22 Things Only People Who Grew Up in the 70s Understand

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The 70s were far out times – bell bottoms, disco fever, Star Wars mania! If you grew up in that era, this trip down memory lane is for you. From making mixtapes and watching Saturday morning cartoons to rattling around town on your bike, here are 22 nostalgic things only 70s kids can truly understand. Take a walk back through a defining decade!

Writing Letters to Pen Pals

Before social media, kids would be assigned or find pen pals to exchange letters with, developing friendships entirely through writing.

Getting Film Developed

Capturing photos on film cameras then excitedly waiting days to get prints back to see how they turned out.

Bell-Bottom Jeans

The wider the flare, the cooler you were. Bell-bottoms were the go-to fashion statement of the decade.

Disco Fever

From the Bee Gees to Donna Summer, disco music dominated the airwaves, and discotheques were the places to be.

The Rise of Star Wars

The release of the original Star Wars in 1977 was a game-changer, introducing a galaxy far, far away to audiences worldwide.

Pet Rocks

Yes, rocks. Packaged in a box with breathing holes, these were the must-have “pets” that required no maintenance.

The Magic of Vinyl

Before streaming and CDs, vinyl records were the primary way to listen to music, complete with the ritual of flipping the record.

Shag Carpets

These thick, plush carpets were a home decor staple, often in bold colors like avocado or burnt orange.

Mood Rings

These color-changing rings were believed to reflect the wearer’s mood, shifting shades with body temperature.

The Watergate Scandal

A political event that shook the nation, leading to President Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Waking up early on Saturdays was a joy, with a lineup of beloved cartoons awaiting eager kids.

The Birth of Punk Rock

With bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, punk rock emerged as a raw, rebellious counter to mainstream music.

Platform Shoes

The higher the platform, the closer to the disco ball. These shoes were a must-have for any fashion-forward individual.

The Energy Crisis

Long lines at gas stations and discussions about energy conservation became commonplace during the oil embargo.

The Joy of Mixtapes

Creating a mixtape for someone was a labor of love, carefully selecting and recording songs from the radio.

Lava Lamps

These mesmerizing, colorful lamps were a staple in many bedrooms and living rooms.

The Debut of the Walkman

Sony’s portable cassette player revolutionized how people listened to music on the go.

Roller Skating Rinks

The place to hang out, show off your skating skills, and groove to the latest hits.

The Brady Bunch

This iconic TV show gave viewers a look into the blended family life of the Bradys, complete with life lessons and catchy tunes.

The Proliferation of CB Radios

With their unique lingo and sense of community, CB radios became a popular form of communication, especially among truckers.

The Popularity of Fondue

Social dining reached new heights with fondue parties, where friends gathered to dip bread into melted cheese or chocolate.

The Freedom of Biking Everywhere

Without the constant supervision of today’s world, kids in the ’70s often roamed their neighborhoods and towns on their bikes, exploring freely.

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