My Childhood Nostalgia List

As this was one of my favorite videos as a toddler, I really expected more from it in the re-watch. In fact, it is one of the worst specials I have looked back on. The humor is extremely unfunny and the plot is hilariously weird (seriously, I have SO many questions). In its defense, the visuals are eye-pleasing and the songs have been stuck in my head for 15+ years. But heed my warning: you just may get hungry after the words "cookie" and "cake" are spoken for the 56th times.

I only had one or two DVDs of Bear, but I watched them thoroughly. Although they are obviously meant for small children, they still hold up as adorable and somewhat calming. Amidst the songs about counting and colors, there are beloved characters and some genuine humor (Tutter will NEVER get old). This is one of those kids shows that parents can put on and not be annoyed. In fact, Bear may find a place in their hearts, too.

This series was the first Winnie the Pooh adventure since the 1977 film, 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.' This show is arguably even better than the film, with heartfelt and funny stories that aren't stripped from Milne's books, but still hit the mark perfectly. It opened up a whole new world of Pooh-possibilities (Pooh-sibilities?) that paved the way for more Hundred Acre Wood adventures. Truly beautiful and classic. It also marks to first time the great Jim Cummings voiced Pooh.

Hands down, this is one of the best children's shows of all time. I loved it growing up and even now I get a kick out of watching it. It's cute as heck and extremely calm. Despite being for toddlers, this show rarely (if ever) tackles "educational" subjects like the alphabet; there's never a song. It focuses more on the everyday adventures of Kipper and his friends, while teaching simple lessons like kindness and the importance of having an imagination.

Like Kipper, this series for small children isn't focused on teaching numbers and letters. It simply follows the fun of Angelina and her mouse friends. With adorable and quite beautiful animation, this is another that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, I did watch some Barney growing up. If you were tiny in the 90's-2000's, you did, too. Shockingly, it wasn't as good as I remembered! (sarcasm) As most Barney productions go, it was cheesy, predictable, obvious, and annoying. I guess this one was actually tame as far as Barney goes - but I wouldn't actually recommend it. Also, shout out to Barry Pearl, who was clearly giving his all in his scene-stealing performance as Mr. Tinkerputt.

As you may know, anything Pooh is a winner with me. This collection of shorts aren't quite as memorable as some other Hundred Acre Wood material, but the cuddly-looking characters, impressive puppetry and whimsical feel redeem it. The only "issue" I have is the obligatory forgettable song in each episode. But to be fair, their antics still earns a smile and some air-through-the-nose from me. Special shout-out to 'Over the Hill,' which features a clever plot that shows that the makers didn't view their child audience as "too dumb to understand real humor."

Although I never held the characters of Sesame Street close to my heart, I did enjoy watching this video tape over and over as a child. After a re-watch, it's pretty typical Sesame Street stuff, I suppose, only with even more singing segments. Granted it's not something I'd watch again, I can see why it was one of my favorites back in the day. The characters are goofy but nostalgic, and the songs are catchy - it even has some surprising cameos from stars like Gloria Estefan, Destiny's Child, and Ben Stiller. Bottom line: not the absolute worst thing your kid could watch.

This one may take 2nd place as 'Best Animated Movie Ever.' An interpretation of Rapunzel that is arguably better than 'Tangled,' this movie offers everything we want and need from fantasy: witches, dragons, gowns, talking rabbits, swords, towers, magic paints, a beautiful soundtrack - I love this film. Fairy tales-lovers of any age should see it. As a matter of fact, I watched it more as I got older than when I was younger. This is back from when Barbie movies were quality.

I don't remember a whole lot from this series, but after some re-watches of classic clips, I think it deserves a place fairly high up - if for nothing else than the humor. It has some genuinely funny moments. "Bonky Rabbit" will live on! All in all it's not very annoying, although I can't speak for newer seasons of the show.

While it's not the worst thing in the world, Caillou is one of those shows that's meant for small children that only small children would like. So simple, it's a bit painful for anyone over 5. Honestly, Caillou's voice is the worst thing about it. I mean, just, shut up!!!! Anyway... although I'm sure it does admirable things like encourage imagination or teach opposites, there's less cheesy options out there to educate your kids things they should know anyway.

This special starts at a royal theater, where every crowd member (except the Princesses) looks like the silhouettes of Joel and Mike from Mystery Science Theater 3000. The Princesses introduce segments that tell Christmas-themed stories. It's fairly decent, I suppose, as most of the footage is taken from already existing Disney movies/shows. Still, I crack up during the Princess' '12 Days of Christmas' song every time Jasmine belts out, "Five emerald rings!" It's like, "Whoa, this is a freaking emerald ring, people!! See, look at the amazing ring pop in the sky!!!!" I suppose this isn't the worst thing ever, but your kid might as well actually watch the source material they're recycling, instead.

This is probably one of the least beloved shows from my childhood. I didn't watch it that much, but the fact that I owned a video tape qualified it for this list. Truth is, it's not that fun. It can be creative, but as far as humor or endearing-ness, not so much. It's memorable for its premise and visuals, not its content. Sorry, Rubbadubbers.

I had at least three DVDs/VHS of these as a kiddlin, and I watched the heck out of them. Looking back there's nothing too shocking; simple, wholesome stories about family values and friendship. Not sure an adult who didn't grow up with it could find much to fall in love with, though. Only real criticism is the animation can look a bit "generic," making some of their reactions seem a little... robotic and soul-less? But it's still very nicely done and there's nothing bad here.