15 Almost-Forgotten Comforts from the 1960s That Seem Like Pure Luxury Today
For people who lived during that time, it is hard not to remember 1960s. It was a decade of effortless style, simple pleasures, and everyday luxuries that were once so common, we barely noticed them.
But as time marches on, many of these comforts have faded into history, leaving behind a nostalgic longing for a slower, more connected way of living. From the warm crackle of vinyl records to the joy of handwritten letters, these once-ordinary parts of life now feel like extravagant indulgences.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and rediscover 15 nearly forgotten comforts from the ‘60s that seem downright lavish today.
1. Vinyl Records
There’s something about the warm, rich sound of a vinyl record that digital music just can’t replicate. The act of carefully placing the needle on the record, flipping through album covers, and savoring every track turned listening into an experience, not just background noise.
Unlike today’s playlists, there was no skipping songs with a quick tap—each album was meant to be enjoyed from start to finish. The tactile pleasure of holding a record, reading liner notes, and admiring the cover art made music feel personal.
Now, vinyl is back—but as a collector’s luxury, rather than a household staple.
2. Drive-In Theaters
Watching a movie under the stars? Yes, please. Drive-in theaters were the epitome of a laid-back, magical night out. Families piled into station wagons, couples cozied up in the front seat, and everyone enjoyed a film from the comfort of their own car.
There was a freedom to drive-ins that indoor theaters never had—snacks were homemade, you could chat during the movie, and there was no rush to leave when the credits rolled.
Today, drive-ins are a rare, nostalgic novelty, making every remaining one feel like an exclusive experience.
3. Bubble Baths
Long before the era of rushed showers and five-minute skincare routines, bubble baths were the ultimate form of self-care. A warm tub, filled with fragrant bubbles and maybe even a rubber duck, was the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
These weren’t just about hygiene—they were mini spa experiences that felt indulgent and luxurious. The best part? No screens, no distractions, just pure relaxation.
Nowadays, who has the time? Taking a long, unhurried bubble bath feels like a rare and luxurious escape.
4. Milk Delivery
Before supermarket runs and plastic jugs, fresh milk arrived at your doorstep, straight from the dairy. The gentle clinking of glass bottles in a metal carrier was a familiar morning sound.
Delivered by the neighborhood milkman, this service felt both personal and convenient. The bottles were eco-friendly, reusable, and endlessly nostalgic.
Today, home milk delivery is a luxury service reserved for farm-to-table enthusiasts. What was once an everyday convenience now feels like a charming relic of a more thoughtful time.
5. Juke Boxes
Drop a coin, pick your favorite song, and let the music fill the room. Jukeboxes were the heart of diners, dance halls, and soda shops, bringing people together over shared beats and classic tunes.
Unlike today’s streaming services, choosing a song on a jukebox was an event. You waited your turn, hoped for the right track, and soaked in the moment when it finally played.
Now, jukeboxes are vintage novelties, adding retro charm to themed restaurants and collector’s homes.
6. Rotary Phones
Before cell phones made communication instant and effortless, there was the rotary phone. Each number had to be dialed with precision, and a mistake meant starting all over again.
Waiting for the dial to spin back built anticipation, and conversations had a certain unhurried charm. These phones were also beautifully designed, sitting proudly in the hallway like a piece of functional art.
Now, rotary phones are more likely to be found in antique shops than in living rooms.
7. Home Cooked Meals
In the ‘60s, home-cooked meals weren’t a weekend luxury—they were the norm. Families gathered around the dinner table, sharing food made from scratch, with love and patience.
There were no microwaves, no takeout apps, no ultra-processed meal kits. Just handwritten recipes, fresh ingredients, and the comforting aroma of something simmering on the stove.
Today, a home-cooked meal feels like a special occasion, a rare break from the convenience-driven fast-food culture.
8. Manual Typewriters
The satisfying “clack” of typewriter keys, the smell of ink, and the mechanical precision of these machines made writing feel tangible and deliberate. Unlike today’s endless editing options, there was no backspace—every word counted.
Typewriters weren’t just tools; they were creative companions. Writers, journalists, and students alike pounded away on their keys, producing physical pages of their thoughts.
Now, vintage typewriters are prized collectibles, their charm living on in nostalgia.
9. Polaroid Cameras
Snap, shake, and watch the moment appear before your eyes. Polaroid cameras made photography instant and tangible, long before smartphones made it effortless.
There was something magical about holding a fresh photo in your hands, watching it develop in real-time. Every picture was one-of-a-kind, with no filters or retakes.
Today, instant photography is making a comeback, but it still carries the same vintage charm that made Polaroids so special in the first place.
10. Sunday Family Drives
Back when gas was cheap and weekends were for leisure, Sunday drives were a beloved tradition. Families piled into their station wagons, rolled down the windows, and took scenic routes—just for the fun of it.
There was no rush, no destination, just the joy of the open road. It was a time for storytelling, laughter, and adventure.
Today, taking a leisurely, unplanned drive feels like a rare treat, a moment to disconnect from schedules and just enjoy the ride.
11. Record Players
Before music became digital and disposable, it was an event. Record players turned listening into an experience, where every album had to be played, flipped, and appreciated.
The warm, analog sound, the crackle of the needle, the beautiful album covers—everything about records made music feel personal and immersive.
Now, they’re back—but as a luxury collectible, rather than an everyday essential.
12. Station Wagons
The original road-trip vehicle, station wagons were spacious, practical, and packed with memories. Whether heading to the beach, camping, or just running errands, these cars held the whole family—and sometimes the dog.
With wood-paneled exteriors and fold-down back seats, they had a charm that modern SUVs can’t quite capture.
Today, station wagons are automotive nostalgia, a reminder of simpler, family-focused adventures.
13. Handwritten Letters
Before emails and texts, letters were the most thoughtful way to communicate. Each handwritten note carried a personal touch, from the careful choice of words to the unique handwriting.
Today, receiving a handwritten letter feels like a rare, sentimental gift—a reminder that sometimes, the best messages can’t be typed.
14. Family Photo Albums
Before the digital age turned photos into pixels, family photo albums were cherished treasures. Each page held memories in tangible form, with handwritten dates in the margins and carefully arranged snapshots of birthdays, vacations, and everyday moments.
Flipping through an album was a shared experience, a trip down memory lane with parents and grandparents narrating stories behind each picture. Unlike today’s endless camera rolls, these photos were carefully selected, printed, and preserved for generations.
15. Picnic Baskets
Picnics in the 1960s weren’t just about food; they were an occasion, a planned escape into nature. A well-packed picnic basket—filled with homemade sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a checkered blanket—was a symbol of togetherness.
Families and friends would head to the park, the beach, or a scenic hillside, enjoying a meal without distractions, long before smartphones stole our attention. The simple joy of dining outdoors, surrounded by laughter and fresh air, made every picnic feel special.