Ah, the 70s—a time of groovy music, funky fashion, and some truly unforgettable gadgets and gizmos. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or just curious about the quirkiest trends of the past, we’ve unearthed a treasure trove of products that were wildly popular back then but have since slipped into the retro sunset.
From unique home gadgets that made daily chores a bit more fun to bizarre children’s toys that sparked endless imagination, these items defined an era. So, sit back, relax, and join us on a journey down memory lane as we explore the fascinating world of 70s household products that will surely bring a smile to your face.
The Pet Rock
In 1975, America found its new best friend in an unexpected form. Gary Dahl, an ad executive who quickly became a millionaire, introduced the world to the Pet Rock. Priced at around $4 each, over a million Pet Rocks flew off the shelves as people eagerly embraced the novelty.
The charm lay in the clever marketing; these “pets” were packaged in a cardboard box complete with “breathing” holes and care instructions, mimicking the experience of owning a real pet. Despite their initial popularity, the excitement began to fade after Christmas of 1975. Although the Pet Rock brought Dahl considerable wealth, he eventually regretted creating the fad.
The Sunken Living Rooms
First making their appearance in the late ’60s, conversation pits became a major trend in the ’70s. These sunken living spaces were the ultimate spot for relaxing and socializing with guests, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. While conversation pits have become less common over the years, there’s ongoing debate about their potential resurgence.
With just a few steps down into the seating area, it felt like entering a distinct and inviting room. Although their popularity waned after a decade, many people are eager to see them make a comeback. After all, having a dedicated space for engaging conversations and laughter with friends is a delightful novelty.
The Electric Fondue Kits
Fondue has been a beloved dining experience for many decades, but it reached its peak popularity in the ’70s, particularly in the South. During this time, at-home fondue kits became a dinnertime staple, used for a variety of foods. Whether melting cheese, heating oil, or dipping into sweet chocolate, these kits turned meals into a fun and interactive event for many households.
One reason for its widespread popularity was the extensive marketing, which portrayed cheese fondue as a healthy and trendy option, reminiscent of the cozy ambiance of a Swiss ski lodge. This clever marketing allowed people to recreate that same inviting atmosphere right in their own dining rooms.
The 8-Track Tapes
In the ’70s, 8-track tape players were all the rage, selling for around $30 each and popularized by brands like Sony, Panasonic, and Pioneer. Although their popularity waned as the ’80s approached, 8-track players were the forerunners to CDs, offering a new way for people to enjoy their favorite music.
A significant factor in their success was the automotive industry’s decision to install 8-track players in cars, allowing people to listen to music on the go. As sound systems evolved, offering greater convenience and portability, 8-track players gradually became obsolete. Today, they are considered novelty collector’s items, a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era in music technology.
The TV Dinners
TV dinners began in the ’50s and steadily gained popularity, peaking in the ’70s due to their affordability and convenience. People loved the ease of quickly heating a meal without any preparation. However, their appeal started to wane in the ’80s as awareness of their health drawbacks grew. Before this decline, TV dinners were consumed enthusiastically, with many enjoying the novelty of a quick, ready-to-eat meal. Despite this, frozen dinners remain popular today.
The primary reason for the decline was increasing criticism from nutritionists. TV dinners were often high in sodium, and a growing stigma developed around eating meals in front of the television.
The Wood Paneling
Wood paneling is one of the most memorable décor trends from the ’70s. Today, interior design preferences lean towards modern and sleek styles, with wooden elements used more subtly or sparingly. It’s uncommon to find rooms dominated by wood paneling in contemporary homes. In fact, wood paneling is often seen as a drawback that can decrease a home’s value, leading many to seek ways to cover it up, as discussed in numerous articles and videos.
Despite its popularity at the time, wood paneling had its drawbacks. The glossy coating applied to these panels was intended to give them a more upscale appearance, but it often had the opposite effect, making them look cheap and less sophisticated.
The Farrah Fawcett Posters
Beginning her acting career in 1969, Farrah Fawcett quickly became the quintessential ’70s icon. With a string of achievements including six Golden Globe Awards, four Emmys, and global recognition from her role in Charlie’s Angels, she was a household name. Among the highlights of her fame was the sale of her iconic red swimsuit poster, which became one of the most popular images of the decade, selling over 12 million copies. It seemed like everyone had seen or owned that famous poster at some point during the ’70s.
Although her popularity waned as the ’80s arrived, Fawcett still enjoyed significant financial success from these posters. She received 40% of the profits from that famous photo, ensuring a lucrative legacy from her iconic image.
The Atari Game Consoles
Atari revolutionized the gaming world with its groundbreaking video consoles. By 1977, the Atari Video Computer System was the must-have item for kids, priced at $190, which would be about $850 today. Despite its initial dominance in the video game market, Atari faced increasing competition as other developers introduced their own consoles.
The brand eventually became synonymous with retro gaming, struggling to keep up with rivals like Nintendo and Sega. Poor management and intense competition led to Atari being outpaced and largely sidelined by the early to mid-’80s. Today, Atari remains a nostalgic symbol of early gaming innovation.
The Presto Hot Dogger, the Electric Hot Dog Cooker
Emerging from the early ’70s was the Presto Hot Dogger, an electric hot dog cooker that captured the public’s imagination. While today most people prefer grilling or boiling their hot dogs, the Hot Dogger offered a unique alternative by cooking them with electric current. Sold primarily in department stores, this gadget could prepare up to six hot dogs in just one minute. Despite its unconventional method, the hot dogs it produced were reportedly not much different in taste from those prepared using traditional methods.
The ’70s were known for their array of quirky and perplexing inventions, and the Hot Dogger was no exception. Its unexpected popularity remains a mystery, but it quickly became a must-have gadget of the era, spreading like wildfire despite its oddity.
The Ball and Egg Chairs
The Space Race of the ’60s and ’70s inspired a wave of Space Age design, giving rise to many eclectic and era-specific styles. A notable example from this period is the iconic—or controversial—Ball Chair, which debuted in the early ’60s. Its futuristic design quickly made it a star in films and TV series, boosting its popularity into the following decade.
However, its high price led many to opt for more affordable alternatives, such as the Egg Chair. If you look back at homes from the ’70s, you’ll likely spot these distinctive, egg- or ball-shaped chairs. They became a staple of Space Age decor as people embraced innovative and imaginative furniture designs.
The Sea Monkeys
Another quirky toy from the ’70s was the infamous Sea Monkey. These unique novelty pets captured the imagination with their unconventional design. Sold as brine shrimp eggs, Sea Monkeys would hatch and grow when added to water. Priced at around $1.25, which included postage from the “Sea Monkey Aquarium,” they eventually grew to about half an inch in size.
The Sea Monkeys’ small size and low maintenance made them a hit, offering an easy-to-care-for alternative to traditional pets. Their popularity soared, thanks in part to clever marketing that positioned them as a hassle-free option for pet lovers.
The Bar Cabinets
Wood was a defining element of ’70s décor, and it was frequently paired with another era staple: liquor. Bar cabinets were a common feature in many households, designed to offer convenient storage for a collection of favorite spirits. Reflecting the entertainment-focused mindset of the time, these cabinets often featured stylish butterfly doors that slid open to reveal their contents.
However, as health consciousness grew in the ’80s and drinking became less central to social gatherings, these once-popular bar cabinets began to fade from view. They remain a nostalgic symbol of the era’s social and design trends.
The Wood Trim for Station Wagons
“The Woodie” was a popular style of station wagon in the ’70s, known for its distinctive appearance. Although these vehicles didn’t actually use wood in their construction, many featured wooden trim on their exteriors, giving them a classic, rustic look. This design trend became so popular that several major automakers, including Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and Jeep, competed to offer their own versions with wood accents.
Despite its initial appeal and nostalgic charm, the Woodie style quickly fell out of favor. Many people came to view the wooden trim as bulky and outdated, with some likening the cars more to pieces of furniture than to functional vehicles.
The Crock Pots
Slow cookers remain a staple in many kitchens today, offering the convenience of preparing a meal while attending to other tasks. The iconic Crock-Pot, a trademarked name created by Sunbeam, was the slow cooker of choice in the ’70s. Post-WWII, as more women joined the workforce and traditional stay-at-home roles shifted, these slow cookers became a practical solution for families wanting a hot meal ready by dinner time.
Although the Crock-Pot’s popularity waned with the emergence of new kitchen gadgets, its impact as a household essential endures. The term “Crock-Pot” is still widely used to refer to slow cookers, reflecting its lasting influence and continued relevance in modern cooking.
The View-Masters
Another classic toy that captivated American families was the View-Master. Originally trademarked by William Gruber for Mattel in the ’30s, the View-Master remained a beloved item through the ’70s, when an updated version was introduced. The Talking View-Master, which featured audio alongside its 3D images, was a particularly exciting innovation. It even came with the View-Master Rear Screen Projector, a tabletop projector that added an extra layer of fun.
While these vintage toys were immensely popular for decades, their appeal eventually faded after the ’70s. Today, collectors seek out these nostalgic items, often paying upwards of $50 apiece for a piece of retro entertainment history.
The Wall Phones
In today’s homes, finding a household telephone might be a rare occurrence. However, in films from or set in the ’70s, wall-mounted phones are a common sight. These phones, attached to the wall with a long cord connecting the handset, offer a glimpse into the pre-smartphone era. Motorola was a key player in the ’70s, pioneering the development of portable phones, although these early models were often bulky and less convenient compared to their wall-mounted counterparts.
Despite the advent of portable options, many people continued to favor their wall phones for years due to their reliability and simplicity. It wasn’t until cell phones evolved to become more practical that the wall phone gradually fell out of favor.
The TV Dinner Tray Tables
As frozen TV dinners gained popularity, people began shifting from dining at the table to eating in front of the television. This change created a new challenge: finding a place to set their hot trays of food. Enter the tray table, a practical solution that allowed people to comfortably enjoy their meals from the sofa or chair.
These tray tables often featured distinctive, and sometimes questionable, designs. With floral patterns and bold, clashing colors, they aimed to add a touch of elegance, despite their functional simplicity. Today, these vintage tray tables are considered collectible items, cherished for their retro charm and as reminders of a bygone era in dining trends.
The Orange Everything
Looking back at popular ’70s décor, two key trends stand out: the use of wood and the prevalence of the color orange. The ’70s marked a significant cultural shift from the ’60s, with many embracing the environmental movement and opting for earthy tones. As a result, homes were often adorned with shades of yellow, brown, beige, and, most notably, orange. The term “earth tones” became associated with this era, reflecting the growing interest in natural aesthetics.
Although these design choices might seem unusual by today’s standards, they made perfect sense in the context of the time. After the turbulence of the Vietnam War, these warm, earthy tones symbolized a desire for peace and tranquility in the home, offering a soothing retreat from the outside world.
The Metal Lunch Boxes
In the ’70s, kids heading to school commonly carried their lunch in metal lunch boxes, often adorned with popular bands, cartoon characters, comic book heroes, and movie icons of the time. These lunch boxes were a major hit, and it was typical for children to proudly display them to their peers. Today, however, they’re not as commonly seen.
King-Seeley was one of the leading brands producing these nostalgic lunch boxes. Now considered collector’s items, many of these vintage lunch boxes can fetch around $80 or more online, especially if they come with a matching thermos, which further enhances their value.
The Clackers
Clackers were a popular toy in the ’70s that many people remember fondly, though they were later recognized for their potential dangers. The toy consisted of two balls connected by a string, which kids would swing together to create a satisfying “clacking” sound. The original version of the toy was eventually discontinued because the balls would sometimes shatter upon impact, sending sharp fragments flying and posing a serious risk to children.
In response, the toy was redesigned to be safer and made a comeback in the ’70s. Despite these improvements, concerns remained about the inherent risks of swinging hard balls, as the toy still posed certain hazards.
The Sony Walkmans
The original Sony Walkman debuted in 1979, priced at around $150, which equates to about $613 today. This portable audio player quickly became the go-to choice for music lovers who wanted to enjoy their favorite tunes on the move, becoming one of the most iconic gadgets of the era. The Walkman was so influential that it became synonymous with portable audio devices. By the time Sony ceased production in 2010, they had sold a remarkable 200 million units of the Walkman.
While the brand later expanded to include CD players, phones, and other digital devices, the original Walkman remained a simple and beloved audio player. Today, vintage models can fetch up to $800 online, reflecting their enduring appeal and nostalgic value.
The TVs Were Somehow Giant and Small at the Same Time
In the ’70s, a family could purchase a massive color TV console for around $500, a significant investment at the time. These bulky units, weighing about 100 pounds, dominated living rooms. Despite their size, the actual screen was relatively small, which often resulted in tightly arranged seating to get a better view. The technology of the era had not yet evolved to produce more compact and practical televisions, making these consoles cumbersome and difficult to manage.
Over the years, TV technology advanced significantly, leading to larger screens and much slimmer consoles. Today, these vintage TV consoles seem quaint and unwieldy compared to the sleek, flat-screen models from brands like Samsung and LG, which offer a far more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
The Short Shorts and Tube Socks
The iconic combination of short shorts and tube socks was a summer staple for both men and women in the ’70s. This look became especially popular among active individuals enjoying outdoor activities. Sports legends like Pelé, Dr. J, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Björn Borg were key figures in popularizing this ensemble.
As with many fashion trends, the tube socks eventually fell out of favor and were replaced by ankle socks. However, short shorts continued to be popular for some time and even make occasional comebacks today. This blend of style and function remains a memorable part of ’70s fashion history.
The Wood-Frame Furniture
Wood was a quintessential material in ’70s décor, making its mark in a variety of decorative elements. From wood paneling on walls to wood-frame furniture, it seemed almost impossible to find a piece of furniture from that era that didn’t feature some wooden components. Popular wood types included beech, mahogany, birch, and white ash, while oak, hard maple, and American elm were commonly used for furniture framing.
Today, the extensive use of wood in ’70s furniture makes it relatively easy to identify vintage pieces from that decade. These wooden fixtures remain highly sought after by those who appreciate the classic, retro aesthetic of the ’70s.
The Transistor Radio
The transistor, invented in the ’40s, revolutionized electronics and paved the way for the transistor radio, a major hit in the ’60s and ’70s. These radios became the most popular electronic communication device of their time, with millions sold globally. Despite their substantial price of $50—quite high even by today’s standards—stores frequently sold out due to the overwhelming demand.
In today’s technology landscape, where radios have been largely replaced by newer devices, vintage transistor radios are often sought after by collectors. Depending on the model and condition, these radios can still fetch upwards of $50 online and are frequently found to be fully operational, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
The Platform Shoes
Platforms, a style of shoe that saw a significant revival in recent years, reached their peak popularity during the disco era of the ’70s. Although platforms were first introduced in the 1930s, it was not until the ’70s that they became a major fashion trend, with countless designs featured in magazines as the must-have footwear of the time.
Icons like David Bowie and David Johansen famously wore platforms on stage, solidifying their place in the cultural zeitgeist. While their popularity waned in the decades that followed, the resurgence of platforms in the last decade underscores their timeless appeal.
The Simon-Play
In the late ’70s, Simon emerged as a revolutionary toy that captured the imagination of children everywhere. Created by Milton Bradley, Simon made a splash with its debut at a release party held at NYC’s renowned Studio 54, one of the era’s most iconic nightclubs. Inspired by the classic playground game “Simon Says,” this electronic game challenged players to test their memory by replicating increasingly complex sequences of lights and sounds.
Released at a price of $25—equivalent to about $92 today—Simon was a sensation. Its enduring appeal means that original models can now be highly sought after by collectors, often fetching up to $150 on the market.
The Photo Booths
Today, photo booths are often seen as a fun novelty at parties or special events, providing a playful way to capture group photos. However, in the ’70s, photo booths were a common fixture in nearly every mall, offering a quick and convenient way to take pictures at a time when photography wasn’t as accessible or affordable.
Back then, snapping a photo required a bit more effort and expense compared to the instant convenience of smartphones today. As handheld cameras became more affordable and widespread, the popularity of photo booths declined. Now, these booths have become a charming throwback, cherished for their nostalgic appeal and the unique, instant photos they produce.
The Vinyl Records
In the ’70s, vinyl records were at the height of their popularity, serving as the go-to medium for party music and personal listening. Record players were a staple in most households, as cassette tapes were still emerging and hadn’t yet gained widespread acceptance. Over time, vinyl records began to fade from mainstream use, supplanted by tapes, floppy disks, and CDs.
Today, vinyl records are cherished as vintage collectibles. Many of the era’s iconic albums remain exclusively available on vinyl, driving collectors to seek out these classic records. Prices for old vinyl can range from $10 to $30 online, with rarer and more sought-after albums commanding higher prices. Despite the advancements in technology, vinyl records have enduring appeal, celebrated for their nostalgic value and unique sound quality.
The Pac-Man Arcade Games
The ’70s are widely regarded as the final era when arcade games reigned supreme in the world of video gaming. During this time, arcade centers were bustling with players drawn to the latest games. However, as the ’80s rolled in, companies like Sega began introducing home consoles, which gradually diminished the dominance of arcade games. Despite this shift, arcade games remain a nostalgic favorite, and you can still find them in dedicated arcade centers.
Pac-Man, one of the most iconic games of the era, became a cultural phenomenon and remains a beloved brand today. Originally, you could play Pac-Man for just $0.10 per game or $0.25 for three games. While Pac-Man is now more commonly encountered in app form, its legacy endures, reflecting its enduring appeal and influence in the gaming world.
The Tiger Beat Magazine
Tiger Beat, a teen fan magazine launched in 1965, soared in popularity during the ’70s, becoming a staple for fans of celebrity gossip, film, music, and fashion trends. Published by The Laufer Company, Tiger Beat was known for its vibrant collages and extensive coverage of the latest trends and stars. Although the magazine ceased publication in 2019, it remains a cherished piece of pop culture history.
Initially priced at just $0.25 per issue, older Tiger Beat magazines have now become valuable collector’s items, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 each. This substantial increase reflects the magazine’s lasting impact and the rarity of vintage issues.
The Polaroid Cameras
Few people today realize that “Polaroid” is the brand behind the iconic instant camera, first introduced in 1972. This revolutionary camera transformed photography by making it accessible and easy for people without professional training, allowing them to take instant photos. At the time, the camera was priced at $180, which is equivalent to around $1,166 today. Film packs, which held ten pictures, were sold separately for $6.90, or about $45 in today’s currency.
Despite the high cost, Polaroid gained widespread popularity and became a household name in photography. Today, the term “Polaroid” is often used generically to refer to any instant camera, reflecting the brand’s lasting influence on the world of photography.
The Fisher-Price Toys
Fisher-Price, a beloved name in American toy culture, made waves in the ’70s with its “Family Camper” set, released in 1972. This popular toy included a Play Family Camper, a family of four with their dog, and a range of accessories such as a grill, motorbike, and even a tiny toilet.
The Family Camper became a classic, and today, complete sets are highly sought after by collectors. Due to their rarity, these sets can fetch up to $80 or more, though assembling a full set can be challenging. Even a nearly complete set can be quite valuable to dedicated collectors.
The Baseball Cards
While football may have overtaken baseball as America’s favorite pastime, baseball’s legacy remains deeply embedded in American culture, particularly through the tradition of collecting baseball cards. These cards, which showcase various players and moments from the sport’s storied history, have long been a treasured part of the hobby. Once readily available in cereal boxes, toy stores, hobby shops, and even through mail subscriptions, baseball cards have evolved into a lucrative collectible market.
Today, many baseball cards are valued in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Their rarity and historical significance only increase their worth, making them highly sought after by collectors. Despite their diminished availability due to limited printing, the passion for baseball card collecting endures, continuing to attract enthusiasts eager to own a piece of the sport’s rich heritage.
The Colorful Tupperware
Tupperware, a name synonymous with reliable food storage, has been a staple in households since its inception in the ’40s. Its popularity surged in the ’70s, thanks to the innovative Tupperware parties. During these events, Tupperware representatives, often referred to as “Tupperware ladies,” would host social gatherings to demonstrate and sell the products, making them a household staple.
The success of these parties ensured that colorful Tupperware items were found in almost every home. However, as time went on and more affordable alternatives became available, Tupperware’s dominance in the market began to wane. Despite this decline, Tupperware remains an iconic brand, and its name is often used generically to refer to similar products.
The ultimative Roller Skates
Roller skating was a major cultural phenomenon in the ’70s, transforming weekends into lively social events at packed roller rinks. People would don their tube socks and short shorts, gliding around in circles with friends, turning roller skating into a quintessential social activity. This era saw roller rinks buzzing with energy, and the sport was a central part of many people’s lives.
However, as the ’80s arrived and celebrities began to endorse skating in advertisements, the trend gradually began to wane. Today, while roller skating remains a fun activity for many, it lacks the widespread popularity it once had. Skating rinks are now a rarer sight, and the once-thriving roller skating scene has diminished significantly, though it still holds a nostalgic charm for those who remember its heyday.
The Cooking Stations
In the ’70s, as Americans looked to modernize their homes, kitchens became a focal point for fresh, vibrant updates. The era emphasized colorful patterns and practical designs, leading to popular trends like stacking appliances such as ovens, stoves, and microwaves. Additionally, kitchens often featured distinct areas for hot and cold items to improve functionality.
This approach not only made kitchens more efficient but also reflected the desire for a new, streamlined look. Today, the principles of ’70s kitchen design—focused on combining aesthetics with practicality—continue to influence modern kitchen layouts, proving the enduring appeal of these innovative ideas.
The wonderfull Barbie Dolls
Barbie continues to be a beloved icon, but the ’70s were a standout decade for her diverse lineup. During this era, popular dolls included Gold Medal Barbie, Ballerina Barbie, and Quick Curl Barbie, each showcasing unique features and styles. However, as societal attitudes evolved, concerns arose about the messages these dolls conveyed to young girls, leading to significant changes in Barbie’s image in subsequent decades.
Today, many of these ’70s Barbies have become highly sought-after collector’s items, often fetching prices of $100 or more online. Their lasting appeal reflects both their cultural impact and their place in Barbie’s storied history.
