10 Things Kids Could Buy With Pocket Change In The ’70s (And 6 That Might Surprise You)

Ah, the ’70s! A time when bell bottoms were in fashion, disco was groovy, and kids with just a jingle of coins in their pocket could buy a whole world of treasures.

It is time to take a nostalgic trip back to the past and explore 16 delightful goodies that kids could snag with their pocket change in the ’70s.

1. Bazooka Bubble Gum

With a sugary pop, Bazooka bubble gum was a childhood staple. Every piece came with a mini comic strip, adding a chuckle to your chew. Its bright wrapper was as inviting as a candy shop window. The gum packed a flavorful punch, albeit short-lived.

Back then, a handful of coins bought this pink delight, making every child a temporary bubble-blowing champion. Swapping comics with friends forged a bubblegum bond.

2. Candy Cigarettes

Candy cigarettes were the epitome of cool for aspiring young rebels. These sugar sticks, designed to mimic the real deal, let kids puff their way into the grown-up world. The chalky sweetness was oddly satisfying, despite its dubious taste.

Each box fueled imaginative play. Parents might have raised an eyebrow, but for youngsters, these offered sweet fun in a box, perfect for mimicking movie stars.

3. Wacky Packages Stickers

Sticking it to the man, one sticker at a time! Wacky Packages were hilarious parodies of household brands. Trading and sticking these satirical stickers on lockers or school books was a badge of honor. Each pack delivered a comic masterpiece, poking fun at corporate America.

Kids flaunted their collection with pride, sharing laughs over the witty artwork. These quirky collectibles cost mere pocket pennies.

4. Pop Rocks Candy

Explosive excitement in every bite! Pop Rocks brought a party to your mouth with their fizzy, popping sensation. This candy offered a sensory thrill, with sounds and tingles that made taste buds dance. As rumors spread that mixing with soda could cause a blast, kids dared each other to try.

These crackling crystals were more than a treat; they were an adventure. A few cents unlocked a pocketful of sparkling surprises.

5. Slime

Ooze with an attitude, slime was the sticky toy that brought gooey glee. Originally sold in plastic trash cans, its icky green puddle was oddly captivating. Squeezing and stretching it between fingers, kids reveled in the messy fun.

The sensation was strangely satisfying, like holding a tiny alien. Cheap and cheerful, slime ruled playgrounds, leaving a mark on any surface it touched – much to parents’ dismay.

6. Super Balls

Bounce to the moon! That was the promise of the mighty Super Ball. These high-bouncing orbs seemed to defy gravity with every throw. Youngsters would launch them skyward, chasing after the unpredictable ricochet.

In a world without smartphones, a Super Ball provided endless outdoor entertainment. Just a dime turned the world into a bouncy playground. Each bounce captured the carefree spirit of youth.

7. Comic Books

Heroes leapt off the pages of comic books, transporting kids to worlds of adventure. A handful of coins unlocked tales of bravery and justice. Collecting and trading these colorful stories was a beloved pastime.

With each flip of the page, imaginations soared alongside caped crusaders. Every issue doubled as art, opening a gateway to creativity. For ’70s youngsters, comics were both an escape and a spark for inspiration.

8. Penny Candy

Sweet dreams were made of penny candy, a rainbow of sugar delights that filled paper bags by the handful. From jawbreakers to licorice whips, each visit to the candy store was a sensory feast. Picking out favorites became a cherished ritual, with eyes wide in candy-coated wonder.

A single coin delivered sweet satisfaction, sparking joy with every sugary bite. Penny candy remained a childhood treasure, one coin at a time.

9. Yo-Yos

The yo-yo was a timeless toy that turned strings into artistry. Kids mastered tricks like “walk the dog” and “around the world,” becoming playground legends. Each yo-yo had a personality, with designs as unique as its owner’s style.

Whether plastic or wood, this simple gadget taught patience and skill. A few cents could transform any child into a yo-yo pro, spinning tales of triumph in a continuous loop of fun.

10. Plastic Army Men

Marching into imaginative battles, plastic army men were tiny tyrants of creativity. Strategically placed around the house, they waged epic wars in living rooms and gardens. Each figure held a pose, fueling stories of heroism and strategy.

With just pocket change, kids amassed armies for grand adventures. These little green men were more than toys; they were storytellers, helping young tacticians plan their next victory.

11. Silly Putty

Stretch, bounce, copy, and play – Silly Putty was the versatile goop that never failed to amuse. Kids pressed it onto comics, lifting images like magic. It stretched imagination and creativity, transforming into shapes and bouncing like a ball.

A pocket pal for endless enjoyment, Silly Putty stuck around as a simple joy. For mere cents, it became a squishy companion, igniting giggles and wonder.

12. Marbles

Rolling into the hearts of kids, marbles were more than games – they were prized possessions. Each marble shone as a unique gem, with swirls of color dazzling in the sunlight. Games of skill and chance unfolded on sidewalks, with youngsters crouched low, eyes fixed on their targets.

Collecting marbles fueled a cherished hobby, with trades and contests adding to the allure. A few coins secured a pouch full of history.

13. Temporary Tattoos

Skin deep art for the bold, temporary tattoos were perfect for a weekend transformation. Rub them on, show them off, and let the playground admiration flow. Designs ranged from hearts to heroes, offering a fleeting flash of style.

Kids savored the rebellious flair, a safe step into the world of ink without permanence. For just pennies, a tattoo became a statement piece, sparking conversations and cool vibes.

14. Capsule Toys

Surprises packed in plastic, capsule toys were tiny treasures from vending machines. Each turn of the knob was a moment of anticipation, revealing whimsical wonders inside. From miniature figures to quirky gadgets, these prizes delighted young collectors.

Kids eagerly gathered them, trading duplicates with friends. Capsule toys turned curiosity into lasting enjoyment, proving great things come in small packages.

15. Kazoos

With a flick of the wrist and a hum, kazoos turned anyone into a one-person band. These quirky instruments were a hit at birthdays and gatherings. Easy to play, kids relished the silly sounds that erupted from this simple device. Just a few cents, and any child could join the musical parade.

Kazoos delivered joy and laughter, filling the air with whimsical tunes that made every day a celebration.

16. View-Master Reels

Snap, click, and gaze into new worlds! View-Master reels were portals to adventure, offering 3D glimpses of far-off places and beloved characters. Each reel held a story, with colorful images that sparked awe.

Youngsters collected them, sharing scenes with friends and family. A handful of coins could transport you anywhere your heart desired. The View-Master doubled as a visual journey, igniting imaginations everywhere.