40 Things That Everybody Had In The ’50s That No One Sees Today

Made By: Hasbro
Avg. Cost: Unknown
Est. Value Today: $15*

Initially produced by the E.S. Lowe Company, the classic dice game, Yahtzee, has been around since the 1950s. Even though the company was bought out and the production of the game was moved to Milton Bradley in 1973, the original version remains just as popular as ever. 

Yahtzee @etsy/Pinterest

The great thing about Yahtzee is that it’s a timeless classic and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. As a matter of fact, people still pay around $15 for a set today, which says a lot, considering the game consists of dice and a cup.

Made By: The Coleco Company
Avg. Cost: $3.49*
Est. Value Today: $23,000*

Made by the Coleco company, the iconic Howdy Doody doll was a popular children’s toy in the 1950s. With a price tag of $3.49 when it was first released, the marionette of everyone’s favorite red-haired freckled tv personality was an affordable must-have for young kids. 

Original Howdy Doody Doll @Heidi Pedersen Haas/Facebook

Today, the collectible Howdy Doody Doll can be bought for considerably more, often fetching up to $400 on the second-hand market. However, if you have one in its original packaging, that would be a horse of another color. In 1995, an original factory-packaged Howdy Doody Doll sold for approximately $23,000.

Made By: Uncle Milton
Avg. Cost: $1*
Est. Value Today: $15-$50*

If you think Ant farms are popular now, you’ll be amazed to know today’s excitement for ant farms is nothing compared to what it was in the 1950s. Children of the 1950s could buy a small wooden frame filled with soil, sand, and a few ants for only a buck or two. 

Ant Farms @bantamearth/Pinterest

The ant farm was an emotionally detached way of getting children pets but also a fun way to watch how ants build elaborate pathways within their own habitat. Ant farms were and still are a great way for kids to learn about insects and appreciate nature, providing hours of entertainment and education for a reasonable price.

Made By: Topps
Avg. Cost: $0.01*
Est. Value Today: $5.2 million*

‘The Mick,’ Mickey Mantle played 18 seasons of professional ball, all for the Bronx Bombers, the New York Yankees. Mantle won 7 World Series championships as a member of the juggernaut Yankees teams of the 50s and 60s and was an all-star an unprecedented 20x.

1952 Mickey Mantle Baseball Card #311@DavidSeideman /Twitter

The Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle card is important for a few reasons. 1952 was the first full season Mantle played, and it was the inaugural year of the Topps’ involvement in the trading card industry. When also taking into account the comparatively low number of these cards still floating around, the value of Mantle’s sophomore card might actually top the value of his rookie card.

Made By: RCA, Magnavox, Philco
Avg. Cost: $250-$500*
Est. Value Today: $50*

In the 1950s, a television set was one of the most coveted pieces of technology. The decade began with only the wealthiest folks in town having the means to purchase one. By the end of the 50s, more than 10% of American households had a TV, but it came at a price. 

First Television Set @readersdigest/Pinterest

The most popular brands at the time were Magnavox, RCA, and Philco, with people willing to pay up to $500 for the latest model. Families would watch their favorite shows, like Leave It to Beaver, I Love Lucy, and Howdy Doody in black and white unless they had $1,000 to spare for a 14-inch color TV set — equivalent to more than $12,000 in 2022.

Made By: Maidenform
Avg. Cost: $1-$5*
Est. Value Today: $30-$50*

In the 1950s, women began embracing a new look in fashion – the conical bra. This style was often worn with the tight sweaters and pencil skirts that were popular at the time. The conical bras were designed to accentuate the woman’s curves and give her an hourglass figure. 

Conical Bras @boredpanda/Pinterest

They were made from nylon or rayon and usually had straps that went around the shoulder and cups that had a pointy shape. When they first came out, these bras were quite expensive — they could cost up to $10 each, which was a lot of money back then. They became an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe and are still popular today.

Made By: Sunbeam
Avg. Cost: Unknown
Est. Value Today: $30*

The waffle iron was an essential part of breakfast in the 1950s. These cooking devices were used to make delicious waffles, but that wasn’t all. They could also be utilized to make pancakes and French toast. The old waffle makers were cast iron and had two halves that would fit together to create the waffle’s signature pattern. 

Waffle Iron @ella777111/Pinterest

Waffle irons have survived the test of time and are still popular kitchen appliances. A waffle iron is a great addition to the kitchen for those looking to bring back a bit of the past.

Made By: Hasbro
Avg. Cost: $1*
Est. Value Today: $50-$1,000*

Created in 1952, Mr. Potato Head was one of the first toys to be advertised on television and remains incredibly popular amongst kids and adults of all ages. The toy consists of a plastic potato and several different parts — eyes, noses, ears, hats, and glasses — that can be inserted into the potato’s face. 

Mr. Potato Head @etsy/Pinterest

The original Mr. Potato Head cost around $1.00 in 1952, a fraction of what it costs nowadays, but $10 is still quite reasonable for a toy that continues to bring joy to people after more than half a century on the market.

Made By: Louis Marx and Company
Avg. Cost: $3.95*
Est. Value Today: $50-$100*

In the 1950s, there was a toy called Robert The Robot that most people these days have never heard of. It was manufactured by Louis Marx and Company and was one of the most popular toys of the decade. Robert had a steel body and came with a variety of accessories, including a ray gun, rockets, and interchangeable parts. 

Robert The Robot @etsy/Pinterest

It could walk, talk, and even change its direction of movement. Robert The Robot was a marvel of engineering for its time and was loved by children worldwide. Robert the Robot is not just an interesting historical artifact; it’s also an enduring symbol of childhood dreams and joy.

Made By: Ray-Ban
Avg. Cost: $25-$30*
Est. Value Today: $150-$200*

Cat-Eye sunglasses were a popular fashion trend in the 1950s, made famous by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. The iconic shape of the sunglasses features an upswept angle near the temples that stands out from traditional round frames. 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses @akusahex80/Pinterest

Popular brands like Ray-Ban, Revo, and Vuarnet still manufacture variations of the Cat-Eye look today as a way to bring back the past to a future that didn’t know what it was missing. But in the 1950s, this style was considered a bold fashion statement that took courage to make.

Made By: Wham-O
Avg. Cost: $2.50*
Est. Value Today: $25-$175*

Hula hoops were first marketed by Wham-O in 1958 and quickly became a must-have toy among children. Kids of all ages were eager to get their hands on one of these colorful rings and join the trend. But kids weren’t the only ones going crazy for them.

Hoola Hoops @clickusa/Pinterest

High schoolers and college students couldn’t get enough of hula hooping. They would take turns hula hooping, attempting to keep the hoop up for as long as possible. Eventually, the game was used as an exercise tool as well. If utilized appropriately, ‘hooping’ could help strengthen the core and improve coordination. The hula hoop was and still is a great way to stay active, have fun, and connect with friends.

Made By: The Lego Group
Avg. Cost: $2-$3/48 piece set*
Est. Value Today: $50-$350*

Lego is the world-famous building blocks kids have been playing with for over 70 years. The Lego brand was first introduced in 1949 and has become one of the most iconic toys in history. Lego bricks come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing children to build anything their imaginations can create. 

1950s Lego Sets @clickusa/Pinterest

Spaceships, castles, giant wizards, or sporting stadiums, with Lego, there are no limits to what can be built. Regardless of the cost, it’s clear that Lego is still one of the most beloved toys in the world. Simply put, it’s a classic that never goes out of style.

Made By: Thermos
Avg. Cost: $2*
Est. Value Today: $10-$150*

Originally costing around two dollars, these colorful metal boxes were a fun way for kids to bring lunch to school and much better than using a plain metal box or paper bag. The designs were based on Roy Rogers, his horse Trigger, and other characters from the classic 1950s TV show. 

Roy Rogers Lunch Box @liveauctioneers/Pinterest

Today, these vintage lunch boxes can go for anywhere between $10 and $150. They’re considered a great collectible item for those who grew up in the 1950s or are just fans of the show. A Roy Rogers metal thermos lunch box would make a great gift for anyone who grew up in the 50s.

Made By: EC Comics
Avg. Cost: $0.25*
Est. Value Today: $200-$500*

In the 1950s, 3D comic books were very popular and a great way for kids to enjoy stories in a fun new way. For just 25 cents each, people could buy their favorite titles like EC Comics’ 3-D Tales of the West and Harvey’s 3-D Heroes of the West. 

3D Comic Books @readersdigest/Pinterest

Comic bookers would browse through the pages of the comics wearing 3-D glasses, which were also sold separately. While these comic books are now hard to come by, they remain highly sought after by comic book enthusiasts and command high prices due to their rarity. If you can find one, be prepared to shell out hundreds of dollars for it!