18 Things That Used To Cost A Dime At The Corner Store

Ah, the corner store—a treasure trove of delights where a mere dime could open up a world of possibilities.

I remember the creaky wooden floors, the glass jars filled with colorful candies, and the friendly nods from the store owner who seemed to know everyone in the neighborhood.

It was the place where kids like me found adventure, one ten-cent purchase at a time. Join me on this whimsical journey down memory lane as we explore 18 things that used to cost just a dime at the corner store, each one a small piece of our collective past.

1. A Glass Bottle of Coca-Cola

Icy cold, straight from the cooler, with condensation running down the sides. You’d pop the cap right there and take that first fizzy sip like it was a sacred ritual. It was as if the bubbles danced a jig on your tongue, a refreshing symphony of taste that only a ten-cent coin could buy. The glass felt cool in your hands, and the iconic red label was a badge of joy. Back then, a Coke was more than just a drink; it was a moment, a memory in the making.

There’s something about drinking from a glass bottle that feels more authentic, more nostalgic. The hiss of the cap coming off, the clinking sound as you placed it back in the crate, and the satisfying chug as the liquid disappeared. It wasn’t just about quenching thirst; it was a small celebration of life.

Every sip was savored, every bottle a tiny time capsule. With each gulp, you were transported to lazy summer days and carefree childhood moments. Even now, the thought of a glass bottle of Coca-Cola brings a smile to my face and a longing for simpler times. Ah, those dimes were well spent!

2. A Handful of Penny Candy

Ten pieces if you did it right. Wax lips, Tootsie Rolls, root beer barrels — all scooped up with sticky fingers and zero regrets. The penny candy section was a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, each sweet treat a whimsical delight. You’d clutch your little brown paper bag, feeling like you had all the riches in the world.

The thrill of choosing, the agony of decision—what to pick? What to leave for next time? It was a delightful dilemma that made each visit special. The wax lips were a fashion statement, albeit a sticky one, while the Tootsie Rolls were a chewy challenge worth accepting. Root beer barrels, with their oddly satisfying hardness, were a slow savor, the kind of candy that made you work for your pleasure.

We’d trade, swap, and sometimes even squabble over our sugary treasures. The corner store owner knew us well, chuckling at our antics as we counted out our pennies. That’s the magic of penny candy—a mélange of sweetness, friendship, and the pure joy of being a kid. Ah, what a sweet deal for just a dime!

3. A Pack of Baseball Cards (with Gum!)

The gum was rock-hard, the cards were everything. You weren’t just buying cardboard — you were buying dreams of the big leagues. Each pack was a mystery, a sealed promise of potential legends and heroes. The excitement of tearing open a new pack was unparalleled, the smell of bubble gum mixing with the anticipation of the unknown.

The cards themselves were a passport to a world of baseball glory. Faces of players you idolized stared back at you, each stat a nugget of trivia to be memorized and shared. The gum, though, was a challenge—chewing it felt like a workout, a rite of passage for every young collector.

Swapping cards with friends was a social event, a chance to barter, boast, and bond. We’d gather, huddled in our baseball caps, trading stories as eagerly as we traded cards. A ten-cent pack wasn’t just a purchase; it was an investment in dreams, a step into the world of America’s pastime. A dime well spent, it made you feel like you were part of something bigger, something magical.

4. A Local Newspaper

Folded and full of small-town drama. You grabbed it for the comics or the high school football scores — and maybe to check if your mom was mentioned. The rustling of the paper felt like a daily ritual, a connection to the world beyond our doorsteps.

The comics were a treasure trove of laughter and imagination. Each strip was a momentary escape into a world where talking animals and bumbling detectives ruled the day. And let’s not forget the thrill of seeing familiar names in print—proof that our tiny corner of the universe mattered.

The local newspaper was more than just ink on paper; it was the pulse of the community. It spoke of bake sales, town meetings, and the occasional scandal—a tapestry of stories that shaped our lives. For a dime, you held in your hands the stories of your neighbors, a snapshot of the world from a uniquely personal perspective. It was a small price to pay for feeling connected. Ah, the joys of small-town life for just a dime.

5. A Scoop of Ice Cream

One scoop, one cone, one moment of pure joy. Bonus points if you raced the sun to finish it before it melted. The corner store’s ice cream was a small indulgence, a creamy dream that melted away the day’s worries.

Each flavor was an adventure, from classic vanilla to the daring bubblegum pink. We’d stand, noses pressed against the glass, deliberating over the choices as if our lives depended on it. The first lick was always tentative, a prelude to the inevitable battle against the dripping cone.

Ice cream was the universal language of happiness, a sweet symphony that played on our taste buds. We’d sit on the curb, savoring each lick, the sun warming our backs and the world feeling just right. For a dime, you could taste summer, freedom, and the pure glee of childhood. It was more than a treat; it was a tiny piece of paradise, one lick at a time.

6. A Payphone Call Home

Drop a dime, spin the rotary, and hope your mom answered before the time ran out. And yes — you had her number memorized. The payphone was a lifeline, a direct line to home when you needed it most.

The thrill of the metallic clink, the tactile spin of the rotary dial, and the anxious wait for that familiar voice to pick up—each call was an exercise in patience and hope. We’d rehearse what to say, careful to make each second count, those precious dimes ticking away.

In a pre-cellphone era, payphones represented freedom and responsibility. Whether you were calling for a ride home or just to say hello, that call was a bridge between adventures and the comforting arms of family. For a dime, you could reach across the distance, hear a loved one’s voice, and feel the world shrink down to something manageable. The sound of that old payphone ring still echoes in my memories, a testament to a simpler, connection-driven time.

7. A Small Bag of Chips

Lays, Fritos, or the rare BBQ score. Just enough to make your fingers greasy and your day a little better. The crinkle of the bag was music to my ears, a prelude to the crunchy symphony that awaited inside.

Each chip was a salty delight, a golden bite of happiness that disappeared all too quickly. We’d savor each one, sometimes licked clean of flavor before a satisfying crunch. The bag might have been small, but it packed a punch of joy and satisfaction.

A dime’s worth of chips was a mini feast, a way to brighten up a mundane afternoon. We’d trade flavors, argue over the best ones, and occasionally find a bonus chip folded in just the right way for maximum taste. For ten cents, you could indulge in a crispy escape, a brief respite from the ordinary. That’s all it took to bring a smile to my face and a crunch to my day.

8. A Comic Book (the cheap ones)

You could escape to Gotham or Metropolis for a dime. Folded in your back pocket, read until the cover wore off. The corner store’s comic book rack was a portal to worlds of superheroes and villains, all for the price of a single coin.

Each page was an adventure, filled with vivid illustrations and stories that made our hearts race. We’d lose ourselves in the exploits of caped crusaders, imagining ourselves in their shoes, saving the day time and again.

Comic books were more than stories; they were inspiration, a call to imagination. We’d swap them, discuss plot twists, and draw our own heroes on school notebooks. For a dime, you could be whoever you wanted, do whatever you dreamed. Those stories taught us about courage, friendship, and the endless possibilities of the human spirit. Ah, the joy of a good comic book—worth every penny.

9. A Stick of Beef Jerky

Dry, salty, and probably older than you were. But it felt like survival food when you were 9 and playing explorer behind the store. The jerky was tough, like the leather of adventure, a chewy testament to our wild imaginations.

Each bite was a challenge, a tug-of-war with taste that made us feel rugged and brave. We’d pretend we were pioneers, surviving on the edge of civilization, that stick of jerky our only sustenance.

Beef jerky was a rite of passage, a snack that tested your teeth and your resolve. For a dime, you could chew your way through an afternoon of make-believe, where the backyard became a vast wilderness, and we were its intrepid explorers. A stick of jerky was more than a snack; it was a badge of courage, a chewy reminder of our childhood quests and the limitless landscapes of our minds.

10. A Ring Pop or Candy Necklace

Fashion and function — edible bling. You were snack royalty with one of these around your neck or on your finger. The corner store’s candy jewelry was the ultimate statement piece for kids with a sweet tooth and a flair for the dramatic.

Each piece of candy sparkled like gemstones, a sugary adornment that tasted as good as it looked. We’d nibble away at it, savoring each bite while feeling like the kings and queens of the playground.

Candy necklaces and ring pops were more than treats; they were wearable art, a testament to childhood creativity and style. For a dime, you could be both fashionable and fed, indulging in a sweet escape that was uniquely yours. A ring pop or candy necklace wasn’t just candy; it was a celebration of youth, a wearable wonder that made every day a little sweeter.

11. A Pack of Bubble Gum (Bazooka or Double Bubble)

Came with a joke or comic, and you’d chew until your jaw gave out. Bonus if you blew a bubble bigger than your face. The corner store’s bubble gum section was a place of laughter and challenge, each piece a chewy burst of fun.

The joy of unfolding a tiny comic or joke was a delightful prelude to the real action: the bubble-blowing contest. We’d stretch our faces wide, coaxing the gum into the most gargantuan bubble, a feat worthy of applause and admiration.

Bubble gum was more than just a chew; it was an exercise in endurance and creativity. For a dime, you could entertain yourself for hours, each pop and snap a testament to your bubble-blowing prowess. The gum itself might have lost flavor fast, but the memories lingered, sweet and vivid, just like those cherished moments of childhood whimsy.

12. A Pencil and Eraser from the Counter Jar

Usually shaped like a baseball bat or a weird animal. Bought in a panic before school — or just because it looked cool. The corner store’s counter jar was a treasure trove of quirky stationary, each piece a whimsical delight.

The pencils were more than writing tools; they were expressions of personality, a way to stand out in a sea of number twos. The erasers, often mismatched and oddly shaped, were tiny works of art, satisfying in their rubbery resilience.

For a dime, you could add a touch of flair to your pencil case, a conversation starter for the classroom. We’d trade them like currency, each piece an artifact of childhood whimsy. The pencil and eraser were not just school supplies; they were symbols of creativity and self-expression, a small investment in individuality that paid off in smiles and friendship.

13. A Little Plastic Toy or Trinket

Bouncy ball, tiny maze, weird rubber alien — pure junk and pure joy. Broke in a day, worth it anyway. The corner store’s toy display was a kaleidoscope of cheap thrills, each piece a small adventure waiting to happen.

We’d spend ages deliberating over our choices, eyes wide with anticipation. These toys were more than plastic; they were imagination starters, catalysts for stories and games that filled our afternoons.

For a dime, you could own a piece of playful magic, a trinket that sparked joy and creativity. We’d cherish them despite their fragility, knowing that the memories they created far outlasted their physical form. The toy bin was a treasure chest of possibilities, each piece a key to unlocking the wonders of childhood.

14. A Cold Bottle of Nehi, RC Cola, or Dr Pepper

Coke wasn’t the only game in town. Regional soda flavors were king, and they were all ten cents of carbonation glory. The corner store’s soda selection was a fizzy fantasy, each bottle a sparkling delight.

We’d peruse the cooler, debating the merits of each brand, each label a promise of refreshment. The flavors were as varied as our imaginations, each sip a journey into bubbliness that tickled our tongues.

For a dime, you could taste the world—root beer, grape, orange, each a unique experience. We’d clink bottles in celebration, reveling in the joy of simple pleasures. A cold bottle of soda was more than just a drink; it was a toast to friendship, a bubbly burst of happiness that made every day a little brighter.

15. A Little Brown Paper Bag of Mixed Nuts

Scooped from a bin and tossed into a bag by the store owner who knew your name. Salty perfection, no branding needed. The corner store’s nut bin was a hidden gem, each scoop a crunchy delight.

The nuts were a medley of flavors and textures, a satisfying symphony of saltiness that filled the bag and our bellies. We’d munch on them slowly, savoring the variety and the camaraderie of sharing.

For a dime, you could indulge in a snack that felt both decadent and wholesome, a taste of nature in a little paper bag. The mixed nuts were more than a snack; they were a community staple, a simple pleasure that brought us together. In every handful, there was a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of the corner store’s unique charm.

16. A Single Firecracker or Two

If the store was loose with the rules, you could walk out with enough firepower to make your uncle nervous. The corner store’s firecracker stash was a secret thrill, a daring purchase that promised a loud payoff.

We’d huddle together, plotting our next explosive adventure, the firecracker a fuse of friendship and excitement. The rules might have been bent, but the joy was real, each pop and sizzle a spark of rebellion.

For a dime, you could hold power in your hands, a brief burst of thrill that lit up our imaginations. The firecrackers were more than noise; they were symbols of youthful daring, a nod to the spirit of adventure that burned bright in our hearts. A single firecracker was a promise of excitement, a tiny explosion of joy that echoed in our memories.

17. A Small Notepad or Mini Coloring Book

Usually with a cartoon character on the front and maybe five pages inside. It kept you busy in the car for at least five minutes. The corner store’s selection of notepads and coloring books was a creative oasis, each page a canvas for our imaginations.

We’d choose carefully, the cover art a promise of the adventures contained within. Whether it was a doodle of superheroes or a splash of color, each page was a masterpiece in the making.

For a dime, you could indulge in an artful escape, a brief respite from the mundane. The notepads and coloring books were more than paper; they were portals to creativity, a reminder that art and joy could be found in the simplest of things. Each page turned was a new possibility, a fresh start in vibrant hues.

18. A Friendly Chat With the Store Owner

No charge — but just as valuable. Whether it was advice, gossip, or a gentle “Don’t touch that,” the folks behind the counter were part of the neighborhood. The corner store wasn’t just a place to shop; it was a community hub where stories and smiles were exchanged freely.

The store owner’s wisdom was as rich as the goods on the shelves, each conversation a small lesson or laugh. We’d linger, soaking in the warmth of connection, the familiarity of shared history.

For a dime’s worth of time, you could gain a friend, someone who knew your quirks and dreams. The friendly chat was more than words; it was a bridge across generations, a staple of the corner store experience. Each visit was a reminder that community was as much about people as it was about places, a sentiment that lingers long after the store is gone.