18 Nostalgic Items Only Those Who Grew Up in the ‘70s Remember
Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the good old days of the 70’s? There’s something special about those years that stays close to your heart, isn’t there?
Back then, life was filled with new and exciting things. We continually innovated and had new things to look forward to. From rotary phones to cool toys and handmade gadgets, the ’70s were a decade full of creativity and charm.
To help you go back in time, we’ve gathered some nostalgic items from the ’70s that you surely miss. Let’s see how many of these classics you still remember.
1. Rotary Phones
If you grew up in the ‘70s, you probably remember the slow, steady turn of the rotary phone. It took time to dial a number, but it was part of everyday life.
These phones mostly came in avocado green or harvest gold colors, and I remember my grandmother had a bright red one. Those were the days when rotary phones were the heart of communication. Just thinking about the click of the dial makes you feel nostalgic for the past.
2. 8-Track Tapes
You probably had a collection of 8-track tapes back in the ’70s. These bulky tapes were the go-to way to enjoy your favorite music by artists like Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles.
Pop one in, and suddenly, every road you take feels like listening to a concert on wheels. These tapes were a bit clunky, but nothing could beat the joy of jamming out with friends while on a trip.
3. Mood Rings
The hype around mood rings in the ’70s shows how important fashion was. These rings claimed to change color with your emotions, though it was really just body temperature.
Still, people believed in their “magic.” If you lived in that era, mood rings added a bit of mystery and fun to your everyday life.
4. Pet Rocks
Pet rocks are the products of Gary Dahl’s humor, which turned into a million-dollar sensation. It proves that a simple joke can spark a big trend. Literally, the pet is the rock itself, which doesn’t require much maintenance.
It is a playful reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can make you smile. If you grew up in this era, you may remember the pet rock craze or even owned one of the lovely pet rock families.
5. Lava Lamps
You might be familiar with lava lamps, iconic parts of the ‘70s living room. It had a soothing, slow-moving wax blob that caught everyone’s attention. They became symbols of the groovy vibe of the era.
For those who lived in the ‘70s, a lava lamp was more than just a decoration. It was such a big sensation that it brought a calm, joyful spark to almost every home.
6. Pong
Back in the ‘70s, Pong was a game with a touch of entertainment. It was an electronic game that was launched in 1972. It has two paddles on the left and right of the screen, with lines in the middle to mark the boundaries. Table tennis is the best living example of how it works.
Families would gather around their TVs to play Pong. This game sparked everyone’s interest during the 1970s.
7. Waterbeds
Waterbeds in the ‘70s portrayed a symbol of cool and luxury in the bedroom. They gave a relaxing, floating sensation while you slept on it. Often paired with shag carpets and groovy décor, they added style to any room.
The experience of having a waterbed felt expensive and classy. I still remember my parents having a waterbed that I’d love to walk on and lie down on. It takes me right back to the good old days from the ’70s.
8. Record Players
Music in the ‘70s was characterized by the sound of the needle touching the vinyl. Record players were all the rage, and everyone listened to their favorite long-playing records.
The sound with record players is great, which makes you feel the artist was performing just for you. And the album covers? They were like mini art pieces. I still have a lot of vinyl lying around from bands I enjoy listening to, and I love that it’s making a comeback.
9. Skateboards
Skateboarding ramped up its fame in the ‘70s once Cadillac Wheels by Frank Nasworthy came into the market. Kids everywhere had fun skating around, practicing tricks, and racing down the empty streets.
If you still remember, brands like Santa Cruz and Z-Flex were the go-to for the best boards. But more than just fun, skateboards taught us to be bold and fearless.
10. Bell-Bottom Jeans
Remember when bell-bottom jeans were the hottest trend of the ‘70s? Those flared jeans were everywhere.
People loved to pair them with platform shoes that made you feel like you were 10 feet tall. The Bell-bottoms era never fails to bring us back to the good old days.
11. View-Masters
Let’s remember the magic of View-Masters — with just a click, you could experience 3D without any technology beyond the View-Master. It felt like the world was within your reach.
One minute, you explore national parks, and the next, you travel to your dream destination through their images. It was a fun way to escape into another world, all from the comfort of your living room.
12. Rabbit Ear TV Antennas
Remember when watching TV in the ‘70s meant dealing with those tricky rabbit ear antennas? If you wanted to catch the latest episode of your favorite TV show, you had to move the antennas around to clear up the signal.
Sometimes, people added a bit of tinfoil to improve reception. Once the signal was clear, it wasn’t uncommon to freeze in place to avoid losing it. This was an experience that everybody had in the ‘70s.
13. Tang
Did you know that Tang, the powdered orange drink we all know, has a connection to space exploration? Astronauts orbiting the Earth in 1962 drank Tang juice during their mission.
Tang became popular among families in the ‘70s as it made kids feel like they were sipping the same drink as astronauts.
14. CB Radios
Back in the ‘70s, CB radios were the ultimate way to stay connected on the road. Whether you were a trucker or just a regular driver, these radios turned long drives into a shared experience.
Everyone had their own handle or nickname, and you could chat with other drivers about traffic and weather or just pass the time. It made every road trip a lot more fun in the ‘70s.
15. Shag Carpets
Shag carpets were a staple in 1970s living rooms. With fluffy fibers and bold colors, they turned any space into a cozy, vibrant scene. You’d find them in bright orange, green, or deep brown, adding personality to every home.
Stepping on a shag carpet felt like walking into a plush, colorful jungle. It does very much capture the unique style of the ’70s.
16. Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs were the ultimate laid-back seats during the ‘70s. These soft, squishy chairs mold perfectly to your body. This was everyone’s favorite thing when watching their favorite shows on TV.
They came in all sorts of colors, which added a playful touch to the room. If you had this in the ‘70s, you probably looked for something as comfortable as a bean bag chair whenever you came into a room.
17. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong used to test the strength of kids in the ‘70s. No matter how you pulled, twisted, or stretched him in every direction, it always snapped back to its original shape. This toy was practically indestructible.
For many, playing with Stretch Armstrong became a fun challenge to see just how far he could go. You probably remember hours of tugging and twisting this toy and being amazed that it never seemed to break.
18. The Sears Wish Book
If the kids growing up in the 70s were hoping to have their Christmas wishes come true, then the Sears Wish Book during the holiday season was the answer. The by-now-familiar thick catalog was again crammed with what felt like dozens of pages of toys, games, and gadgets.
Many kids spent hours flipping through it, circling their must-have gifts. This was every kid’s ultimate guide for their most awaited Christmas day.
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