14 Popular Products From the 1960s
The 1960s weren’t just about peace signs and rock ‘n’ roll — they were a golden era of innovation, style, and downright fun. This decade gave us some of the most iconic products ever, including must-have toys and kitchen gadgets that promised to make life easier. Whether you were sketching masterpieces on an Etch-a-Sketch, rocking go-go boots, or pouring yourself a glass of Tang (because astronauts drank it, so obviously it was cool), the ‘60s had something for everyone. These are the products that defined the era.
1. Etch-a-Sketch
Debuted in 1960, Etch-a-Sketch has to be one of the most iconic toys of all time. Whether you stuck to creating steps, tweaked on the knobs to create your own personal Pollack, or went for the gusto and tried to make actual images or letters, this toy offered endless fun.
2. Polaroid Swinger Camera
As the first affordable instant camera, the Polaroid Swinger was wildly popular during the 1960s. It was especially beloved in the youth market.
3. Fondue Sets
If you hosted a dinner party during this decade, communal fondue pots were all the rage. Whether you were melting cheese or chocolate, these 1960s products were a complete and utter vibe.
4. Go-Go Boots
These knee-high, low-heeled white boots burst onto the scene during the mid-60s and quickly became a staple in the decade’s fashion footprint.
5. ‘The Beatles’ Merchandise
“The Beatles” were one of the biggest bands in the 1960s. Fans had to have all the ridiculous merchandise made with John, Paul, George, and Ringo’s names and faces on it.
6. Tang
Who didn’t love Tang?! This orange breakfast drink put Tropicana to shame, and Sunny D could never. In the 1960s, Tang was for sure the King of Drinks.
7. Easy-Bake Ovens
When Easy-Bake ovens came out in the 1960s, kids everywhere got to unleash their inner bakers and treat Mom and Dad to some goodies for a change. The original Easy-Bake came with a cook book, the oven, pans, and the fixings for Devil’s Food cake, white cake, and chocolate frosting.
8. Transistor Radios
Long before iPods, MP3 players, and Walkmans, transistor radios were the go-to portable music players. Just about everyone had one in the 1960s.
9. Lava Lamps
Nightstands everywhere were made all the more groovy thanks to lava lamps. They were, after all, the optimal alarm clock companion.
10. Tupperware
Tupperware might not have debuted during the 1960s, but it was certainly insanely popular during the decade. The funkier the colors, the more coveted the containers.
11. G.I. Joe Action Figures
The ’60s brought us the first action figures with G.I. Joes and people went nuts. Hasbro couldn’t pump new Joes out fast enough to keep up with the craze.
12. TV Dinners
TV dinners were first gifted to the world in the early ’50s, and they continued soaring in popularity throughout the 1960s.
13. Push-Button Telephones
Introduced in 1963, push button phones were a giant modern leap forward from rotary dials. As a result, tons of people just had to have one.
14. Electric Can Openers
Why waste your arm strength on frivolous things like opening a can of Spaghetti-O’s? The electric can opener was a kitchen staple in the 1960s.