Reading Time: 6 minutes
As the decades go by, it’s fun to look back and reminisce about the products of our childhood, which left an impression on us. The 1960s were a time of major cultural and social change, and the products from that era were an integral part of our generation’s transformation.
I took a walk down memory lane to explore some of the products we went gaga over in the 60s. Let’s take a peek at what life was like during the so-called Swinging Sixties.
- The View-Master
The View-Master was more than just a toy. It was a magical portal into different worlds, offering children and adults a unique visual experience. View-Masters provided a 3D window to various scenes from nature, cities, and global landmarks, taking users on an exciting visual journey right from their living rooms. This toy was much more than just a viewer; it sparked creativity and curiosity. Holding a View-Master meant holding the world in your hands, triggering a sense of wonder and thirst for exploration. It was like owning a passport to a fascinating world of 3D visuals, enabling users to dream, learn, and discover through stunning imagery.
- Etch-A-Sketch / Sketch pad
When it came to toys that helped children learn how to draw and that it was okay to make mistakes and try again, the Sketch pad was it! With its bright red frame, knobs, and powdery screen, the image of the Sketch pad is etched in the memories of little children. Using the two knobs to move an aluminium stylus around the powdery surface, children could draw anything they wanted and then erase it by simply turning the device upside down. The Sketch pad is still popular today and probably won’t lose its appeal anytime soon.
- Plastacine / Silly Putty
Plastacine sold at toy shops across India. It was an instant hit with kids and adults alike. This unusual substance could take any shape often it came with moulds of birds, animals. The material was put into the mould and it would take the shape of mould and soon the child would learn to make his own shapes, making it a source of endless amusement. Owning Plastacine was like owning a ticket to a world of fun and imagination. From making funny shapes to bouncing it around, there was no end to the fun one could have with this strange and captivating substance.
- Super Ball / Crazy Ball
The Super Ball was not just another toy. It was the epitome of fun and unpredictability. Its ability to bounce higher and erratically made it a captivating plaything. Children and adults alike were fascinated by its unusual bouncing properties, and the sheer joy of throwing the ball and guessing its trajectory was thrilling. Owning a Super Ball was like owning a bundle of energy and unpredictability, reflecting the fun, carefree spirit of childhood.
- Hula-Hoops
Both kids and adults loved the Hula-Hoop when it came out decades ago. This swivelling toy immediately became a huge fad. The company who invented the Hula-Hoop, Wham-O, took inspiration from Australian gym classes, wherein the students would exercise by twirling bamboo hoops around their waists.
- Hot Wheels / Dinky Toys
Dinky Toys were the dream of every kid in the 60s. These miniature cars, known for their intricate details and speed, were more than just toys; they were collectibles.
Each Hot Wheel was a work of art, capturing the spirit of owing your own car. Owning a Dinky toy meant endless races, imaginative play, and the beginning of a lifelong love for cars for many children. It was also an exchangeable toy. Children would exchange these cars with other kids and the fun would go on.
- Superman / Batman and other action figures
A phenomenon of their own, these action figures ruled the imaginations of the kid. Superman flew over many hurdles, cupboards and landed in the water. Little did anyone know that these 8-inch plastic marvels would become iconic collector’s items. With their fabric costumes and unique character-specific accessories, these action figures paved the way for adventure and imagination. The magic of owning a Superman or Batman action figure was almost like having a ticket to a parallel universe, where you could fight evil and explore strange new worlds. For fans, these action figures were more than just toys. They were tangible links to beloved characters from the comic books and their stories, sparking imaginations and providing endless hours of adventure-filled playtime.
- Kodak Brownie
The Kodak Box Camera was a symbol you had grown up and Dad taught you how to take a photograph. The Brownie Box camera was made by Eastman Kodak. Released in 1900. It introduced the snapshot to the masses by addressing the cost factor which had meant that amateur photography that remained beyond the means of many people was now accessible to all. The Brownie was a basic cardboard box camera with a simple convex-concave lens that took 2+1⁄4-inch square pictures on No. 117 roll film. It was the perfect choice for amateur photographers who wanted to take quality pictures without dealing with the complexity of manual cameras. It was sold for an affordable price, making it a popular choice for families looking to capture lasting memories to show future generations. But most of all it was a transition from one age group to another. Today the camera on its own has become redundant. It is now in every smart phone and Kodak make x-ray films.
- Monopoly Board Game
Monopoly was more than just a board game; it was an engaging, family-centred experience. This classic game introduced kids and adults alike to the highs and lows of growing up. With each roll of the dice, players navigated a world of buying, selling, and developing real estate while avoiding bankruptcy. Owning a Monopoly game meant owning hours of challenging, competitive fun. It was a way of learning about finance and strategy, all the while fostering friendly competition and family bonding. Besides Monopoly there was Chinese chequers and hours spent playing Ludo with the family. Unfortunately Ludo is now a gambling game, in fact the man who made Ludo into a money game has been facilitated for creating an innovative start up. Such is life!!!
- Transistor
The transistor radio was a small portable radio which revolutionized the field of consumer electronics by introducing small but powerful, convenient hand-held devices. The mass-market success of the smaller and cheaper models, led to the transistor radio becoming the most popular electronic product, every vendor including the Panwala had a transistor next to them blurring away the Cricket commentary and Hindi Music. The pocket size of transistor radios sparked a change in popular listening habits. Cricket increased its popularity many time over, strangers would ask each other the score.
- Cassette Tape Recorder
Everyone who grew up pre-internet remembers what it was like to wait around for their favourite song to come on the radio. Thanks to the tape recorder, everyday people could record whatever they’d like off the radio to be played at their desired time.
- The Polaroid Camera
The Polaroid Camera revolutionised photography. It was the first instant camera, allowing people to see their photos moments after they were taken. This camera became a cultural icon, changing the way people captured and shared their memories. It wasn’t just a gadget; it was a magical device that could freeze a moment in time and instantly provide a physical memento of that moment. Owning a Polaroid Land Camera meant that you could capture and cherish your special moments in a way that was previously unimaginable. It was a cultural phenomenon that revolutionised photography. This device brought instant photography to the masses, democratizing the art of photography. The thrill of seeing the photos develop right before your eyes was magical. Each photo wasn’t just an image; it was a frozen moment of time, a physical keepsake of memories that you could hold, display, or share. Owning a Polaroid Camera was like owning a personal time machine, capturing fleeting moments to be cherished forever.
Each of these gadgets had a novelty value when they first came out. As one grew up, they lost their significance.
To be continued………..
