These cheap vintage Halloween masks & costumes proved that when you spent a couple bucks to get ready for trick-or-treating, you got what you paid for. But the kids? They loved it.
1972
Halloween greeting cards made especially for children became popular in the 1970s – most far more sweet than scary. Look back at these vintage Halloween cards for kids from the ’70s and ’80s!
When it comes to ready-to-wear 70s costumes, you basically have two style choices: Hippie or Disco Styles. We’ve picked some of our favorites modern-day takes on the era so you can dress up and get on down!
Pepsi-Cola history began in a North Carolina drugstore in 1893 and grew through decades of quirky slogans and everyday moments across America.
Scooby Doo fans, here’s how a goofy cartoon dog and his mystery-solving gang turned a 1969 TV debut into decades of iconic pop culture moments.
Popcorn balls were a holiday and party favorite for decades. See how these sticky-sweet treats became a go-to homemade snack in vintage America.
See how Halloween costume patterns from the 1970s helped families sew creative costumes with superheroes, animals, and more homemade classics.
Shirley Temple rose from Hollywood child star to political powerhouse. Here’s how she spent her life after leaving the big screen behind.
Explore 1970s restaurants: fast food boom, sit-down spots with flair and photos showing how America dined in the ’70s.
See the history of the Buick Skylark from the ’60s to the ’90s, with vintage photos and ads that show how this classic car kept changing with the times.
Find out about The Sting, a 1973 film set in the ’30s – the story of two conmen out to trick a mob boss – that won 7 Academy Awards.
Big screen TV once meant something very different. From 17-inch Crosleys to giant projection sets, see how “big” looked from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Hilarious vintage ads from the ‘60s to ‘80s show how brands used humor, awkward charm, and bold claims to sell just about anything.
Candice Bergen grew up Hollywood royalty, dodged the spotlight, then became a star on her own terms — see her early career and offbeat rise to fame.
Explore teen fashions through the decades and see how high school style shaped identity, cliques, and culture from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Explore real 1970s bathroom decor with wild colors, bold patterns and sunken tubs that made home bathrooms totally unforgettable.
Cracker Jack became a pop culture icon with its caramel popcorn, peanuts and surprise prizes. See how this vintage snack won America’s heart.
Discover the most popular dog names from the 1950s to the 1970s, collected from vintage records, contests and real-life hero pups.
In 1965, Instant Quaker Oatmeal hit grocery store shelves, and so was born a popular hot breakfast cereal that has lasted more than 50 years.
In both 1975 and 1978, singer Helen Reddy took national magazine photographers on tours of her California home, which was full of music, plants and country charm. Here’s a look inside!
Discover how Free to Be… You and Me brought big stars, bold ideas and timeless songs together to inspire a generation of kids in the 1970s.
General Mills’ vintage Breakfast Squares from the 70s promised a complete meal in two frosted bars — though sugar and shortening topped the ingredient list.
Step back in time with vintage McDonald’s photos, menus and ads from the 1950s through the 1990s, capturing decades of classic fast food history.
Take a nostalgic look back at the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, the school tests, badges, and certificates that defined PE class from the 1960s to 1980s.
Far out! Check out these vintage portable radios – like the Panasonic Toot-A-Loop and others from the seventies that came in crazy shapes and colors.
Explore Dr Pepper history from its quirky origin story to its fizzy rise as America’s oldest major soft drink.
What were mutts and pedigreed pups eating in the ’40s-’80s? Here’s a look back at vintage dog food print ads & TV commercials you might remember.
Incredible Edibles, the candy-making Thingmaker counterpart, said that their Sooper Gooper would mold sugarless liquid Gobble Degoop into chewy gumdrop-like morsels in 4 flavors. Here’s how it worked.
Burger King — the nation’s fastest-growing chain of self-service restaurants — is so delightfully different, no wonder it has caught America’s fancy!
Here, take a look back at this collection of gorgeous designs and styles of vintage canopy beds that were popular the seventies. Some are some classic and elegant, others modern and breezy, and many fabulously frilly.
Companies promoted it. Celebrities touted it. Everyday people paid attention, and then spent hours in the sun, trying to get the perfect suntan.
Who would’ve thought humble roots, herbs, and bark could spin such an effervescent tale? The history of root beer is both intriguing and surprising – take a look!
Ceiling wallpaper made bold statements in the 70s — and it’s making a quiet comeback. See vintage looks and get step-by-step how-to tips from the era.
Remember these vintage above-ground pools – the kind that were big enough to actually swim in, but that you didn’t need to dig a big hole for?
Here are some vintage tips for how to tie-dye clothes, right from the 60s & 70s. The results are vibrant patterns, from geometric to lush organic effects.
Somewhere in that golden haze after Sesame Street, there was a little TV show called New Zoo Revue. Take a look back to that oh-so-retro kids’ show here!
Take a look back at these beautiful vintage 1970s bedspreads — cozy designs with retro patterns, bright colors, and added texture from things like quilting, embroidery and fringe.
Vintage Fisher-Price Little People made their debut in the 1950s, and they have been insanely popular with kids ever since! Let’s reminisce.
These cute and child-friendly vintage Father’s Day cards show the sweet sentiments that kids expressed for dad (and grandpa) in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
How The Waltons, a quiet Depression-era family drama, overcame doubts and tough competition to become one of the most beloved shows on 1970s TV.
50 years ago, the coolest vintage banana seat bikes for kids also had bright colors, high handlebars and slick rear tires. Check ’em out here!
The 1970s personal computer revolution began as those ingenious devices that put men on the moon, revolutionized science, and perplexed millions were finding their way into the home.
’70s hairstyles were feathery – shiny – bouncy. Here are some real vintage tips from salon experts so women in the disco decade could always keep their hair stylish.
If you were a mid-century suburban kid you likely had a tubular metal swing set like one of these! Check out this nostalgia trip back to the backyards of your childhood.
This best ever BBQ sauce from 1973 is bold, easy to make, and better than anything in a bottle. A backyard favorite for hot dogs, burgers and more.
See how vintage library checkout cards and due date cards kept libraries organized for decades — a simple system that made borrowing books easy and fun.
Take a fun look back at vintage Hostess snacks like Twinkies, cupcakes and fruit pies — see how these classic treats became American favorites.
Discover vintage kitchen design ideas from the 1940s to 1980s that blended style and creativity — and see why some old trends might deserve a comeback.
How did the Kentucky Derby get started? Now, the famous Louisville horse race is the first part of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, but when it started, people didn’t know how important and iconic the Derby would eventually become. Here’s a look back at its history.
Years ago, kids loved weekends because they could catch up on their favorite Saturday morning cartoons & TV shows. Here’s a look back!
Remember these classic 70s things? See the furniture, decor and everyday items that made 1970s homes unique, colorful, and totally unforgettable.
Find some elegantly vintage Easter egg crafts and artsy inspiration right here! The ideas may be old, but they’ll probably seem new to you.
Believe it or not, retro Easter candy like chocolate Easter bunnies, creme eggs, jelly beans and Peeps candy didn’t exist at all prior to the 20th century. Here’s a look back at what the bunny has been bringing.
Remember vintage TV dinners — shiny foil trays filled with delicious-looking dinner delights, waiting in the freezer for a special night? Plus find out the history of TV dinners!
Occasionally, top TV show theme songs aren’t just popular – they join the soundtrack of a generation. These 16 hits won acclaim for being more than being the tune played over opening credits. Have a listen!
These 60+ vintage patio furniture sets – charming tables, chairs, chaises and more – were as popular in the 1940s through the 1970s as they are now.
As you prepare for your Easter celebration, check out these vintage Easter egg decorating ideas! There are probably a few you remember… and maybe one or two you haven’t seen!
See how decorating with frosting and cute little marshmallow flowers can turn angel food cakes into happiness you can eat!
The original vintage Slinky toy was an all-metal spring that thrilled kids by ‘walking’ down stairs. Invented by accident back in the forties, it’s one of the classic toys that has stood the test of time.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes: The story of how a simple shake became a holiday tradition (1970s & 80s)
McDonald’s shamrock shakes have been a St. Patrick’s Day favorite for decades. Here’s the surprising history behind this minty green fast-food classic.
Step back in time with our collection of retro St Patrick’s Day cards, capturing the lively spirit and celebrations of the 1970s and 80s.
Misheard lyrics have fooled music fans for years — turns out, “Hold me closer, Tony Danza” was never right. See the funniest lyric mistakes from classic hits!
Prell shampoo was popular since its introduction in the 1940s, and was best-known for being bright emerald green. Here, see how the product – and the brand’s message – changed from the ’40s to the ’80s!
The 50s and 60s were the glory days for old drive-in movie theaters, when there were about 4000 such venues spread across the country. Take a look back!
This original Grasshopper Pie recipe creates a delicious and refreshing no-bake dessert, made up of a chocolate mint cream filling (with alcohol) in what’s basically an Oreo crust.
In the 70s, stainless steel or copper cookware wasn’t enough – people wanted retro pots and pans for their kitchen in all of the latest colors and patterns. Take a peek inside those old kitchen cabinets!
From meat glazes to unique salads and totally vintage-style jello molds, the most iconic tropical fruit can make itself useful in so many ways. Here are some weird – and some good – retro ways to serve pineapple.
With warm, rich flavors and tender pieces of meat and vegetables, New England beef stew is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner on a cold winter evening!
Try your hand at these traditional patterns for Americana quilts – the pride of America’s past, and adaptable for many uses today.
The vintage Spirograph toys let you create millions of colorful, startlingly beautiful extraordinarily intricate designs in infinite variety – all you needed were pens, paper and the kit’s plastic gears and wheels. Take a look!
Remember when every girl wanted a Lane hope chest? See 20+ vintage hope chests from the 20th century
Way back when, it’s what every girl wanted: A cedar-lined Lane hope chest for linens and her trousseau. In upper-middle-class homes, giving a teen cedar chest was a longstanding tradition — and practically a requirement for marriage.
Everyone knows the pastel little Valentine’s Day sweets that say Hug Me, Cutie and more. Where did those candy heart sayings come from? Look back here!
Have a look at these 70s fashions, and then tell us: Are couples who dressed in matching unisex clothing sweetly romantic or just cheesy?
Do you remember any of these adorable 1970s & 1980s vintage Snoopy Valentine’s Day cards, featuring the Peanuts gang?
What’s the history of Groundhog Day — February 2 each year — and what is the connection to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania? Find out here!
Starting back in the ’50s, women were encouraged to start their own businesses, hosting Tupperware parties, and demonstrating how to use those popular plastic containers. Here’s a look back!
Try this tasty and easy recipe from the early 1960s for old-fashioned rolled sugar cookie cutouts, accompanied below by step-by-step photos!
Join us as we journey through futurism history, exploring predictions made about the future by those from the past!
Raise your glass for some warm and wonderful classic hot chocolate recipes from across the years! Try cocoa mixtures with a variety of flavors and even some international flair.
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father was a TV sitcom about a widower and his son, Eddie that debuted in 1969. The memorable theme song was by Harry Nilsson.
No man embodies the spirit of country music quite like Willie Nelson. Born during the Great Depression in 1933 in a small Texas town, Nelson’s
What were vintage 1970s supermarkets like – and how do they compare to today’s grocery store options? Take a look back several decades to see!
Monty Hall brought charm and suspense to Let’s Make a Deal, the game show that had America guessing. Explore its quirky history and lasting appeal!
In the ’60s, vintage breakfast cereals became really popular, gaining millions of fans – especially kids. What was your favorite? See all the best retro brands here (many of which are, sadly, long gone).
Because not everything was baked from scratch, see some Vintage slice ‘n’ bake cookies, frozen cookie dough, mixes and other semi-homemade cookies from long ago!
Take a look back at some of the most popular vintage 1970s cereals that we loved – including many discontinued products we still miss. (And don’t forget about the free toys that were inside kids’ cereal boxes!)
The Bob Newhart Show turned the world of comedy upside down with its straight-faced humor and wry wit – let’s take a look back!
Frosty, the famous snowguy turned into a jolly, happy soul, starred in the vintage animated Christmas special, Frosty the Snowman, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
Let Christmas stocking stuffers of yesteryear inform your Christmas list THIS year! We’ve rounded up over 30 vintage Christmas stocking stuffers we loved in days gone by.
With a little thought and care – plus the inspiration of these lush holiday table settings of yore – you can create unforgettably nostalgic Christmas table settings that will be remembered for years to come.
Dick Van Dyke interviews and personal appearances can be hard to come by, but we found a few times the talented actor and comedian talked about his life and career.
People of all ages will love these cute vintage Christmas cookie houses, which can be made easily and inexpensively. See examples and get directions here!
Long before we became obsessed with charcuterie boards, we had Hickory Farms Food Gift Paks. Remember those? Here, we have a round up of vintage Hickory Farms ads for your reminiscing pleasure!
How did a character whose brief life ended so tragically become a hero of the happiest holiday? We have some theories plus four different vintage gingerbread man cookie recipes!
They have gelatin on the inside… and the outside. Try making this vintage 1970s Jell-O fruity cookie recipe, and see if you can capture a little bit of that retro vibe!
Get seven sassy snack mix how-tos from yesteryear, including the granddaddy of them all: the original Chex mix recipe!
These vintage touch-tone phones – featuring push buttons, speed and musical tones – represented a totally new signaling system, and opened the way to increased versatility in communications.
Cranberries have become traditional for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners — and these 20 homemade cranberry sauce recipes will help you deliciously add the ruby-red jewel to your feasts!
