Have a 1980s Costume Party

From the minds of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, we were first introduced to the character of Indiana Jones in 1981, and nobody was ever the same again. The high-adventure, quip and whip-wielding hero swung into our lives and so every little boy (me included) decided they wanted to be an archaeologist. Later, we realized Indiana Jones doesn't accurately represent the academic field of archeology and came up with new dreams, but no matter, Indiana is still one of the coolest screen characters of all time and definitely made the 80s a little suaver.

I had Thriller on LP. Then I had Thriller on cassette tape. Then I had Thriller on CD, and after that I had Thriller on my Ipod. Is there any question that this album is a classic, one of the greatest of all time? Besides The title track, my favorite is Billie Jean, because of that classic riff. I remember being a kid and watching the music video where the sidewalk lights up and Michael sings this song. What a fantastic vision! Michael Jackson is a requisite visitor to any 80s party.

Daniel San is possibly my personal hero of the 80s. I loved Indiana Jones and Luke Skywalker as much as the next kid, but they often seemed invincible, mythical in stature, and I did not see myself in their persona. I related much more to young Daniel, who was an outsider and picked on, and found a friend in the unlikeliest of places. I love the Karate Kid. This costume brings back fond memories of enthrallment. Assume the "crane kick" stance at your party this season!

I don't have an intense connection with Rainbow Brite, as I had little interest in it personally. However, my sister LOVED it and I remember her having the dolls and playing with them often. Either way, Rainbow here is an indispensable element of 80s childhood. This lovely costume will bring some color to your 80s party!

Man, did I love Fraggle Rock. Scratch that, man do I love Fraggle Rock (in the present tense). My family didn't have cable TV as we lived in the country, so all I had was scratchy antennae TV to watch. My grandmother, however, had HBo as she lived in town and she recorded Fraggle Rock for me. This was an exciting event for me. Sunday dinner at Grandma's house meant I got to watch Fraggle Rock and that was a good day. The theme song still sticks with me as a great piece of pop culture and I think it still holds up just fine.

This is kind of the same thing as with Rainbow Brite. I never had too much interest in Strawberry Shortcake, except for perhaps the possible output of delicious sweets. My sister loved Strawberry Shortcake about as much as Rainbow Brite. I remember she had these little houses shaped like fruit, and I can admit now, that I liked playing with all the miniature cupcakes and pans, and such. That brings back memories of mixing Ninja Turtles action figures with the bright, fruit-based world of Strawberry Shortcake. Good times!

If you grew up in the 80s, I bet you watched Pee Wee's playhouse on a regular basis. Now you can feel what it's like to actually be him!

Like Pee-Wee, if you were a kid in the 80s you most likely came across He-Man and She-Ra at some point. If you were anything like me, you had umpteen He-Man action figures and you knew every single one of their names. This would be a hilarious blast from the past for any 80s themed party.

Princess Peach used to be in 8 bit graphics and nothing more, but things have certainly changed for this girl. Pair up with a Super Mario costume and you'll be ready for your 80s themed party!