adventures and show us their lives in Bikini Bottom. Spongebob is a carefree character who goes jelly-fishing and works for Mr. Krabs, his mean penny-saving boss. Spongebob is also known for his delicious krabby patties that he makes at the Krusty Krab. His optimism keeps him always in high spirits and finding laughable moments. Many teenagers grew up with Spongebob and still enjoy it today.

Freshman Ben Dempter said, ” I grew up with SpongeBob and I enjoy watching it because it’s funny.”

3. Full House– A classic television show that follows a single dad as he raises three young girls with the help of his best friend and brother-in-law in San-Francisco. This show continued for eight seasons as the family grew and challenges were faced. Full House still airs on Nickelodeon in the early morning and at night. Full House stars big stars such as John Stamos, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Candace Cameron.

Catch reruns of these shows on ABC Family and Nickelodeon. Check your local listings for dates and times.

The top three toys teenagers miss:

1. Webkinz- An award winning virtual world for children ages 6 and up. Children buy their own stuffed animals, make their account on the official website, put the code in and instantly have a new family! Webkinz was established in 2005 and  was at its peak in 2007 and 2008 with 8.2 million children owning them worldwide. Don’t be fooled, Webkinz still exists. Go out to a local store or online and start your virtual world today.

Sophomore Jeweliana Hendrickson said,  ” I still remember my first Webkinz. It was Bubbles the Hippo!”

2. Hot Wheels- A brand of all different toy cars. Most popular among boys, Hot Wheels Cars were a toy that almost all kids owned during their childhood. You may recognize Hot Wheels by their catchy slogan, “Hot Wheels, beat that!” If you have a young boy or even girl, go out and get some Hot Wheels. They are sold at all different stores such as Toys “R” Us and online almost anywhere. Hot Wheels toys sales have fluctuated depending on their new arrivals and new trends.  Hot Wheels produces not only cars but tracks, bridges  and even a car design machine.

2.  Beanie Babies- A successful  line of stuffed animals produced since 1993 by Ty Warner, Inc. Parents have rushed out to the stores for Christmas and birthdays to get their children the exact Beanie Babie they want. Even though the most popular Beanie Babies animal is the famous bear, they come in a variety of different animals: dogs, tigers, horses, elephants and lambs to name a few. Beanie Babies are sold at almost every store and can have customized accessories. This is one toy that doesn’t look like it’s going away.

Sophomore Kaylee Henry said,  “My grandmother has around 150 Beanie Babies and they are still sitting around in her attic.”  Collectors may have to wait a long time for the value of Beanie Babies to increase!

Find these toys at local stores near you.