25 Random Things You Haven’t Thought About Since The 1970s

Ah, the 1970s — a time when everything had a little more flair, a little more fuzz, and just the right amount of glitter. Sure, we all remember the disco balls, bell bottoms, and Bee Gees soundtracks, but what about the everyday oddities that made this era so wonderfully weird?

You know — the toys, gadgets, and household staples that now seem hilariously outdated but were once the height of cool. This was the decade where your living room was likely orange, your phone was tethered to the wall, and your entertainment included whacking clackers together like a mini demolition derby.

And let’s not forget mood rings that told you you were “anxious” (thanks?), pet rocks that needed zero care, and Tupperware parties that somehow became the social event of the month.

So dust off your lava lamp and join me for a fun, funky trip through 25 forgotten treasures of the 1970s — guaranteed to make you smile, cringe, and say, “Oh wow, I totally forgot about that!”

1. Clackers

Remember clackers, those acrylic balls on a string that sounded like a personal percussion section? These toys were the bane of every parent’s existence in the 1970s, as their incessant clacking could rival the sound of a construction site. I had a pair that were neon green, and I wielded them with the reckless abandon of a kid who didn’t quite grasp the concept of safety.

The goal was simple: move the balls in such a way that they struck each other both above and below your hand. Easy, right? Not exactly. It was more like a rite of passage, one that often included bruised knuckles and occasional trips to the doctor.

Even though they were eventually banned from schools, clackers still hold a special place in my memory bank, perhaps because they were my first lesson in the perils of physics. Ah, those were the days!

2. Banana Seat Bicycles

Ah, the banana seat bicycle, the chariot of choice for every wannabe Evel Knievel in the ’70s. Mine was a dazzling shade of orange, complete with glittery streamers on the handlebars. Riding that bike was the ultimate symbol of freedom — or, at least, as far as the end of the block.

The banana seat was long enough to fit all your best buds, though balance was never its strong suit. But hey, who needed balance when you had style that could stop traffic? And those high-rise handlebars? Perfect for pulling wheelies and pretending you were in a motorcycle gang, minus the leather jackets.

If you were really lucky, your bike came with a horn or bell, so you could announce your arrival in true rockstar fashion. Sure, they weren’t the most comfortable, but as they say, ‘beauty is pain,’ and banana seat bikes were all about the looks.

3. Metal Ice Cube Trays with Levers

Do you remember the metal ice cube trays with levers? They were the kitchen equivalent of a medieval torture device, but they sure did the trick. I’d watch my parents twist and pull at the lever, and it was like witnessing a wrestling match between human and metal.

Getting ice out of these trays was a feat worthy of an Olympic medal. The lever would creak and strain, and more often than not, the ice cubes would pop out like popcorn, flying across the kitchen. And who could forget the metal clanging noise, akin to a tiny gong, announcing ‘Ice is served!’

Despite the occasional knuckle scrape, these trays were a staple of every freezer. They taught us patience and perseverance, skills I’d like to think I still possess today, even if my freezer has moved on to more user-friendly contraptions.

4. The Sears Wish Book

Ah, the Sears Wish Book, a child’s dream catalog disguised as a book. Every year, I’d grab a pencil and start circling anything that caught my eye, which, if I’m honest, was nearly everything. It was a ritual of hope and anticipation, though the end result was usually socks.

The Wish Book was more than just a catalog; it was a glimpse into a world of possibilities, where every page turned unveiled new treasures. From toy trains to the latest in fashion, this book had it all.

One of my fondest memories was the collective family gathering around the book, each member with their own wish list, growing longer by the minute. Even today, flipping through old catalogs brings a wave of nostalgia that no online shopping cart could ever replace.

5. Tang

Tang, the drink that promised to bring a taste of outer space to your kitchen. As a kid, I remember being mesmerized by the idea that astronauts drank this very same beverage. Never mind the fact that it was essentially sugar water masquerading as orange juice.

I’d watch in awe as the powder transformed plain water into a vibrant orange concoction. It was like magic, except the only spell it cast was a sugar rush. Despite its questionable nutritional value, Tang was a breakfast staple, adding a splash of color to our morning routine.

Even now, the thought of Tang brings back memories of sticky fingers and orange mustaches, remnants of mornings spent dreaming of space travel. While it may not have launched me into orbit, it certainly fueled the imagination of a generation.

6. Mood Rings That Turned the Same Color for Everyone

Mood rings, oh what a time to be alive! These little gems promised to reveal your innermost emotions, but let’s face it, they were about as reliable as a weather forecast. My mood ring was perpetually stuck on ‘calm,’ which was ironic considering the chaos around me.

The allure of mood rings lay in their promise to decode your feelings through the power of heat-sensitive liquid crystals. In reality, they mostly measured how hot your skin was, which, unsurprisingly, led to everyone having the same ‘mood.’

Despite their inaccuracies, mood rings were a fashion statement and a must-have accessory that added a bit of mystery and magic to our everyday lives. They may not have been scientifically accurate, but they sure did give us something to talk about during those lazy summer afternoons.

7. Pop Beads

Pop beads, the gateway to DIY jewelry and an early test of creativity. In the ’70s, these little plastic treasures were everywhere, offering endless possibilities for fashion-forward kids like myself. I spent countless hours snapping them together, crafting necklaces and bracelets that were, frankly, more avant-garde than runway-ready.

The beauty of pop beads was in their simplicity; they snapped together with a satisfying click, making them the perfect fidget toy long before such a term existed. Friends would gather, beads in hand, trading pieces like they were precious gems.

Though they often ended up scattered across the floor, stepping on one was a rite of passage. Pop beads taught us the joy of creation and the art of personal style, even if that style sometimes looked more like a Picasso painting.

8. Avon Lipstick Samples

Avon lipstick samples, the tiny tubes that promised glamor and sophistication. I remember my mom receiving them with a glint in her eye, as if each mini lipstick held the secrets to Hollywood stardom.

These miniature marvels were perfect for little hands, and I’d often steal them to play ‘makeup artist,’ despite my mom’s protests. Each shade was a new possibility, a different persona waiting to be tried on just for fun.

Even though they were small, they made a big impression. Avon lipstick samples were an introduction to the world of beauty, wrapped in packaging so cute, they could double as doll accessories. It’s safe to say that these little lipsticks left a lasting mark, not just on lips, but on the memories of those who used them.

9. Record Ad Inserts in Cereal Boxes

Digging through cereal boxes for record ad inserts was a breakfast adventure like no other. I’d dive into my Cheerios, not just for sustenance, but for a chance to find music gold inside. It was like winning a mini lottery, with a prize that played tunes instead of providing calories.

The records themselves were often cardboard discs, a far cry from today’s digital downloads, but they held a magic all their own. I collected them like trophies, each one a new addition to my growing collection of sounds.

These inserts turned breakfast into a treasure hunt, with a side of milk and cereal. The excitement of finding a new record was unmatched, a fleeting joy that made every crunch worthwhile. Those little records taught us that sometimes, the best part of breakfast wasn’t on the table, but hidden inside the box.

10. Pet Rocks

Pet rocks, the epitome of low-maintenance pets, captured the hearts of millions in the 1970s. My pet rock, affectionately named Rocky, came with its own little box and care instructions that were both hilarious and completely unnecessary.

Owning a pet rock was a lesson in irony; it was a trend that took the world by storm, proving that even the simplest of ideas could become a cultural phenomenon. Despite their inanimate nature, pet rocks were a source of pride and a popular desk accessory.

They may not have fetched the newspaper or cuddled up at night, but pet rocks were perfect companions for those allergic to fur and responsibility. Their charm lay in their absurdity, a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life require zero effort and a healthy dose of humor.

11. TV Antennas with Tinfoil “Upgrades”

Ah, the days of TV antennas wrapped in tinfoil, a poor man’s version of cable TV. I recall my family adjusting the rabbit ears with surgical precision, each movement debated like a high-stakes chess match.

“Move it a little to the left… no, now it’s worse… okay STOP!” This was the soundtrack to our Saturday nights, as we tried to catch a clear signal for our favorite shows. The tinfoil was believed to enhance reception, though, in retrospect, it was probably more placebo than science.

Despite the frustration, these moments were pure family bonding, as we gathered around the screen, united in our quest for a clear picture. TV antennas with tinfoil were more than just a viewing aid; they were a symbol of a time when patience was a virtue and streaming was a dream.

12. Shrinky Dinks

Shrinky Dinks were a child’s introduction to the magical world of crafting. I remember spending afternoons coloring these plastic sheets, only to watch them shrink into tiny, hardened versions of their former selves.

The transformation was pure magic; one minute, you had a flimsy piece of plastic, and the next, a miniature masterpiece. Baking them was a family event, as we crowded around the oven window, mesmerized by the shrinking process.

These DIY wonders encouraged creativity and provided an engaging pastime that was both entertaining and educational. Shrinky Dinks taught us that sometimes, the best things come in small packages, and that with a little heat and imagination, anything is possible.

13. Pong

Pong, the granddaddy of video games, was a technological marvel in the ’70s. I still remember the excitement of seeing that simple black-and-white screen come to life with two paddles and a bouncing dot. It was the pinnacle of entertainment, a far cry from today’s gaming giants, yet captivating in its simplicity.

The objective was straightforward: use your paddle to prevent the dot from slipping past. Yet somehow, it was riveting, each game a battle of reflexes and wits. Pong wasn’t just a game; it was a social event, with players crowding around the console, cheering and groaning with each point.

Pong laid the foundation for future video game innovations, proving that even the simplest concepts could capture imaginations and hearts. It was a digital revolution wrapped in a tiny, pixelated package, and we loved every byte of it.

14. Earth Shoes

Earth Shoes, the footwear that promised health benefits with every step. These odd-looking shoes featured a negative heel, designed to mimic the natural walking motion. I owned a pair, convinced they’d transform my posture and probably grant me superpowers. Spoiler: they didn’t.

Wearing Earth Shoes was an experience; they felt like walking uphill, even on flat ground. Despite their unconventional design, they enjoyed a cult following, fueled by the era’s health-conscious trends.

Though they may not have replaced sneakers, Earth Shoes were a testament to the decade’s willingness to experiment in the name of well-being. They were quirky, memorable, and a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to march to the beat of your own drummer, even if that beat is a little off-kilter.

15. The Smell of Mimeograph Ink

The smell of mimeograph ink is one of those nostalgic scents that transports you straight back to school days. I remember the excitement of receiving a freshly printed handout, its purple ink still slightly damp and fragrant.

There was something intoxicating about that chemical aroma, a scent that promised new lessons and adventures in learning. The mimeograph machine was a fixture in every school, its rhythmic clacking a familiar soundtrack to our academic lives.

Though it’s since been replaced by modern printers, the memory of mimeograph ink lingers on, a reminder of simpler times when technology was less about speed and more about the experience. It’s a scent I associate with learning, laughter, and the boundless curiosity of youth.

16. Beaded Car Seat Covers

Beaded car seat covers, the 1970s solution to back pain and boring car interiors. My dad swore by them, claiming they worked wonders for his posture, though I suspect he just liked the way they looked.

Every family road trip included a pattern imprinted on the back of our legs, a not-so-subtle reminder of the beads’ presence. These covers were a sensory experience, their constant massage turning even the shortest drive into a spa session—sort of.

Though they’ve largely disappeared from car interiors today, beaded seat covers remain a quirky symbol of the decade’s unique approach to comfort and style. They taught us to embrace the unconventional and to find joy in the small things, even if those things were a little bumpy.

17. The Green Plastic Army Men

Green plastic army men, the pint-sized soldiers that populated every backyard battlefield in the ’70s. With ten cents, you could buy an entire battalion, ready to defend the sandbox at a moment’s notice.

These little guys were more than just toys; they were the stars of every epic adventure, their missions only limited by our imaginations. Half of them ended up melted on the sidewalk, casualties of a long-forgotten summer skirmish.

Despite their simplicity, green army men sparked creativity and camaraderie, as friends gathered to plot their next great campaign. They were a reminder of a time when entertainment didn’t require batteries, just a handful of plastic and a lot of imagination.

18. Wacky Packages Stickers

Wacky Packages stickers were the original parody kings, poking fun at popular brands with clever twists. I collected them religiously, plastering them on every available surface, much to my parents’ dismay.

These stickers were a childhood treasure, each one a humorous take on well-known products. From cereal boxes to soap, no brand was safe from the Wacky Packages treatment.

They were more than just stickers; they were a form of social commentary, wrapped in bright colors and snappy puns. Wacky Packages taught us to see the world with a touch of humor and a healthy dose of sarcasm, skills that remain just as relevant today.

19. Cheese in a Can

Cheese in a can, the ultimate convenience food that brought a touch of culinary rebellion to every lunchbox. My friends and I were fascinated by this aerosol marvel, spraying it onto crackers with the precision of a seasoned chef.

Though it was technically cheese, it was more about the spectacle than the flavor. The can’s nozzle became a tool of creativity, sculpting cheese into questionable art forms.

Despite its dubious nutritional content, cheese in a can was a lunchtime sensation, adding a burst of excitement to the mundane. It taught us that food could be fun, even if it was more science than sustenance. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want their cheese delivered in such a unique fashion?

20. The Emergency Broadcast System Test

Ah, the Emergency Broadcast System test, that jarring sound that sent shivers down our spines. “This is only a test,” the voice would reassure, though somehow it never quite calmed my racing heart.

These tests were a staple of 1970s life, a reminder that the world was a bigger and sometimes scarier place than our immediate surroundings. Despite the unnerving tone, there was a strange comfort in knowing that help was a broadcast away.

Listening to the test was a communal experience, as families gathered around the radio, united in their shared pause. The Emergency Broadcast System taught us the importance of preparedness, a lesson that resonates even today in our ever-connected world.

21. Black Light Posters

Black light posters, the psychedelic art form that turned every room into a glowing wonderland. I had a collection plastered on my walls, each poster more vibrant and surreal than the last.

When the black light flipped on, these posters transformed into otherworldly spectacles, with skeletons, mushrooms, and unicorns glowing in vivid hues. They were hypnotic, a visual trip that required no special substances—just a bulb and a sense of wonder.

Black light posters were more than just decoration; they were a statement, a reflection of the era’s love for all things bold and colorful. They taught us to embrace the extraordinary, to see the world through a different lens, with a splash of neon for good measure.

22. Punch-Top Soda Cans

Punch-top soda cans were a rite of passage, a moment when a mere mortal became a soda-opening maestro. Before pull-tabs, these cans required a trusty opener and a steady hand to punch two precise holes.

My first attempt was a disaster, soda spraying in every direction, but with practice came mastery. Those triangular openings were a badge of honor, proof that you’d conquered the aluminum beast.

These cans added an element of adventure to every picnic, a challenge that turned a simple beverage into a test of skill. Punch-top cans taught us the value of patience and practice, lessons that extend far beyond the picnic table. And let’s be honest, they made every sip taste just a little bit sweeter.

23. Plastic Flower Pens

Plastic flower pens, the charming stationery that brought a touch of nature to every desk. These pens were a staple of my childhood, with their brightly colored petals and whimsical designs.

They were more than just writing instruments; they were conversation starters, a way to brighten even the dreariest of days. I’d often pretend the vase of pens was a real bouquet, much to the amusement of my friends.

Though they didn’t improve my penmanship, flower pens added a bit of cheer to every note and homework assignment. They taught us that even the most mundane tasks could be infused with a bit of fun and creativity, a lesson I carry with me to this day.

24. AM Radio Talk Shows

AM radio talk shows were the original podcasts, a blend of static, opinions, and captivating stories. I’d listen with my family on long drives, the car filled with the voices of hosts discussing the issues of the day.

These shows were more than just background noise; they were companions on countless journeys, sparking debates and laughter in equal measure. They offered a window into the wider world, a connection to something bigger than ourselves.

Despite the occasional static, AM radio was a lifeline, a source of entertainment and information that brought people together. It taught us the power of storytelling, the art of conversation, and the joy of shared experiences, all through the magic of sound waves.

25. Magazine Ads That Smelled Like Perfume

Magazine ads that smelled like perfume were an olfactory journey into the world of fashion and fragrance. I remember flipping through pages, discovering these scented wonders that promised allure and sophistication.

Rubbing the sample on my wrist was a ritual, a moment of indulgence that left me smelling like ‘Jungle Desire No. 5’—a scent that was perhaps more ambition than reality. These ads were a clever marketing ploy, an invitation to experience luxury with just a swipe.

Though the fragrance often lingered longer than the magazine’s allure, these ads taught us about the power of scent, the allure of branding, and the art of subtlety in advertising. They remain a fond memory of a time when print media reigned supreme, and the simple act of flipping a page could transport you to another world.