People Are Sharing The Oddly Specific Smells That Instantly Take Them Back To Their Childhood
Recently, Redditor Still_Ad8722 wanted to know what some of those scents were when they asked: "What's an oddly specific smell that instantly takes you back to childhood?"
1. "Those permanent markers that smelled like fruits!"
— Electronic-Count3283
"Mr. Sketch! They changed most of the scents, and added new ones. My nephew just got some, and I spent like 10 minutes sniffing them and getting very irritated that my experience was not nostalgic in the slightest."
— bluesky747
2. "[Bath & Body Works] Cucumber Melon — but my bestie wore out Cucumber Melon sooo much I low-key hate it. Sun-Ripened Raspberry is still dear to me as no one abused it in my life."
— JenevaConvention
"I loved the Sun-Ripened Raspberry scent, it was my favorite body spray from the 90s. Add some Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner, and this scent combo takes me back to my high school days."
— Adventurous_Tie_5532
3. "Several years ago, my grandmother's house went up for sale. I lived in this house with her as a teenager, her final five years. I toured it with the real estate agent. When I walked into the bathroom and opened the closet, I got hit with the smell of powder. This smell had been there and been a defining aspect of the closet for as long as I could remember, back to being a small child. I hadn't even thought of this smell in close to 30 years. Talk about a blast from the past. I couldn't believe the smell was still there after so long. That was almost as shocking as being hit with the smell when I opened the door."
4. "The smell of pipe tobacco and the aroma of pipe smoke. My granddaddy smoked pipes. My grandaddy was a lovely man."
— Thin-Pie-3465
"Mine too. 🥹"
— Joyballard6460
5. "It's the smell of chlorine and sunscreen on a hot day. It instantly takes me back to summer break, jumping into the community pool with a dripping popsicle stick still in my hand."
6. "School soap and brown paper towels. Kids always smelled like school soap and brown paper towels."
7. "New books, reminds me of Scholastic book fairs!"
Scholastic/ OmicronGR / Via reddit.com
8. "Dial antibacterial hand soap"
Dial / Via amazon.com
— anonymity012
"My grandparents always had Dial, unlike my parents who bought Dove. I've been a Dial lady since it was my choice.
The same goes for bread! Mom had white, but both my grandmas had wheat, and that's how I roll now."
9. "Mimeograph copies in elementary school (1960s). When they weren't dry yet, they smelled so good!"
— MobiusMeema
"Mimeographed test papers. That purple ink had a smell I'll never forget."
— ReadySetGO0
10. "The plastic smell…like from a Barbie case."
11. "Avon Timeless perfume and cigarette combined."
12. "Warm chocolate. My school was near a chocolate factory, so at random intervals, we would get the sweet smell of warm chocolate through the windows. It was pretty great!"
— chirpingphoenix
13. "Old school paste in a jar with a brush to spread it with. Ah, the late 1960s."
14. "IDK if anyone else's local Blockbuster also smelled like popcorn, but popcorn smell brings me back to those days."
15. "Money and cigarettes. My grandmother worked at a bank and chain smoked. Loved that woman, but she always came home from work smelling like money and cigarettes. I spent every summer of my childhood with her and it takes me right back."
16. "White Diamonds perfume. My recently deceased mother always wore that. Sometimes, you could taste it; that stuff is so strong. 😅🥲"
17. "Bonner Bell Lip Smackers! The flavored lip balm (Dr. Pepper, Orange Crush, Cherry, Watermelon, etc.) that you hung around your neck with a lanyard. 😍"
Lip Smacker / Via walmart.com
18. "Vinyl and engine exhaust fumes from the school bus."
SimplyCreativePhotography / Getty Images/iStockphoto
— TheWrongTrousers
"School buses are air conditioned now, so our kids never got the opportunity to smell their route."
— epicenter69
19. "Elementary school cafeteria. Wow. The food was sooooo gooooood! And what was in the air? Fresh bread rolls every school day. Like warm yeast rolls."
20. "Baloney sandwich in a plastic baggie."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
10 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
Taurus Monthly Horoscope for August 2025
Slowing down is a priority, Taurus. The month starts off with the Sun moving through Leo, encouraging you to spend more time at home and in your pajamas! Some time alone is recharging right now, as you reflect on your past more and more. You might also make more decisions about your living situation or focus more on your family life. You're struggling to find balance in your everyday life once Mars moves into Libra on August 6. Perhaps you said yes one too many times and now you're weighed down by responsibilities at work and in your personal life. This serves up lessons in protecting your boundaries and free time. You might also catch a cold if you've been neglecting your overall wellbeing and working too hard. This is a reminder to slow down and change your habits. You hit a breaking point when Mars in Libra faces off with Saturn in Aries on August 8. You're ready to say no or have an uncomfortable conversation. It's time to put yourself first. If there's a habit you've been trying to break, this can give you the final push to make a change. It's easy to wind up exhausted or overwhelmed today, so take time to drink water and recharge when you can. There are major changes in your life direction and professional world under the full moon in Aquarius on August 9. You could leave a job or start a new one. Maybe you're considering a new career path altogether. This can also bring attention to the important relationships in your life—maybe you're taking the next step with a lover or learn something important about a family member. You might also decide to move on a whim. You're making decisions about your living situation once Mercury retrograde in Leo ends on August 11. If you've dealt with a petty landlord or if a roommate moved out last minute and left you in a lurch, things start to settle. You also feel ready to move on from the past and head in a new direction. You could hear the 'yes' you've been waiting for when Venus and Jupiter, the two luckiest planets in the sky, link up on August 11, too. This also brings lucky news your way in general—someone could tell you they love you, maybe you make a relationship official, or perhaps you receive a new work offer or raise. This is a day to share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas with others because luck is on your side! Feelings of groundedness permeate your day thanks to Mercury in Leo connecting with Mars in Linda on August 14. This is a great day for productivity that leads to emotional and financial security. You can cross things off your to-do list that have left you anxious in the past. You could also get a lot done around the house or find a new flow in your daily schedule that brings more balance to your life. The Sun moves into Virgo on August 22 and you're feeling sexy! You're reaching new levels of confidence, and this is a lucky time to date or reignite the spark in your love life. You're also focused more on having fun and your passions. This is a great time to pick up a new hobby and focus on the present moment. You also feel a little more hopeful about what comes next, which can help you take a leap of faith toward some of your dreams. There's a new moon in Virgo, also on August 22, that brings fresh energy to your romantic life. A new spark could ignite or maybe you're exploring new sides of your sexuality. This can also simply bring uplifting or lucky news your way. There's some more stability and ease in your personal life when Venus moves into Leo on August 25. You could find the perfect roommate or apartment to rent, or maybe drama settles with a family member. You're feeling nostalgic in a fun way. A dream could offer insight into your financial future when Uranus in Gemini teams up with Neptune in Aries on August 28. If you've felt stuck or uncertain about work—spending some time alone can help put you in touch with new ideas and guidance from beyond.
New York Post
13 hours ago
- New York Post
30% off good, handsome cookware? We don't deserve this 14-piece set
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. I'm not one to swoon over a cookware set I haven't touched with my own two double-washed hands, but the SENSARTE 14-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set has me fighting the urge to 'add to cart,' especially since it's 30% off right now on Amazon. As a part-time private chef (and full-time cookware snob), I've cooked with enough high-maintenance pots to know what makes a good pan worth keeping. And when I see a full set that's non-toxic, nonstick, and doesn't look like it belongs in a college dorm kitchen, I pay attention. Let's start with the obvious: this 14-piece lineup is stupidly comprehensive. You get three frying pans, two saucepans, a saute pan, a stockpot/Dutch oven, and four glass lids, plus silicone utensils that won't scratch the surface or make you feel like you're cooking with a Barbie spatula. But it's the ceramic coating that's doing all the heavy lifting. Unlike some shady 'nonstick' options that peel like a sunburn after a few weeks, ceramic is naturally slick and safe — free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and other chemicals I'd rather not ingest with my eggs. Amazon The SENSARTE 14-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set includes every pan you'll need and none you won't. Coated in a sleek, non-toxic ceramic finish that's free from PFAS, PFOA, and lead, each piece is crafted from sturdy die-cast aluminum for even heat distribution and lightweight handling. Silicone handles stay cool on the stovetop, and the clear glass lids make it easy to keep an eye on your simmer without releasing steam. Designed to be compatible with all stovetops (including induction), these pans are dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 550°F (lids to 350°F), and come with matching soft tools to keep the ceramic surface pristine. Ease and function for the win. Advertisement I won't sit here and pretend I've braised short ribs in this set's Dutch oven or flipped scallion pancakes in the saute pan, but I can tell you that the die-cast aluminum construction means it heats evenly, which is half the battle in getting a good sear or gentle simmer. And the handles stay cool, which might not sound like a big deal until you've accidentally branded yourself reaching for a molten skillet mid-risotto stir. Been there. Still have the scar. This article was written by Kendall Cornish, New York Post Commerce Editor & Reporter. Kendall, who moonlights as a private chef in the Hamptons for New York elites, lends her expertise to testing and recommending cooking products – for beginners and aspiring sous chefs alike. Simmering and seasoning her way through both jobs, Kendall dishes on everything from the best cookware for your kitchen to cooking classes that will level-up your skills to new dinnerware to upgrade your holiday hosting. Prior to joining the Post's shopping team in 2023, Kendall previously held positions at Apartment Therapy and at Dotdash Meredith's Travel + Leisure and Departures magazines.
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Daily Horoscope for July 23, 2025
General Daily Insight for July 23, 2025 Motivation may clash with emotion. With the emotional Moon joining expansive Jupiter in heart-focused Cancer, we might notice our emotions amplified in every direction — for better or worse. The confident Sun then sextiles innovative Uranus to inspire and urge us to take the road less traveled. Finally, stubborn Venus argues with irritable Mars at 4:23 am EDT, making it difficult to feel like we're following our passions without sacrificing our comfort, and vice versa. Let's strike the best balance we can. Aries March 21 – April 19 You may be forced to work in unfavorable conditions. Perhaps you're being stymied by a lack of the right tools to succeed or the right partner to complement your skills, but don't discount your Aries vigor! You have the potential to make something out of practically nothing here. It's unlikely to be the ideal setting for you to thrive, but you can overcome your obstacles with a little determination and a willingness to work with whatever you've been given. Roll with the punches. Taurus April 20 – May 20 Risky behavior might demand more sacrifice than you expected. You might be surprised by the consequences of taking a risk, forgetting to do something important, or choosing to only put in a half-hearted effort. Historically, you may not have struggled with this, potentially skating by with minimal effort or not taking the necessary precautions to make sure that you succeed, but a lack of preparation or rolling the dice too many times can cause you to fall flat on your face. Play it safe. Gemini May 21 – June 20 Going against the grain might be harder than normal. You understand the upsides of thinking outside the box and marching to the beat of your own drum, but you could find that such efforts are harder to accomplish at this time. There may be extra peer pressure on you or authority figures who are trying to force you to stay in line. Do your best to build a healthy balance that allows you to keep your individuality without separating you from your peers. Cancer June 21 – July 22 So much to do, so little time. You may notice signs of exhaustion as you hurry through your day, particularly if you've been skipping steps to get every single task done or make space for the rest that you need. It's important that you fulfill your responsibilities and communicate with others about what you need to succeed; otherwise, you risk ending up over-promising and under-delivering. You can do it, but you have to walk a fine line and keep an eye on the time. Leo July 23 – August 22 You can't do everything yourself! No matter how much you want to be the only person at the helm of the ship, crossing the ocean of life without a crew of supporters simply isn't realistic. If you try to do it all alone, you'll potentially miss out on some immensely valuable aid. Seek out the people who could assist you while also benefiting from their efforts aboard your metaphorical ship. The journey will be both safer and more enjoyable when you aren't sailing solo. Virgo August 23 – September 22 You have to advocate for yourself. Think about getting pushed to the back of the line by other people who are louder, but less qualified than you are — you don't want the frustration of watching opportunities go to them instead. In order to combat this, you must speak up for yourself and say your piece. Just remember that it's healthier to talk about what you can do, rather than what the other person can't do. Lift yourself up without pushing them down. Libra September 23 – October 22 Today's journey requires you to be prepared, yet flexible. You're probably already aware of the benefits a loose schedule offers — one that provides you with some structure, but that also allows for some wiggle room. Your system that allows for breathing space within stricter parameters for each task may seem paradoxical, but if it works, that means it's a perfectly valid path to success. Don't fight what works for you, even if it looks unique or overly complicated to the outside observer. Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Keep some things to yourself, but not everything. A little personal mystery can be great fun, as it can whet the interest of your peers in your activities without giving everything away. Oversharing is not likely to be productive at the moment, but complete silence isn't either. Let people discover you little by little — and, in turn, be a good listener and ensure they feel heard. You don't have to put it all on display, nor do you have to hide it all away. Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 The people around you might be changing — if so, you'll have to adapt. Their transformations may be shocking, whether it's a slow shift to their style or an abrupt alteration of their relationship status. Be wary of letting any dramatic surprise on your face (unless you know that's what your friend wants to see), as such exclamations risk alienating those who are providing you with this updated information about themselves. They might be feeling vulnerable as well, so make an effort to be understanding. Capricorn December 22 – January 19 Plans could change due to reasons outside of your control. It may be frustrating to watch your plans get tugged back and forth as unexpected events come into view, blocking you from traveling, meeting up with friends that you haven't seen in some time, or taking a class. You may have been looking forward to this for a while, and having to reschedule is probably sorely disappointing. Try not to worry, and be patient. Everything will happen at the right time. Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Don't be afraid to change your mind. You might feel like you are handcuffed to a certain belief or responsibility because of your past self's passion for it. Now, though, updated information or natural internal growth potentially has you feeling differently for reasons that you can't quite explain. This can be embarrassing if you feel like you have to go back on what you've said in the past, but we are all ever-evolving individuals. You stagnate when you choose familiarity over the truth. Pisces February 19 – March 20 You are where you need to be. Feeling caught between tradition and change is tough, especially if peers are pressuring you to shift in ways that don't currently fit you, but you simultaneously no longer fully identify with who you were in the past. It is a delicate place to be, this liminal space in between states, but you will navigate it and find yourself on the other side. Trying to make a decision too quickly is the only way that you may self-sabotage.
