Ah, the 70s! A decade of bell-bottoms, disco balls, and some truly unforgettable childhood treasures. If you grew up in that era, chances are you had a collection of quirky gadgets and toys that today’s kids wouldn’t even recognize. It’s funny to think about how some of these things just faded into obscurity. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit seven things every kid had back then that have quietly slipped away from the modern childhood experience.
1. The View-Master
First up, the iconic View-Master! This little gadget was like a magical window into different worlds. You’d pop in a reel, and suddenly you were transported to outer space, underwater adventures, or even scenes from your favorite cartoons. Kids would gather in a circle, passing around the View-Master, oohing and aahing at the three-dimensional images. Today, we’ve got virtual reality, but there’s just something so charming about flipping through those little cardboard discs.
2. Pet Rocks
Believe it or not, the Pet Rock was a bona fide ’70s phenomenon. They were literally rocks. You’d buy one in a little box, complete with air holes for “breathing.” Kids named them, decorated their rock homes, and took them everywhere. It seems absurd now, but hey, it was the ultimate low-maintenance pet! If you ask me, it was a brilliant commentary on the absurdity of consumer culture, but mostly, it was just a fun way to be a kid without the responsibility of a real pet.
3. Shrinky Dinks
Who could forget Shrinky Dinks? These magical plastic sheets would shrink down to a tiny size when baked in the oven. Kids would color them in any way they liked, then watch with wide eyes as their creations transformed into miniature versions of themselves. It was like a mini art project and a science experiment rolled into one. Today’s kids have 3D printers, but there’s something delightfully tactile about watching your artwork shrink down in real-time.
4. CB Radios
Before smartphones were a thing, kids communicated via CB radios! It was like having your very own walkie-talkie but way cooler. “Breaker, breaker, good buddy!” was a common phrase heard as kids connected with friends, sharing gossip or just goofing around. It was a whole subculture, complete with its own lingo. Nowadays, we’ve got texting and social media, but there was something special about the camaraderie that came from talking on a radio. You really felt like you were part of something bigger.
5. Tickle Me Elmo (But Not the One You’re Thinking Of)
Okay, let’s clarify this one: we’re talking about the version of Tickle Me Elmo that didn’t exist yet! Back in the 70s, kids were more likely to have a good ol’ rag doll or a plush toy that might or might not giggle if you squeezed it. The toy hype of the 70s was all about simple, tactile experiences. Today’s version is an over-the-top phenomenon, but there’s something to be said for the charm of a straightforward plush buddy. Sometimes less is more, right?
6. Matchbox Cars
Every kid had a stash of Matchbox cars. They were small, they were colorful, and they could take you on all sorts of imaginary adventures. You’d create elaborate racetracks out of whatever you could find—books, cardboard, even your mom’s best tablecloth (sorry, Mom!). Fast forward to now, and while kids still love cars, they’re often more interested in video game versions than the real deal. There’s something about the tactile experience of rolling a tiny car on the floor that just can’t be replicated in a game.
7. The Magic 8-Ball
Last but not least, we can’t forget the Magic 8-Ball. This was the ultimate decision-maker for kids facing the tough dilemmas of which game to play or whether or not to ask that crush out. You’d shake it up, look through the glass, and hope for an answer that would guide your fate. It was fun, it was silly, and it helped us learn about the art of uncertainty. Sure, kids today have endless sources of information at their fingertips, but sometimes, it’s nice to leave a little room for mystery.
More from Decluttering Mom: