76. Twiggy Doll
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Sears
Company: Mattel
Original Price: $3.50*
In the ’60s, everyone wanted a piece of Twiggy, the iconic supermodel, and Mattel delivered with its Twiggy Doll. Sold at Macy’s and Sears, this fashion doll was not just a toy; it was a fashion statement, a collectible, an emblem of the London Mod style. With her sleek bob cut and mod outfits, she was a significant influence on young girls, a representation of the ideal of beauty at that time.
Twiggy Doll @TheriaultsDolls | @Google/Pinterest
Twiggy, with her wide-eyed, slim-figured appearance, stood as an icon of the ’60s ‘Swinging London’ culture. The Twiggy Doll made waves in the toy market, capturing the hearts of young girls who aspired to be as fashionable and influential as Twiggy herself.
77. The MGB Roadster
Where It Was Sold: British Motor Cars Distributors (San Francisco, CA)
Company: British Motor Corporation
Original Price: $2,527*
The MGB Roadster was more than just a car; it was a symbol of freedom and the open road. This British sports car, sold at car dealerships across America, was a sensation amongst car enthusiasts who loved its sleek design and powerful performance.
The MGB Roadster ©DeFacto/Wikimedia
It was an icon of the 60s, encapsulating the spirit of adventure and liberation that characterized the decade. Owning an MGB Roadster was a statement in itself, a testament to an individual’s love for speed and style. With its sporty looks and agile handling, it was a joy to drive and a sight to behold.
78. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars
Where It Was Sold: JCPenney, Foot Locker
Company: Converse Inc.
Original Price: $1.69*
The Chuck Taylor All-Stars have remained a staple of American culture since the 60s. Sold at stores like JC Penney and Sears, these classic sneakers, known for their distinctive star insignia, were loved by athletes and non-athletes alike. The All-Stars represented a perfect blend of comfort, style, and durability.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars @idaertsign/Pinterest | @IndianaHistory/Twitter
Their popularity soared when they became associated with the counterculture and anti-establishment movements of the 60s, making them a symbol of rebellion and individuality. Today, the All-Stars continue to be loved for their timeless design and cultural significance.
79. Schwinn Sting-Ray Bicycle
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Western Auto
Company: Schwinn Bicycle Company
Original Price: $49.95*
The Schwinn Sting-Ray, sold at stores like Sears and Montgomery Ward, was more than just a bicycle; it was a symbol of freedom and adventure for kids across America. Known for its high-rise handlebars, banana seat, and small wheels, this bike was loved for its unique design that resembled a motorcycle.
Schwinn Sting-Ray Bicycle @Recollection Road/Youtube
The Sting-Ray quickly became a cultural phenomenon and a must-have item for kids everywhere. Owning a Schwinn Sting-Ray was like owning a ticket to endless afternoons of racing down neighborhood streets, exploring local parks, and embarking on exciting adventures with friends.
80. Polaroid Land Camera
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Sears
Company: Polaroid Corporation
Original Price: $89.95*
The Polaroid Land Camera, sold at photo supply stores and department stores like Macy’s, revolutionized photography. It was the first affordable instant camera, allowing people to see their photos moments after they were taken. This camera became a cultural icon, changing the way people captured and shared their memories.
Polaroid Land Camera ©smial/Wikimedia
It wasn’t just a gadget; it was a magical device that could freeze a moment in time and instantly provide a physical memento of that moment. Owning a Polaroid Land Camera meant that you could capture and cherish your special moments in a way that was previously unimaginable.
81. Silly Putty
Where It Was Sold: Toys R Us, Woolworths
Company: Binney & Smith Inc.
Original Price: $1.00*
Silly Putty, sold at toy stores like FAO Schwarz and department stores like Macy’s, was an instant hit with kids and adults alike. This unusual substance could bounce, stretch, and even copy images from comics, making it a source of endless amusement.
Silly Putty @clickusa/Pinterest
Owning a Silly Putty was like owning a ticket to a world of fun and imagination. From making funny shapes to bouncing it around, there was no end to the fun one could have with this strange and captivating substance.
82. Lava Lamps
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Spencer’s
Company: Mathmos
Original Price: $19.95*
Lava Lamps, sold at stores like Spencer’s and Sears, were a staple of 60s home decor. Their hypnotic movement and vibrant colors encapsulated the psychedelic aesthetic of the time.
Lava Lamps @the_telegraph/Pinterest
Owning a Lava Lamp was like owning a piece of the ’60s, a symbol of counterculture and a fascination with all things groovy and out of this world. The gentle flow of the ‘lava’ was mesmerizing to watch, and these lamps quickly became a must-have for anyone wanting to add a touch of psychedelic chic to their home.
83. Hot Wheels
Where It Was Sold: Toys R Us, Kmart
Company: Mattel
Original Price: $0.59*
Launched by Mattel and sold at stores like Toys R Us and Woolworth, Hot Wheels were the dream of every kid in the 60s. These miniature cars, known for their intricate details and speed, were more than just toys; they were collectibles.
Hot Wheels @etsyca/Pinterest
Each Hot Wheel was a work of art, capturing the spirit of American automobile design. Owning a Hot Wheels meant endless races, imaginative play, and the beginning of a lifelong love for cars for many children.
84. Pez Candy Dispensers
Where It Was Sold: Woolworths, Kmart
Company: PEZ Candy Inc.
Original Price: $0.59*
These were not just an indulgent delight; they were an invitation into a world of fantasy. Sold at convenience stores and toy shops like Woolworth’s and FAO Schwarz, Pez candy dispensers transformed a simple, everyday experience of eating candy into a fun-filled game. Children could choose from dispensers modeled after various popular characters and superheroes, turning a sweet treat into a collector’s item.
Pez Candy Dispensers @pvcbartels/Pinterest
The dispensers’ playful and colorful designs sparked imaginations, making it more than just a candy-eating experience. It was about the thrill of collecting different characters, the anticipation of what the next Pez candy dispenser would bring, and the joy of sharing or trading these adorable little candy containers with friends. Eating candy was never so much fun before!
85. View-Master
Where It Was Sold: Sears, JCPenney, Montgomery Ward, FAO Schwarz
Company: Sawyer’s
Original Price: $12.50*
Sold at stores like Montgomery Ward and FAO Schwarz, the View-Master was more than just a toy. It was a magical portal into different worlds, offering children and adults a unique visual experience. View-Masters provided a 3D window to various scenes from nature, fairy tales, and global landmarks, taking users on exciting visual journeys right from their living rooms.
View-Master @etsy/Pinterest
This toy was much more than just a viewer; it sparked creativity and curiosity. Holding a View-Master meant holding the world in your hands, triggering a sense of wonder and thirst for exploration. It was like owning a passport to a fascinating world of 3D visuals, enabling users to dream, learn, and discover through stunning imagery.
86. Daisy BB Gun
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Kmart
Company: Daisy Outdoor Products
Original Price: $3.00*
Sold at Sears and sporting goods stores across America, the Daisy BB Gun was an iconic symbol of boyhood in the 60s. The lever-action design of the Daisy BB gun made it feel real and grown-up, adding a dash of thrill and excitement. This was a toy that spoke to adventure, outdoor play, and even a bit of harmless mischief. It symbolized freedom, the spirit of exploration, and sometimes, even rebellion.
Daisy BB Gun @amazon/Pinterest
It wasn’t just about shooting BBs at cans or imaginary targets; it was about teaching children valuable lessons about responsibility, safety, and precision. Owning a Daisy BB gun was akin to owning a badge of honor, a precious possession that every boy cherished and boasted about.
87. The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
Where It Was Sold: Barnes & Noble, Borders
Company: Heinemann
Original Price: $4.95*
The Bell Jar was not just a novel; it was a poignant narrative that struck a chord with many readers across America. Sold at leading bookstores like B. Dalton and Waldenbooks, this semi-autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath challenged societal norms and expectations in the 60s. The book delved deep into mental health issues, the struggle for identity, and the stifling societal pressures women faced.
The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath ©Giovanni Giovannetti/Grazia Neri/Wikimedia
Readers got a chance to experience a raw, unfiltered perspective on the complex realities of womanhood and mental health. Owning a copy of The Bell Jar was like owning a mirror to society’s less-spoken-about realities. It sparked essential conversations about mental health, feminism, and individuality.
88. Rubber Duck
Where It Was Sold: Woolworths, Toys R Us
Company: Unknown
Original Price: $0.50*
The Rubber Duck, sold at toy stores like FAO Schwarz and department stores like Macy’s, is more than just a toy; it’s a childhood icon. In the ’60s, it was every child’s bath-time companion. The charming squeak, the buoyant bob, and the bright yellow color made it an irresistible plaything.
Rubber Duck @Google/Pinterest
It wasn’t just a toy that floated in the bathtub; it was a catalyst for imaginative play, a comforting presence, and an instrument of joy. Owning a Rubber Duck was like owning a little piece of happiness, a beacon of joy in the simplest of everyday moments.
89. Polaroid Swinger Camera
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Sears
Company: Polaroid Corporation
Original Price: $19.95*
Available at department stores and camera shops, the Polaroid Swinger Camera was more than a device to take pictures. It was a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized photography. This device brought instant photography to the masses, democratizing the art of photography. The thrill of seeing the photos develop right before your eyes was magical.
Polaroid Swinger Camera @annieb5767/Pinterest
Each photo captured with the Swinger Camera wasn’t just an image; it was a frozen moment of time, a physical keepsake of memories that you could hold, display, or share. Owning a Polaroid Swinger Camera was like owning a personal time machine, capturing fleeting moments to be cherished forever.
90. Volkswagen Beetle
Where It Was Sold: Volkswagen Dealerships Nationwide
Company: Volkswagen AG
Original Price: $1,280*
Available at Volkswagen dealerships across the country, the Volkswagen Beetle was more than just a car in the 60s. It was a symbol of the counter-culture movement, a compact and efficient vehicle that went against the grain of the big, fuel-guzzling cars of the time.
Volkswagen Beetle @buzzfeed/Pinterest
Owning a Volkswagen Beetle was a statement, a declaration of a desire for simplicity and practicality over opulence and excess. It was about embracing a different way of life, one that valued experience and adventure over material possessions.