Growing up in the 1960s meant having no internet, no Netflix and no social media. It was a time where everyone would gather around the huge TV box and discover new songs and dances from shows like American Bandstand. Your favorite weekend activities were probably making tie-dye shirts and catching the latest movies at the cinema.
Take a trip down memory lane and revisit these nostalgic things from the 1960s!
The Iconic Barbie Doll
Dressing up Barbie was one of your favorite pastimes. This classic toy has grown to become a cultural icon. You might even remember that the original Barbie Dreamhouse released in 1962 was made with cardboard and paper.
Lava Lamps
It was therapeutic looking at liquids bubbling in the lava lamp. These decorative lights were invented by British accountant Edward Craven Walker who got his inspiration from an egg timer he saw in a pub. All you needed to do was plug it in and wait for ‘magic’ to happen. It was fascinating watching the colorful blobs float around.
Gigantic TV Sets
Flat screen TVs didn’t exist. There was no internet to binge-watch Netflix. Television sets were wooden boxes which could substitute as your table. Moving your TV was no easy feat – your entire family had to help carry it.
Fashionable Go-go Boots
You remember rocking the streets in your miniskirt and go-go boots. These trendy low-heeled boots were so popular that it was a must-have item for every girl.
The Beatles’ Debut
Crazy fans greeted The Beatles when they arrived in New York for the first time on 7 February, 1964. If you had a TV at home, you probably remember watching their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The influential band went on to break numerous sales records worldwide.
The Twist Craze
Chubby Chucker probably didn’t know he was going to create a worldwide sensation when he sang and danced his version of “The Twist” on American Bandstand. The song became a hit and everyone wanted to master this dance move.
Bell-Bottoms
These wide-legged pants invaded everyone’s wardrobe. You’d only be considered hip if you owned a pair of bell-bottoms.
The Moment Neil Armstrong Landed on the Moon
Everyone gathered around TV to witness that historical moment where Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the Moon. July 20, 1968 was an unforgettable day in the history of mankind.
The Super Ball
Invented by Norman Stingley, this popular bouncy toy made its way into the homes of many families. The ball which wouldn’t stop bouncing was a fantastic toy for every kid. Demands were crazy that Wham-O, the company which produced the toy, was making 170,000 Super Balls a day!
Everyone was Singing “The Sound of Music”
It’s hard to not fall in love with the actors and music after watching the hit film at the cinema. It was fun watching the von Trapp family and their governess, not to mention singing along with them! The film won 5 Academy Awards and was the highest-grossing film of 1965.
