91. Fisher-Price Little People
Where It Was Sold: Toys R Us, Sears
Company: Fisher-Price
Original Price: $2.99*
Available at toy stores like FAO Schwarz and major department stores like Macy’s, Fisher-Price’s Little People were more than mere toys. They were a child’s first introduction to the world beyond their immediate family, sparking imaginative play and storytelling.
Fisher-Price Little People @Womencom/Pinterest
With various scenarios and environments like the Little People School Bus or the Play Family House, children could create narratives that mirrored their understanding of the world. Owning Fisher-Price Little People was like owning a miniature universe, where children could explore different roles, relationships, and scenarios, thereby developing essential cognitive and emotional skills.
92. 3M Scotch Tape
Where It Was Sold: Office Depot, Staples
Company: 3M Company
Original Price: $0.60*
Found in stationery stores like Staples and big retail chains like Walgreens, 3M Scotch Tape was not just an adhesive tool. It was a small yet crucial component of countless projects, repairs, gift wrapping, and much more. This transparent, easy-to-use tape represented reliability and practicality.
3M Scotch Tape @Google/Pinterest
Whether it was about fixing a torn page, wrapping a gift, or executing a school project, Scotch Tape was the silent partner that held things together. Owning Scotch Tape was akin to owning a tool of self-reliance and resourcefulness, teaching users the importance of small things in achieving bigger goals.
93. Super Ball
Where It Was Sold: Toys R Us, Kmart
Company: Wham-O
Original Price: $0.98*
Sold at toy stores like KB Toys and department stores like JCPenney, the Super Ball was not just another toy. It was the epitome of fun and unpredictability. Its ability to bounce higher and erratically made it a captivating plaything.
Super Ball @Dan Russell/Youtube
Children and adults alike were fascinated by its unusual bouncing properties, and the sheer joy of throwing the ball and guessing its trajectory was thrilling. Owning a Super Ball was like owning a bundle of energy and unpredictability, reflecting the fun, carefree spirit of childhood.
94. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Where It Was Sold: Walgreens, CVS
Company: Johnson & Johnson
Original Price: $0.59*
Sold in drugstores like Walgreens and general stores like Woolworths, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo was a staple in many homes during the 1960s. Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, a multinational corporation known for its consumer goods, this shampoo gained popularity due to its “No More Tears” formula, making bath time a breeze for mothers and children alike.
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo @ebay/Pinterest | @JNJHistory/Twitter
It promised gentleness, akin to washing hair with pure water, which was a breakthrough in child care at the time. Beyond its tangible benefits, this shampoo was a symbol of a mother’s tender love and care. It was not just a product, but a whole experience that made a mundane routine like bathing an enjoyable process for kids. Its floral fragrance and iconic golden-yellow bottle with an easy-to-use cap were all part of the charm that made Johnson’s Baby Shampoo a beloved item.
95. Ken Doll
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Toys R Us
Company: Mattel
Original Price: $3.50*
Sold in toy stores such as Toys “R” Us and department stores such as JCPenney and Sears, the Ken Doll became a cultural icon in the 1960s. Introduced by Mattel as a counterpart to the immensely popular Barbie doll, Ken broadened the horizons of creative play for children. His different outfits and roles offered a new dimension to the make-believe world of Barbie.
Ken Doll @todayshow/Pinterest
Owning a Ken doll was not just about having a toy, but about owning a piece of a broader narrative that ignited the imagination and fueled endless storytelling possibilities. The sleek hair, well-tailored clothes, and charming personality of the Ken Doll have made him an enduring figure in the realm of children’s toys.
96. Monopoly Board Game
Where It Was Sold: FAO Schwarz, Toys R Us
Company: Parker Brothers
Original Price: $2.00*
Sold in toy stores and large department stores like Macy’s, Monopoly was more than just a board game; it was an engaging, family-centered experience. This classic game by Parker Brothers introduced kids and adults alike to the highs and lows of property trading.
Monopoly Board Game @workandmoney/Pinterest
With each roll of the dice, players navigated a world of buying, selling, and developing real estate while avoiding bankruptcy. Owning a Monopoly game meant owning hours of challenging, competitive fun. It was a way of learning about finance and strategy, all the while fostering friendly competition and family bonding.
97. Frisbee
Where It Was Sold: Woolworths, Kmart
Company: Wham-O
Original Price: $0.79*
Available in toy stores, sporting goods stores, and popular department stores, the Frisbee was the symbol of carefree outdoor fun and friendly competition. This simple, lightweight flying disc, manufactured by Wham-O, transcended age barriers, bringing joy to both children and adults.
Frisbee @jenmccarty1969/Pinterest
Frisbees could turn any open space into an impromptu playground, making picnics, beach visits, and backyard gatherings much more lively. Whether it was a casual toss or a spirited game of Frisbee golf, this versatile toy created countless happy memories. Owning a Frisbee was like owning a piece of the sunny, optimistic spirit of the ’60s.
98. Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Where It Was Sold: Barnes & Noble, Borders
Company: Alfred A. Knopf
Original Price: $10.00*
Sold in bookstores and department stores across the country, this legendary cookbook by Julia Child was a game changer in the culinary world. The two-volume set, first published in the early ’60s, made French cooking accessible to American home cooks. It wasn’t just a collection of recipes; it was an engaging, detailed guide that demystified the art of French cuisine.
Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking ©Lynn Gilbert | ©Editor’s personal collection/Wikimedia
Owning this book meant inviting the joy of cooking and the sophistication of French cuisine into your kitchen. With her engaging narrative and detailed instructions, Julia Child transformed ordinary kitchens into culinary playgrounds where anyone could explore and master the art of French cooking.
99. American Tourister Luggage
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Montgomery Ward
Company: American Tourister
Original Price: $30-$50*
In the swinging 60s, travel became the new frontier of freedom, and American Tourister luggage was right there to pack that dream into reality! With its revolutionary design, this luggage promised durability and style to the modern traveler. Bold colors and the unique, hard-shell case stood out on any airport carousel, making it a must-have accessory for jet-setters.
American Tourister Luggage @ebay/Pinterest
American Tourister’s ad campaigns, filled with vibrant imagery and the promise of adventure, tapped directly into the era’s wanderlust, ensuring that whether you were heading to Woodstock or Waikiki, you did it with flair.
100. RCA Victor Portable Radio
Where It Was Sold: Radio Shack, Sears
Company: RCA
Original Price: $39.95-$59.95*
The RCA Victor Portable Radio brought music and news to the fingertips of the 60s generation, making it an instant hit. As families picnicked and teens hit the beach, the portable radio was their soundtrack, blending seamlessly with the outdoor lifestyle.
RCA Victor Portable Radio @Google/Pinterest
RCA’s mastery of sound tech wrapped in sleek, carry-along designs meant tunes were just a twist away, anytime, anywhere. This gadget didn’t just catch waves; it rode the wave of cultural change, turning every listener into a mobile disc jockey of their own life’s soundtrack.
101. Bic Cristal Ballpoint Pens
Where It Was Sold: Woolworth’s, Staples, Office Depot
Company: Bic
Original Price: $0.19 per pen*
Bic Cristal Ballpoint Pens scribbled their way into history with a simple promise: smooth writing at an unbeatable price. Suddenly, everyone from students jotting down notes to executives signing deals could rely on Bic’s consistent flow and durability.
Bic Cristal Ballpoint Pens ©Carlos Delgado/Wikimedia
The pen’s clear barrel, a design genius, let users see how much ink was left, banishing the fear of running dry mid-sentence. Bic Cristal became more than a pen; it was a tool of democracy in the written word, ensuring that no idea went unnoted and no signature faded into oblivion.
102. Jell-O Gelatin Desserts
Where It Was Sold: Grocery stores nationwide
Company: General Foods
Original Price: $0.10 per packet*
Jell-O Gelatin Desserts wiggled their way into the heart of the American kitchen with a burst of color and flavor, becoming the go-to dessert for every occasion. From summer barbecues to holiday feasts, Jell-O’s ease of preparation and versatile nature made it a staple.
Jell-O Gelatin Desserts @Google/Pinterest
The brand’s playful marketing, featuring whimsical recipes and vibrant visuals, captured the imagination of homemakers and kids alike. By offering a fun, flexible dessert that could be molded, layered, or mixed with fruits, Jell-O embodied the creative spirit of the 60s, making every meal an opportunity for celebration.
103. Milton Bradley Twister
Where It Was Sold: FAO Schwarz, Toys “R” Us
Company: Milton Bradley
Original Price: $4.95*
Twister spun into the social scene of the 60s with a splash of color and a heap of laughter, quickly becoming the party game of choice. Milton Bradley’s Twister was more than just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon that broke the touch barrier, inviting players to get tangled in a human knot.
Milton Bradley Twister @ebay/Pinterest
Its launch party, cleverly covered by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, showcased celebrities in amusing contortions, instantly making Twister a household name. This game became a symbol of the era’s push towards freedom, fun, and a little friendly flexibility.
104. Campbell’s Soup Cans
Where It Was Sold: Kroger, Piggly Wiggly
Company: Campbell Soup Company
Original Price: $0.12-$0.20 per can*
Campbell’s Soup Cans didn’t just warm bellies; they warmed hearts and stirred the pop culture pot of the 60s. With Andy Warhol’s iconic art elevating the humble soup can to a symbol of modern art, Campbell’s became more than a meal—it was a muse.
Campbell’s Soup Cans @artincontextdotorg/Pinterest
The brand’s variety catered to every taste, making it a pantry staple across America. From comforting Tomato to exotic Scotch Broth, Campbell’s offered a quick, nutritious meal for the fast-paced era. Its ease and familiarity made Campbell’s Soup the quintessential comfort food, mirroring the decade’s mix of simplicity and innovation.