15 Things You Spent Too Much Money on As a Kid

Kids have a knack for finding joy in the latest toys or trends, and when we look back at our childhood, many memories come flooding in. Some memories are tied to what we requested and bought. Each purchase felt like the best decision at the time, even if it led to a pile of dust collectors in our rooms later on.

As you grew up, you realized that some of those items were not worth the money you spent. You may have only been influenced by friends. This piece highlights the classic mistakes kids make when spending is fun yet often regrettable. Join us as we reflect on what you probably spent too much money on as a kid.

Trading Cards

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For many kids, collecting and trading cards was a hobby that could get expensive. From Pokemon to Yu-Gi-Oh! and sports cards, the thrill of finding a rare card or completing a set was irresistible. Looking back at the amount spent on packs and booster boxes, you’d realize that most cards are now worth pennies or just taking up space in your closet.

Toys

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Remember that shiny new toy you begged your parents for, only to have it break after a few days of play? It’s safe to say most of us have been there. As kids, you most likely overlooked the quality of a toy and focused more on its appearance or popularity. This mistake would lead to wasted money and disappointment when the toy inevitably broke.

Trendy Clothing

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Being trendy was crucial for kids, especially in middle and high school. You probably begged your parents for designer jeans or the latest shoes endorsed by celebrities. Now, you realize these items are overpriced and do not necessarily make us cooler or happier.

Video Games

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Video games were a staple for many growing up, and most kids often spent hours glued to the screen. However, constantly buying new games or expensive gaming consoles can add up quickly. Most of those games are now free or much cheaper today.

Branded School Supplies

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Back-to-school shopping was always exciting; kids wanted to show off their new supplies. This desire led to the demand for branded school accessories, from designer pens to character backpacks. As adults, you now know that these items were just a way for companies to capitalize on your love for trends and characters.

Candy and Junk Food

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Do you remember saving up your allowance just to buy a ton of candy or junk food? Kids often craved instant gratification and disregarded the impact of unhealthy snacks on their bodies and wallets. It’s safe to say that those sugary treats were not worth the money in the long run.

Movie Merchandise

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You probably had a favorite movie or TV show you couldn’t get enough of. Maybe you also bought the movie’s merchandise, such as action figures, posters, and clothing with the characters’ faces. While it may have seemed like a good idea then, these items quickly lost their value and ended up collecting dust.

Stuffed Animals

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For many kids, stuffed animals were cute, cuddly, and hard to resist. They made great companions but took up a lot of space in our rooms and ultimately became forgotten. As you grew older, you’d realize that spending money on stuffed animals was not a wise investment.

Fancy School Lunches

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Packing a lunch from home may have seemed boring compared to the delicious meals in the school cafeteria. Kids often convince their parents to give them money for hot lunches or buy snacks from vending machines. While it felt like a treat then, spending money on expensive school lunches daily was not the most practical decision.

Movie Tickets

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Going to the movies was popular among kids; many would save their allowance to see the latest blockbuster film. However, movie tickets can be expensive, especially with overpriced snacks and drinks at the theater. Was it a memorable experience? Sure. But in hindsight, the money spent could have been put towards something more meaningful.

Music CDs

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Before streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, we had to buy physical copies of our favorite albums. Many kids would save money to purchase the latest CDs from their favorite artists. As technology changed, these traditional music formats became obsolete, leaving us with expensive coasters.

Sports Equipment

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Playing sports as a kid was not just for fun but also to fit in with friends. As a result, many kids would convince their parents to buy expensive sports equipment or gear endorsed by professional athletes. However, you may have quickly lost interest in the sport, rendering the equipment useless.

Theme Park Merchandise

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Every kid’s dream was to go to Disneyland or Universal Studios. While these theme parks offer an enjoyable experience, the merchandise can be overpriced and easily breakable. Many kids beg their parents to buy them souvenirs that ultimately end up collecting dust.

Electronic Devices

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Electronic devices, from iPods to gaming consoles, were all the rage for kids growing up. Most begged their parents to buy them, and they were often expensive investments. These devices quickly became outdated and replaced with newer models, resulting in wasted money.

Expensive School Trips

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School trips were always exciting for kids, but some came at a high cost. Whether it was a class trip to a theme park or an international school trip, parents would have to fork over a significant amount of money. While these trips may have been fun and educational, they were not always worth the price.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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