Few 90s fads are as memorable as Pogs. These small, circular cardboard discs were a playground obsession, trading currency, and competitive pastime all rolled into one. It’s high on our list of popular 90s things that have disappeared. But where did they come from, and why did they disappear just as quickly as they arrived? This article dives into the origin, cultural significance, and enduring nostalgia for Pogs.
History of Pogs
The story of Pogs begins in Hawaii, where a similar game was played using cardboard caps from milk bottles, and credited to Blossom Galbiso, a teacher at Waialua Elementary School, who introduced the game to her students in the early 90s as a fun and educational alternative to dodgeball.
The term “POG” originates from Haleakala Dairy’s passionfruit-orange-guava juice, whose caps became a staple of the game. As the popularity of the juice grew, so did the collection and use of its caps for gameplay. Eventually, commercial production of the caps began, and the game spread like wildfire across playgrounds in Hawaii before making its way to the U.S. mainland.
The 90s Pogs Craze
By 1993, Pogs were no longer just a Hawaiian pastime; they were a national obsession. The World POG Federation, founded by Alan Rypinski, marketed Pogs on a grand scale, turning them into a playground phenomenon. Kids traded, collected, and played with Pogs during recess, often betting on “for keeps” rounds where the winner kept the Pogs they flipped over.
Schools quickly caught on to the high-stakes nature of the game, with some banning the game altogether due to their similarities to gambling. Nevertheless, brands like McDonald’s, Disney, and even D.A.R.E. embraced the craze, producing branded Pogs as promotional items.
Related: 37 Iconic 90s Toys That Literally Everyone Wanted
The Fall of Pogs
No fad lasts forever; by 1995, the craze was beginning to fade. Oversaturation played a significant role. Once rare, collectible items became ubiquitous as multiple companies flooded the market with Pogs of all kinds, from superhero-themed to glow-in-the-dark varieties.
The school bans also had a chilling effect. As more and more school districts prohibited the game, kids lost access to their main arena of play. The World POG Federation tried to stay afloat but eventually went bankrupt. By 1998, Pogs were largely a thing of the past, boxed up alongside other relics of ’90s childhood.
The Legacy of Pogs
Although Pogs fizzled out by the late 90s, their influence remains. They became a symbol of 90s nostalgia, frequently mentioned in “Remember the 90s?” lists and social media posts. Occasionally, Pogs even make a comeback as limited-edition releases or collector’s items on eBay and other online marketplaces.
For many, Pogs represent a simpler time when the schoolyard was the center of the universe, and the stakes of the next Pogs match were the most pressing issue of the day.
Where to Buy Pogs Today
If you’re looking to rekindle your love for Pogs or introduce them to a new generation, they’re not hard to find. Online marketplaces like eBay are filled with vintage Pogs for sale, from rare collector’s items to bulk sets of random designs. Some online stores, like PogUnlimited.com, also sell new Pogs inspired by the original designs.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Blossom Galbiso: The Hawaiian teacher who helped reignite interest in the game for a new generation.
- The World POG Federation: Played a pivotal role in marketing Pogs globally.
- School Bans: Pogs were banned in many schools due to their “gambling-like” nature.
- Brand Collaborations: McDonald’s Happy Meals once included Power Rangers Pogs.
- The POG Juice Connection: The caps for Haleakala Dairy’s passionfruit-orange-guava juice were the original “Pogs.”
Pogs remain a beloved emblem of 90s childhood, capturing the spirit of carefree play and collectible obsession. They were more than just cardboard discs — they were a cultural moment that defined an era. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can still find Pogs online and relive the thrill of “for keeps” matches. For more retro memories, check out our Discontinued 90s Snacks, our Retro Toys category, or browse our entire 90s Nostalgia category. So, dust off your slammer and prepare for one more game.
