Remember when a vintage slumber party brought noise, snacks & secrets to countless 80s living rooms?
A slumber party brought chaos, candy and confessions to countless American homes — the loudest and most legendary way to grow up.
1986
BMX bikes from the 70s and 80s brought speed, stunts and serious fun — take a look back at the bikes that made every kid feel like a champ.
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.
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.
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.
Years ago, kids loved weekends because they could catch up on their favorite Saturday morning cartoons & TV shows. Here’s a look back!
General Foods International Coffee ads from the ’70s and ’80s had cozy vibes, sweet flavors and a jingle you still can’t get out of your head.
From pretty in pink to bold in black, teen girls put a lot of time and money into finding just the perfect now-vintage 80s prom dresses. Here’s a look at more than a hundred of the styles available back then!
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.
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!
80s Cherokee shoes were all about comfort and style, with wedge heels, strappy sandals and soft soles that made them a favorite with teen girls.
Not only is pineapple amazing on its own, it also can be a delicious ingredient in lots of recipes — like this sunburst chicken stir-fry recipe from the 80s.
From “What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” to “Make it so,” these 80s TV catchphrases took over pop culture — and some are still around today.
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.
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!
Now best known for their iconic appearance in the Back to the Future movies, DeLorean cars had an unusual origin story – and ended in a spectacular flameout.
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.
‘Family Ties’ has the most enviable time slot in network TV, following ‘The Cosby Show.’ But the four-year-old sitcom has managed to create its own following, and now clocks in at #2.
Do you remember Shrinky Dinks? They were DIY crafts that could be made by coloring on a plastic sheet, cutting out the various shapes, and then shrinking them down using heat.
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.
The Love Boat set sail in 1977 and became a TV favorite. Here’s how it mixed romance, comedy and guest stars to create a lasting pop culture hit.
Do you remember any of these adorable 1970s & 1980s vintage Snoopy Valentine’s Day cards, featuring the Peanuts gang?
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!
After she wondered if humans have a primal craving for hamburgers – hot, juicy and so simple – here’s Cybill Shepherd’s favorite hamburger recipe.
Here’s a look back at 100 years of vintage Fostoria glass – from candelabra to stemware, in clear crystal or a rainbow of colorful hues – that people have been using and collecting for generations.
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!
Chi-Chi’s may have closed its US restaurants, but it’s far from forgotten. Reminisce with these old menus and get you some of that yummy Chi Chi’s salsa – it’s still on the market!
This is the Hershey’s cocoa fudge recipe your grandmother used to make! The recipe first appeared on the Hershey’s Cocoa can label in the 1960s.
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.
This collection of vintage Pier 1 Christmas ads shows the great variety of gifts, home decor, and Christmas decorations they had available through the second half of the 20th century.
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!
This exceptional Bacardi rum cake is a pudding cake baked in a ring pan, and flavored with Bacardi dark dry rum. You may be surprised at how easy it is to get an elegant cake – perfect for the holidays!
Get seven sassy snack mix how-tos from yesteryear, including the granddaddy of them all: the original Chex mix recipe!
More than good, Libby’s pumpkin pie is smooth, gently spicy, and perfect! Get the classic pie you love – the original vintage recipe is right here, with our very own step-by-step photos to guide you.
Take a look back at the evolution of Thanksgiving traditions — and holiday meals — from the 1940s through the 1990s, plus see how the best parts of the past have influenced our modern-day celebrations!
These old ‘insert dime’ money gift cards filled with coins were very popular – and a super fun way for friends and family to give a kid a dollar!
Though many have tried, no cook has ever been able to improve upon the taste of traditional pumpkin pie. Carnation’s famous pumpkin pie recipe is a Thanksgiving classic – and we have the ’50s recipe right here.
These 44 kid-friendly Christmas cookie decorating ideas evoke the cozy charm of vintage traditions. Baking fun for the entire family!
This easy retro recipe for a delicious creamy chicken and broccoli casserole gets a bonus crunch from a crispy onion topping.
Remember retro Halloween costumes like these, from back when all the kids were wearing cheap and ill-fitting Hulk, Wonder Woman, and Bugs Bunny costumes from the drugstore or made their own creations?
If you need 1980s costumes for a cosplay event, a 1980s themed party, or for Halloween, check out the ideas we’ve rounded up!
See the quirky history of vintage Taco Bell — from a tiny taco stand to a fast-food empire — and see vintage photos, ads and articles from the past!
Who remembers these popular vintage Fisher Price baby toys from the 70s and 80s — iconic, durable and full of fun. Check out our nostalgic collection!
What did vintage Target stores look like? Take a look back here at dozens of in-store pictures from the company’s start in 1962 through the end of the 20th century!
Whether new or classic, millions still love vintage Corelle dishes from the Corning company (also behind Pyrex & Corningware). See some of the dish patterns available during the ’70s & ’80s!
What were vintage Magic Slate Paper Savers about? Think of them like a really low-tech tablet – you could draw and then erase… and do it over and over.
Monsanto’s Home of the Future at Disneyland – set in the futuristic year 1986 – was built almost entirely of plastic, either alone or in combination with traditional building materials.
Revisit the iconic Cheers TV show, where unforgettable characters and timeless stories made a Boston bar feel like home.
Remember having fun in vintage playhouses & forts like these? Take a look back at some of these retro play structures through the decades, from the ’50s through the ’80s!
The movie ‘Stand By Me’ evokes childhood memories, condensing them into a remarkably realistic weekend excursion by four boys on the verge of their teens.
Consisting of lots of lettuce, browned hamburger, a variety of vegetables, sauces and dressings, a taco salad is a meal in itself.
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is filled with 999 retired spooks and spirits who have taken up permanent residence at this California theme park. Sneak a peek!
For those who have not seen it, ‘The A-Team’ is a straightforward pile-driver of a show, a blue-collar ‘Mission Impossible’ without the finesse. Here’s a TV show review from 1983!
See how gazebos became one of America’s favorite outdoor retreats with a look back at some vintage styles and backyard designs!
A Trapper Keeper was a binder/portfolio that came in a wide range of colors and designs, and kits in the ’80s & ’90s loved them. See which ones you remember!
Smokey the Bear, the friendly brown bear that said, ‘Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,’ was a powerful force in stopping forest fires. Here’s his story.
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?
After hitting the market in the early 1980s, it didn’t take long for the Rubik’s Cube to become one of the most popular toys ever. Here’s a look back!
Remember these vintage fruit-flavored drinks in flavors like pineapple-grapefruit, apple, and Florida punch? Reminisce about Hi-C Drink flavors here.
If you think there couldn’t be much that’s changed about vintage baby bottles in the past 100 years or so, you may be surprised. Here’s a look!
The old-fashioned Dymo label maker was easy to use and affordable – which meant that these colorful plastic sticky labels used to be seen almost everywhere and on everything.
While many of us recall Dean Stockwell most fondly for playing Al Calavicci on Quantum Leap, he actually started out as a child actor and appeared in several films alongside well-known stars through the decades. Here’s a look!
Pepperidge Farm remembers… but do you recall all of these classic cakes, cookies, breads, turnovers & other treats they made years ago? (And did you know they once made canned soup?)
Use our inflation calculator to see how prices have changed over time. Discover the value of money across decades with this easy-to-use tool.
Peanut butter cookies are an American treat that have been a favorite for generations. Check out our huge collection of this classic recipe and its variations!
To help you remember the heyday of the Xerox, check out some vintage copy machines here – and be grateful that email and scanners have made running a business nowadays so much simpler.
Check out the charm of these vintage bath towels. This collection of classic ads showcases the unique designs and craftsmanship from back in the day.
Was Red Lobster restaurant where you got your first taste of seafood? The first Red Lobster restaurant was in Lakeland, Florida, and opened its doors
Explore the rich history of famous catchphrases that shaped generations and discover their timeless charm in our culture today!
Kellogg’s wasn’t the first to invent fruit-filled toaster pastries, but Pop Tarts have dominated the market for 60 years and are more popular than ever.
Step back in time with Michael J Fox. From Back to the Future hero to Parkinson’s advocate, discover his enduring legacy in our exclusive vintage collection.
Liquid soaps like these were still somewhat of a novelty in the 1980s and 1990s, and people were happy to get a break from using bar soaps when they washed their hands. See some of the old brands here!
Vintage lunch boxes from the mid-century are a very specific, quirky slice of Americana. Featuring fanciful designs, lunch boxes back then featured everything from scenes
If you’re looking for an easy, scrumptious layered cake recipe, make this vintage Toll House cake from 1986!
Gimme a Break! was a sitcom that aired in the early 1980s. Originally airing on NBC from 1981 to 1987, the show became a part
Take a step back in time and check out some of the most awesome 80s shampoos (and conditioners!) — including a lot of brands you can’t find anymore!
Remember these discontinued foods that you used to see on grocery store shelves? The mere mention of these oldies but goodies can conjure up the taste, the smell, the texture, all the flavors of yesteryear. Which ones do you miss the most?
When these Classic Walt Disney Home Video VHS tapes were finally available back in the 1980s, it was huge for fans. No more waiting for the movies to appear once a year on TV, or to be re-released in theaters. Here’s what you could see back then!
Take a look back at vintage Wal-Mart history, from a modest 5 & 10 store to a global retail behemoth, through innovations and key moments that redefined shopping and turned into today’s massive Walmart chain.
Step back in time with a fun look at vintage cracker brands, from cheesy Cheez-Its to buttery Ritz, and relive the tasty, crispy and crunchy nostalgia through old-school ads and photos!
Take a trip back in time and see the bright and pastel colors, patterned and plain styles of retro toilet paper – kinds you rarely see today.
How did these Easter egg shrink wraps and egg decorating sleeves work? Find out here and see a retro collection of Disney decorations & other holiday designs!
Look back at these great examples of more than fifty 1980s bathroom decor ideas – plus retro color schemes – that cover the gamut from elegant to eccentric to extra-dated.
Planters Easter Egg Cake: This pecan Easter cake is a nostalgic, nutty delight with an optional twist for a festive shape.
Revisit the ABC Afterschool Special episodes that shaped our childhood! We’ve listed every one of the vintage TV movies, along with photos and dozens of promos and full-length videos.
What’s amazing about KFC history? There really was a Colonel Sanders, he truly had a secret recipe, and he actually started Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants.
Check out this collection of vintage Lip Smackers ads, featuring delish fruity flavors (like a drool-worthy watermelon!) and those of popular sodas, including Dr Pepper, Crush orange soda, Hires root beer, 7-Up and others.
The hit Matthew Broderick WarGames movie showed such a realistic WW3 scenario that it led to the creation of a 1986 anti-hacking law.
What were the hottest 80s men’s shoes? Take a look back at what guys were wearing – and how they were swapping traditional dress shoes for newer and more casual models.
Have a look back at 50 years of America’s favorite party snack – and see if we found any of your favorite old potato chip brands!
Starting in the ’70s, making soup was easier than ever – you just emptied an envelope of Cup-a-Soup or Souptime into a cup, added boiling water, stirred, and you had a serving of hot soup. Here’s a look back!
Remember how yummy baby aspirin tasted? Flashback to those fever dreams of yore with this collection of everything vintage baby aspirin.
Hop in the time machine for a whirlwind tour of 20th-century hotel rooms that are like stepping into a living history book!
Buckle up and have a scroll back to an era when driving with car bench seats was as cozy as a night in front of the TV.
From power jackets to casual sweaters, 80s shoulder pads infiltrated every corner of the fashion world back in the day. Let’s take a peek!
Why do so many people love vintage Snoopy stickers? ‘You’d be astounded at the enthusiasm of Peanuts collectors,’ said cartoonist Charles Schulz.
