As the decades go by, it’s fun to look back and reminisce about the products of past generations. The 1960s were a time of major cultural and social change, and the products from that era were an integral part of that transformation.
It’s time to take a walk down memory lane to explore some of the products people were going gaga over in the ‘60s and where you could have purchased them at the time. From SONY state-of-the-art Color TV to a revolutionary coffee maker that lets you brew fresh coffee with ease, let’s take a peek at what life was like during the swinging sixties.
1. Yardley Oh! de London Perfume
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Hudson’s, Marshall Field, Yardley London UK
Company: Yardley
Original Price: $6-$8 per bottle*
Yardley Oh! de London Perfume was first introduced in 1965 and was an instant hit with the middle class. Its affordable price and unforgettable aroma are part of why Oh. De London is considered by many to be the scent of the decade.
It was described as having a warm, powdery, and spicy aroma, combining floral and citrus with a base of sandalwood. This timeless fragrance was one of the most popular and easily recognizable smells of the 1960s. And the best part is you could buy it at most department stores nationwide.
2. Remington Lektronic Shaver
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney, barber shops
Company: Remington
Original Price: $30-$35*
Believe it or not, there was a time when you didn’t have the choice between shaving with an electric shaver or a razor blade. When it hit the market, the Remington Lektronic was revolutionary. It was an electric shaver that could trim, shape, and help style men’s facial hair.
The Lektronic shaver made a great Christmas gift for dads and husbands tired of the burning sensation left by aftershave. Fortunately, it was available in all the popular shops, like Macy’s , JCPenney, and Hudson’s. Several barber shops even started selling them. Simply put, people loved them.
3. Sony Triniton KV-1210 Color TV
Where It Was Sold: Circuit City, Sears
Company: Sony
Original Price: $550*
Released in 1968, the Sony Triniton KV-1210 Color TV was an impressive and highly sought-after piece of technology at the time. It had a 12″ screen, twist knobs to change the channels, and weighed a ton.
You’d never guess by looking at it, but the Triniton was cutting-edge when it was released. This classic TV truly was a masterpiece with its unique features and sleek design. Just ask the millions of Americans that spent countless hours gawking at these screens as though they were classic Monet or van Gogh paintings.
4. Kodak Instamatic 104 Camera
Where It Was Sold: JCPenney, Kodak stores
Company: Kodak
Original Price: $15.95*
Released in 1965, the Kodak Instamatic 104 Camera was one of the first cameras to offer point-and-shoot convenience. The camera had a 43mm lens and captured images on a 126-film cartridge. In other words, it was the perfect choice for amateur photographers who wanted to take quality pictures without dealing with the complexity of manual cameras.
The Instamatic 104 was fitted with a Kodak-branded lens, flash attachment, and simple film loading system. It was sold for an affordable price, making it a popular choice for families looking to capture lasting memories to show future generations.
5. Sunbeam Mixmaster Stand Mixer
Where It Was Sold: Sears, Hudson’s
Company: Sunbeam
Original Price: $50-$75*
Baking fresh bread, cakes, brownies, and cookies was as popular in the 1960s as ordering baked goods through delivery APPs is these days. To help whip together all the deliciously sinful dishes, households were best off if they had a Sunbeam Mixmaster.
The mixer was easy to use and could be found in most kitchen appliance stores at the time. It featured two large metal mixing bowls attached to a stand. This allowed users to mix ingredients quickly and easily. The Sunbeam Mixmaster was also available with an optional attachment for making whipped cream and other desserts.
6. Pifco Princess Hairdrying Hood
Where It Was Sold: JCPenney
Company: Pifco
Original Price: $40-$50*
The Pifco Princess Hairdrying Hood was what people today would consider one of the most ridiculous hair styling products of the 1960s. The hood had a deep dome-shaped hood with a visor to protect the eyes from heat and featured an adjustable arm that allowed users to move the hood in any direction.
It was designed to provide an even distribution of heat across the head, allowing for the perfect hairdo. Its adjustable air vents provided extra control over airflow. The Princess Hairdrying Hood was a must-have item for ladies looking for an effective blow-dry.
7. Black & Decker U-100 Drill
Where It Was Sold: Lowe’s
Company: Black & Decker
Original Price: $9.88*
The Black & Decker U-100 Drill was a DIYer’s and professional’s dream. This handheld drill came with a number of interchangeable bits and featured a unique clutch system that allowed users to choose the best setting for their project. Its combination of convenience and effectiveness made it an invaluable tool for any serious handyman.
Its lightweight (3-pound) design made it easy to use and transport, while its precision and power made it one of the best drills on the market. If your family had a Black & Decker U-11 Drill growing up, it’s probably still around somewhere. Those things were durable!
8. West Bend Flavo-Matic Drip Brew Machine
Where It Was Sold: Macy’s, Sears
Company: West Bend
Original Price: $13.95*
Introduced in the 1950s, this classic percolator allowed people to enjoy freshly brewed coffee without the hassle of waiting by the stove. Made from stainless steel, the Flavo-Matic was durable and featured an automatic shut-off feature for safety and convenience.
The Flavo-Matic was available in a variety of colors, making it easy to find one to fit any kitchen decor. Whether you wanted a cup of coffee for yourself or enough for the whole family, this classic machine was the perfect fit. Unlike stove-top coffee that took ages to prepare, the Flavo-Matic took only a minute to start percolating.
9. Barbie
Where It Was Sold: Toys R Us
Company: Mattel
Original Price: $3*
The iconic Barbie doll was released in the last year of the ‘50s and quickly became one of the most popular toys of the ‘60s and of all time. The doll cost a mere $3 when it first hit shelves. The original Barbie doll had blonde hair, and blue eyes, and wore a black and white zebra-striped swimsuit.
Mattel originally sold the Barbie doll with an array of different wigs so that children could change her hairstyle and make her look more like them. Today, in its original packaging, an original Barbie doll can be worth upwards of $25,000. It might be time to check the attic.
10. Western Electric Model 500 Phone
Where It Was Sold: Circuit City, Sears
Company: Western Electric
Original Price: $40-$50*
Home phones were an essential part of life before mobile phones became everyone’s go-to method of communicating. Most folks these days can recall using cordless or even corded phones at home, but they all had buttons. However, that’s not how things always were. Phones didn’t use to have buttons.
