15 Must-Have Things If You Grew Up In The 70s
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The 1970s was a time when home life, school routines, and weekend fun were shaped by a set of unmistakable staples. Childhood felt wrapped in the warmth of bold patterns, funky gadgets, and the ever-present hum of pop culture. Whether it was the sound of a television playing your favorite show or the sight of bright orange appliances in the kitchen, there were certain things that just belonged to that era.
Many of the decade’s defining items weren’t just popular—they were practically mandatory. You didn’t just own a metal lunchbox, you picked one that matched your favorite TV show or cartoon. You didn’t just watch Saturday morning TV, you planned your week around it. These things weren’t background noise—they were centerpieces of growing up, shaping routines, sparking friendships, and defining the aesthetics of childhood.
This article looks back at 15 must-have things that anyone who grew up in the 70s will remember with a smile. They weren’t just toys or tools—they were woven into everyday life, leaving behind memories that are instantly vivid even today. Let’s revisit the objects that defined a groovier, simpler time.
1. Shag Carpeting and Groovy Decor
If you walked into a home in the 1970s, chances are your feet sank into thick, shaggy carpet in colors like mustard yellow or avocado green. Shag carpeting wasn’t just a flooring choice—it was a bold statement. Paired with wood-paneled walls and eccentric wallpaper, it created a space that felt both cozy and electric.
This trend reflected a broader shift toward comfort and self-expression in home design. Homes became extensions of personality, embracing color and texture with gusto. Even furniture followed suit, with bean bags, sunken living rooms, and hanging chairs making appearances in suburban households.
For many, these design choices became a nostalgic backdrop to childhood memories. Whether you were watching cartoons from a velvet couch or sprawled on the floor playing board games, the 70s home decor left an unforgettable imprint. Today, it’s a retro aesthetic that still finds fans for its unapologetic flair.
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2. Pet Rocks
At first glance, Pet Rocks seemed like a joke—but in the 70s, that was part of the appeal. Packaged in boxes with straw bedding and humorous instruction manuals, these inanimate “companions” quickly became a nationwide craze. They were inexpensive, clever, and tapped into the era’s playful spirit.
While their popularity was short-lived, Pet Rocks embodied the unique cultural energy of the time. It was a decade that welcomed novelty, irony, and a bit of countercultural silliness. The idea of caring for a rock—with no responsibility whatsoever—resonated with a generation that wasn’t afraid to laugh at itself.
Looking back, it’s clear that Pet Rocks were more than a passing trend. They captured a particular mood of the 70s: a willingness to find fun in the mundane and to question conventional ideas of what could bring joy. It’s no wonder that many who grew up during that era still smile when they hear the name.
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3. Metal Lunch Boxes and Thermos Sets
For school kids in the 70s, lunchtime wasn’t just about food—it was about making a statement. Metal lunch boxes adorned with characters from “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Charlie’s Angels,” or “Star Wars” were prized possessions. They were durable, colorful, and a source of daily pride.
Each lunch box came with a matching thermos, often tucked neatly inside a metal clip. Whether it held soup, juice, or chocolate milk, the thermos made it more than just a container—it was part of a full set. And when something happened to that glass liner? It felt like a tragedy.
These lunch boxes were an early expression of identity and fandom. Long before merchandise became the norm in every aisle, 70s kids got to carry their pop culture icons with them every day. Many of those boxes are now collector’s items, serving as tiny time capsules from school cafeterias past.
4. Mood Rings
Mood rings were the perfect combination of style, mystery, and self-expression. Featuring a color-changing stone, these rings promised to reflect your inner emotional state through a spectrum of hues—from blue for calm to black for stressed. Whether or not they actually worked was beside the point.
The 70s were a time when interest in astrology, mysticism, and the metaphysical ran high. Mood rings fit right in with this cultural current, offering a whimsical way to explore the unknown. Even if the science was shaky, the idea that your ring “knew” how you felt was too irresistible to pass up.
They quickly became fashion staples, especially among teens. For many, mood rings were conversation starters, friendship tokens, and personal treasures. Even today, their retro charm makes them a popular throwback item, reminding wearers of a decade when even jewelry felt magical.
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5. Disco Balls
No 70s party was complete without a disco ball casting swirling lights across the room. Suspended from the ceiling and hit with a spotlight, the mirrored surface transformed any space into a dance floor. From home basements to big-city clubs, the disco ball was the era’s ultimate symbol of celebration.
The popularity of disco music and dance culture meant that lighting played a major role in the nightlife of the time. As the ball spun, reflections bounced to the beat of songs by Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and KC and the Sunshine Band. The ambiance it created was electric and unforgettable.
Beyond the clubs, disco balls found their way into teen bedrooms and school dances. They captured the glitz and rhythm of the decade in one glittering object. Even today, they remain iconic—an enduring reminder of a time when dancing was liberation and every night held the promise of glamor.
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6. Water Beds
Water beds made a splash in the 1970s as a futuristic and stylish alternative to traditional mattresses. With their vinyl surfaces filled with gallons of water, they offered a floating sensation that felt unlike anything else. The gentle waves created a soothing motion that made bedtime a new kind of experience.
Owning a water bed quickly became a status symbol. They were marketed as both luxurious and innovative, often associated with modern lifestyles and even a bit of rebellion against convention. Many bedrooms were remodeled around these unique beds, and some even came with temperature controls to warm the water for added comfort.
Of course, water beds weren’t without their quirks. Leaks, refills, and that unmistakable slosh when you moved all came with the territory. But for many 70s kids and teens, having a water bed meant your room was instantly cooler—literally and figuratively.
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7. Lava Lamps
Nothing captured the 70s mood quite like a lava lamp. With its hypnotic blobs of wax slowly rising and falling in colorful liquid, it provided more than just light—it offered a vibe. These lamps became iconic pieces of bedroom décor, glowing softly as they added an ambient touch to any space.
The appeal of lava lamps went hand in hand with the decade’s psychedelic and free-spirited energy. Their slow, mesmerizing movement made them perfect companions for listening to music, daydreaming, or just zoning out after a long day at school. Each lamp seemed to have its own rhythm and personality.
Lava lamps were popular among teens and adults alike. They turned ordinary rooms into laid-back sanctuaries and were often seen sitting proudly on nightstands, desks, or stereo cabinets. Even today, they remain a visual shorthand for the grooviness and creativity of the 1970s.
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8. Big Wheels
For 70s kids, few things brought more excitement than hopping on a Big Wheel and racing down the driveway. These plastic tricycles, known for their oversized front wheel and low seat, were designed for maximum fun. Their lightweight design made them fast, and the wide rear wheels were perfect for sliding around corners.
Big Wheels weren’t just toys—they were freedom machines. They gave kids a sense of independence and adventure, whether they were cruising around the neighborhood or competing in imaginary races. The loud rumble of plastic wheels on pavement became a familiar soundtrack of summer afternoons.
Their bright colors and rugged frames made them as visually appealing as they were fun to ride. For many, a Big Wheel was the first “vehicle” they ever owned, and the memories of skinned knees and driveway drag races are still vivid today. It was a rite of passage for any child of the 70s.
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9. Eight Track Tapes
Before cassettes and CDs became the norm, the eight track tape ruled the music scene. These chunky cartridges were the soundtrack of the 70s, found in car dashboards, living rooms, and teenage bedrooms alike. Whether it was Led Zeppelin, ABBA, or The Eagles, your favorite band probably came on an eight track.
The format was known for its continuous loop and abrupt track changes, which sometimes split songs in unusual places. But despite the quirks, eight tracks offered something new: portable, high-quality sound. They marked a major leap forward from vinyl for people who wanted music on the go.
For 70s music lovers, eight track tapes weren’t just about convenience—they were part of the lifestyle. Sliding one into a player and hearing that satisfying click was a ritual of its own. Though the format eventually faded, it still symbolizes a time when physical media was king and music was a tactile experience.
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10. Polaroid Cameras
The Polaroid camera was nothing short of magical in the 1970s. With just a press of a button, you could snap a photo and watch it develop before your eyes in under a minute. It brought instant gratification to photography in a way that felt futuristic and thrilling.
Polaroids made capturing memories more spontaneous and fun. There was no need to wait for film development—you got to see the moment almost as soon as you lived it. From birthday parties to vacations, the Polaroid was there to freeze time and provide a keepsake on the spot.
The square, white-bordered prints became a signature look of the era, and many families still have albums filled with them today. For 70s kids, using a Polaroid meant you were trusted with something cool and grown-up. It was more than a camera—it was a portal to preserving life’s best moments instantly.
11. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong wasn’t just a toy—he was a flexing, stretching phenomenon. With his gel-filled body and tough rubber skin, kids could pull his limbs to ridiculous lengths and watch him slowly return to form. He was built to be twisted, tied in knots, and tested to the limit.
The appeal of Stretch Armstrong came from more than just durability—it was the tactile fun of manipulating something that felt both alien and human. Unlike stiff plastic action figures, this toy encouraged hands-on interaction and creative play. He was often pitted against other toys in imaginary battles, thanks to his superhero-like look.
Stretch Armstrong became one of the standout toy icons of the 70s. His unique design and playability made him a staple in toy boxes across the country. Decades later, he’s still remembered fondly for his resilience and for standing up to the roughest play sessions without breaking a sweat—or a limb.
12. Rotary Telephones
Before smartphones and speed dial, the rotary phone reigned supreme. With its circular dial and mechanical clicks, making a call in the 70s was a physical experience. Phones came in bold hues like avocado green and harvest gold, blending perfectly with the rest of the decade’s home décor.
Using a rotary phone required patience—and precision. A single misdial meant starting all over again. But for many households, these phones were a central part of daily life. They anchored kitchen counters and hallway tables, and long cords often stretched around corners during private conversations.
Despite their slow, analog nature, rotary phones felt sturdy and reliable. They weren’t just tools—they were fixtures, part of the background of family routines and teenage chats. Today, they stand as charming relics of a slower, more deliberate way of staying in touch.
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13. Clackers
Clackers were as noisy as they were captivating. Consisting of two hard plastic balls attached to either end of a string, the goal was to swing them up and down in perfect rhythm so they clacked together repeatedly. The sound was loud, satisfying, and instantly recognizable to anyone from the era.
Mastering Clackers took practice, and playground bragging rights often went to the kid who could keep them going the longest. They were equal parts toy and challenge—simple in design but addictive in action. Their presence was almost guaranteed in schoolyards and neighborhoods during the early 70s.
However, the fun came with a downside. As reports of cracked knuckles and shattered Clackers surfaced, concerns grew about their safety. Eventually, they were pulled from the market in many places. But their brief popularity left a big impression—and a lot of fond (if bruised) memories.
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14. Spirograph
The Spirograph was a toy that turned geometry into art. Using a set of plastic rings and wheels, kids could trace mesmerizing patterns with pens or pencils. What began as overlapping lines would quickly transform into stunning, symmetrical designs that looked almost hypnotic.
This creative tool allowed children to explore math and design without even realizing it. Each creation was different depending on the gear used and the points where the pen was placed. It encouraged patience, experimentation, and a hands-on appreciation for detail and symmetry.
For many 70s kids, Spirograph wasn’t just about entertainment—it was a gateway to creativity. Finished patterns often ended up as bedroom decorations, school projects, or gifts for family members. The quiet joy of watching those lines bloom into intricate art made it one of the decade’s most beloved pastimes.
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15. Tupperware Parties
Tupperware parties weren’t just sales events—they were social happenings. Hosted in living rooms and kitchens across America, these gatherings gave homemakers a chance to connect, catch up, and explore the latest in food storage innovation. Demonstrations, games, and refreshments made them feel more like mini celebrations than sales pitches.
These parties symbolized a specific part of 70s culture: the blend of entrepreneurship, domestic pride, and community. Tupperware wasn’t just about keeping leftovers fresh—it was about modernity, efficiency, and empowerment, especially for women who used the parties as a way to earn income and expand social circles.
For kids, Tupperware parties often meant snacks and background chatter, but even they grew up with the unmistakable sound of lids popping and containers stacking neatly in the kitchen. The pastel-colored bowls and burping seals became household staples—and an emblem of a very specific slice of 70s life.
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