118. Play-Doh
Where It Was Sold: FAO Schwarz, Kmart
Company: Hasbro
Original Price: $0.99 for a four-pack*
Play-Doh squished its way into the creative hands of children, originally intended as a wallpaper cleaner before its potential as a safe, non-toxic modeling compound was discovered. Its transformation into a playtime staple is a tale of ingenuity, turning an ordinary cleaning product into an extraordinary tool for imagination.
Play-Doh @Google/Pinterest
Available in vibrant colors, Play-Doh offered endless possibilities for crafting, from pretend foods to fantastical creatures, making it a beloved medium for creativity and sensory play. It wasn’t just about molding shapes; it was about shaping young minds, encouraging creativity, and learning through play. Play-Doh soon became a canvas for childhood imagination.
119. Saran Wrap
Where It Was Sold: Safeway, Kroger
Company: Dow Chemical Company
Original Price: $0.29 per roll*
Saran Wrap clung to the title of kitchen MVP with its revolutionary plastic film that kept food fresh and protected. Introduced in the 60s, Saran Wrap became synonymous with preserving leftovers, marinating meats, and making picnics possible without a mess.
Saran Wrap @ebay/Pinterest
Its ability to stick to itself and seal tightly around bowls and plates made it indispensable for homemakers seeking practical solutions to everyday challenges. Saran Wrap preserved the flavor, freshness, and effort that went into every meal, becoming an essential tool in the kitchen for saving time, reducing waste, and keeping families well-fed and happy.
120. Kenner’s Give-A-Show Projector
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Woolworth’s
Company: Kenner Products
Original Price: $5.95*
Kenner’s Give-A-Show Projector turned living rooms into cinemas, captivating young audiences with its innovative slide projector that brought cartoons and stories to life on their very own walls. Launched in the 60s, this toy was a marvel of entertainment, allowing children to curate their own movie nights with slides featuring popular characters and scenes.
Kenner’s Give-A-Show Projector @ebay/Pinterest
It wasn’t just about watching; it was about participating in the storytelling process, selecting slides, and even creating shadow plays. The Give-A-Show Projector encouraged imagination, narrative skills, and the joy of shared experiences, making it a cherished memory for many and a symbol of the magic of childhood storytelling.
121. Yardley Slicker Lip Polish
Where It Was Sold: Marshall Field’s, Macy’s
Company: Yardley of London
Original Price: $1.25*
Yardley Slicker Lip Polish glossed over the lips of the fashion-forward with its chic appeal and British sophistication. In the swinging 60s, Yardley of London captured the essence of mod style with this innovative lip product, offering a shiny, wet look that was utterly avant-garde. The Slicker Lip Polish was a statement piece, embodying the era’s liberation and flair.
Yardley Slicker Lip Polish @etsy/Pinterest
Its sleek packaging and vibrant colors made it a must-have for every young woman aiming to mirror the iconic looks of London’s Carnaby Street. Yardley Slicker Lip Polish defined a generation’s approach to beauty, blending tradition with the pulse of youth culture.
122. Hasbro GI Joe Action Figures
Where It Was Sold: Toys “R” Us, Montgomery Ward
Company: Hasbro
Original Price: $3.99*
Hasbro GI Joe Action Figures stormed the toy market in the 60s, introducing the concept of the “action figure” for boys, a term coined to market these dolls as rugged, movable soldiers of adventure. With a variety of outfits and gear, GI Joe allowed kids to reenact historical battles and create their own heroic scenarios.
Hasbro GI Joe Action Figures @ebay/Pinterest
These figures were symbols of bravery and imagination, offering endless stories of valor and adventure. GI Joe revolutionized playtime, breaking away from traditional male toys and inviting children to explore the world through the eyes of their miniature heroes, making every backyard a battlefield for freedom.
123. Wham-O Super Ball
Where It Was Sold: Kmart, Woolworth’s
Company: Wham-O
Original Price: $0.99*
The Wham-O Super Ball bounced into the hearts of children with its incredible ability to leap higher than any ball before it, thanks to its unique composition of Zectron. Its release created a frenzy, as kids and adults alike were amazed by its bouncing capabilities.
Wham-O Super Ball @Google/Pinterest
The Super Ball was more than a toy; it was a phenomenon, embodying the simple joy of play and the marvels of science. It inspired a wave of experiments and games, proving that sometimes, the simplest concepts can generate the most excitement. The Super Ball didn’t just bounce; it soared, turning every sidewalk and playground into a testing ground for gravity-defying feats.
124. Samsonite Briefcases
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Samsonite Stores
Company: Samsonite
Original Price: $25-$50*
Samsonite Briefcases locked in the essence of professionalism and durability, becoming the quintessential accessory for the business world of the 60s. Crafted with the promise of withstanding the rigors of travel and daily use, these briefcases symbolized success and reliability.
Samsonite Briefcases @etsy/Pinterest
Samsonite’s innovative designs and materials, like their hard-shell cases, protected important documents and valuables, making them a favorite among traveling salesmen and executives alike. It wasn’t just about carrying files; it was about carrying them with assurance and style.
125. Parker Brothers Risk
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Toys “R” Us
Company: Parker Brothers
Original Price: $4.99-$6.99*
Parker Brothers Risk embarked on a conquest of living rooms, introducing families and friends to the complex, strategic world of global domination. Launched in the 60s, this board game was not just about the luck of the dice but also about alliances, tactics, and sometimes, betrayal. Risk turned armchair generals into world leaders, offering a thrilling escapade into the art of war and diplomacy.
Parker Brothers Risk @amazon/Pinterest
It was a battle of wits and wills, teaching players the delicate balance between aggression and caution. Parker Brothers Risk educated and enthralled, making it a timeless classic in the world of board games.
126. Kraft American Cheese Slices
Where It Was Sold: Vons, Publix
Company: Kraft Foods
Original Price: $0.69-$0.99 per package*
Kraft American Cheese Slices melted their way into American hearts and kitchens with unparalleled convenience and creamy taste. Introduced in the 60s, these individually wrapped slices became an instant hit for their meltability and ease of use, making them a staple for sandwiches, burgers, and the classic grilled cheese.
Kraft American Cheese Slices @ebay/Pinterest
Kraft’s innovation didn’t just change cheese; it changed cooking, offering a quick solution to adding cheesy goodness to any meal without the hassle of slicing. These slices represented the height of culinary convenience, embodying the era’s love for fast, simple, and delicious food solutions that catered to the busy American lifestyle.
127. Lego Building Blocks
Where It Was Sold: FAO Schwarz, Sears
Company: Lego Group
Original Price: $3.99-$9.99 for a basic set*
Lego Building Blocks clicked together the imaginations of children worldwide, offering endless possibilities for creation with their simple, yet ingenious interlocking system. Since their introduction in the 60s, Lego bricks have built everything from tiny cars to colossal castles, igniting creativity and problem-solving skills.
Lego Building Blocks @ebay/Pinterest
These colorful blocks weren’t just toys; they were tools for learning, encouraging exploration, engineering, and expression in kids of all ages. Lego transcended language and culture, becoming a universal medium for innovation. With each block connected, Lego built minds, making it one of the most beloved and educational toys of the century.
128. Zenith Space Command Remote Control
Where It Was Sold: Zenith Showrooms, Sears
Company: Zenith Electronics
Original Price: Included with TV purchase, TVs $250-$500*
Zenith Space Command Remote Control revolutionized television viewing in the 60s, introducing the luxury of changing channels from the comfort of one’s chair. This groundbreaking invention utilized ultrasonic technology, a marvel at the time, eliminating the need to rise and manually change channels or adjust volume.
Zenith Space Command Remote Control @ebay/Pinterest
The Space Command symbolized the height of innovation, propelling the TV into the modern era and transforming the living room dynamic. It was a glimpse into the future of home entertainment, offering a taste of convenience that would become standard in the years to follow. Zenith’s remote control changed the way we live and interact with technology.
129. Smith Corona Typewriters
Where It Was Sold: Office supply stores like Staples, Sears
Company: Smith Corona
Original Price: $89.95-$150.00*
Smith Corona Typewriters clacked their way into the offices and homes of the 60s, embodying efficiency and reliability. As a leading name in mechanical and later electric typewriters, Smith Corona made writing and correspondence accessible and professional. These machines were celebrated for their durability, precision, and sleek design, making them a favorite among secretaries, writers, and students.
Smith Corona Typewriters @amazon/Pinterest
The tactile satisfaction of keys striking paper offered a unique joy and sense of accomplishment. Smith Corona crafted the vessels for stories, letters, and documents that shaped personal and professional lives, marking an era of thoughtful communication and creation.
130. Timex Watches
Where It Was Sold: JCPenney, Sears
Company: Timex Corporation
Original Price: $6.95-$29.95*
Timex Watches ticked into prominence with the slogan “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” highlighting their durability and reliability. In the 60s, Timex distinguished itself with affordable, yet stylish watches that were accessible to the masses. Their resilience was showcased in dramatic torture tests during live television commercials, captivating audiences.
Timex Watches @Watchin’/Youtube
Timex transcended being a mere timekeeper; it became a symbol of perseverance and value. Whether for work, leisure, or adventure, a Timex on the wrist meant you were ready for life’s moments, big and small. It wasn’t just about telling time; it was about enduring through time, making every second count.