- Powdered Drink Mix. If I want something orange and dusty, I’d rather snack on Cheetos.
- Wooden Shoes. Who thought it was a good idea to stomp around on blocks of wood? We’re not in the Netherlands!
- Julie from The Love Boat. She sailed off on thrilling adventures while I was stuck in school. Not to mention, she was a bit overbearing.
- Window Airflow. Summer nights were unbearable with window fans that were supposed to bring in cool air, but just made us sweat more. Bring on the AC!
- Educational Filmstrips. I can trace my headaches back to those endless, monotonous presentations.
- Canned Pudding. Peeling off that lid was thrilling, but the sharp edges were a danger zone for my tongue. Plus, pudding always got stuck in that annoying ridge.
- Hee Haw. Fake corn and exaggerated accents? No thanks.
- Wax Lips. Seriously, who thought those were a good idea?
- Enjoli Fragrance. Sure, my mom could bring home the bacon, but I didn’t need a constant reminder of gender roles.
- Lincoln Logs. Nothing stifles creativity like having too few pieces to build anything but a boring cabin.
- Andy Gibb. He was my first celebrity crush, but now his feathered hair gives me the creeps. Sorry, Andy!
- Hair Combs. Nowadays, it’s all about flat irons instead!
- Captain Kangaroo. An irritable man in a stiff suit isn’t fit to work with kids.
- Owls. Those haunting eyes and swiveling heads still haunt my dreams.
- Phone Cords. Talk about a tangled mess!
- Malibu Barbie’s Camper. That flimsy plastic tent was practically useless, and Barbie couldn’t even sit on those tiny stools without toppling over.
- Lipton Cup-a-Soup. Dried noodles and powdered broth? Yum, but not really.
- Speidel ID Bracelets. Wearing a blank piece of metal? That’s just cool?
- Snap-Crotch Bodysuits. Uncomfortable and nearly impossible to manage when nature calls.
- TV Trays. They were so high that I practically had to stretch to reach my food while watching TV.
This article was originally published on June 24, 2015. If you’re interested in more insights, check out some of our other content, like this post on home insemination strategies.
In summary, while the ’70s had its quirks, I find myself grateful for the advancements we’ve made since then. From better fashion choices to more thoughtful parenting practices, it’s clear that some things are best left in the past. If you’re exploring pregnancy options, consider visiting Make a Mom for expert advice or Resolve for resources on family-building options.