The 1960's
A popular phrase to describe the sixties goes like this: if you remember the sixties you weren’t really there. Not so for kids growing up during those crazy times, we have lots of cool stuff to reminisce about. The sixties were bold, emblazoned with color and plastic and scents that can take you on a trip back in time to a far-out decade like no other before or since. Let’s go…
1. Cannabis
Speaking of not remembering…for teens it was a decade to experiment for sure. A lid of weed, in a fold over sandwich baggie that was licked to help it stay closed, could be had for ten bucks. Definitely pre-pandemic packaging.
2. Social unrest
Between the civil rights movement and the protests against the war in Vietnam we had plenty to demonstrate about. There were sit-ins and love-ins and a Human Be-in. We hung out and dropped out. “Make love not war” became a popular chant. Hippies flocked to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district to promote love and peace during the Summer of Love in ’67. Ah, I can smell those flowers in her hair mingled with the pot in the air.
3. Music
The music of the sixties was arguably the best ever, it was outta-sight! Rock and roll, born in the fifties, evolved throughout this decade, no doubt influenced by the Baby Boomers coming of age. Transistor radios pressed against our ears and FM radio in the car broadcasting all those groovy tunes. Album collections blasted on stereos that got bigger and better every year. It’s a wonder we can hear at all.
4. Bazooka Joe and the Gang Comic Bubble Gum
What an ingenious combo, am I right? You get a little Bazooka Joe comic strip to read while savoring each swallow of the sugary deliciousness. Just don’t try talking to your friends during those first awkward moments when your mouth is chock full of solid bubble gum. It’s impossible to be cool until chomping it down to a manageable wad.
5. Clear plastic dome umbrellas
Another great innovation of the sixties. You can see where you’re walking except they probably should have had windshield wipers on them. These PVC umbrellas looked great with white plastic go-go boots and plastic miniskirts.
6. Barbie dolls
The first doll that gave little girls the choice between mothering baby dolls or roll playing their way into adolescence, Barbie constantly reinvented herself keeping up with the changing times throughout the sixties and beyond. A toy for the times, complete with controversy and criticism over her sexy figure, little girls enjoyed Barbie and all her cool accessories. Soon little boys had the G.I. Joe action figure. Just don’t call him a doll.
Everybody knows these delightful little candies. But did you know?! They first emerged in Christmas colors of red and green in 1962. Pastels Easter colors of pink, blue and green hit the scene in 1968. What didn’t change is their classic milk chocolate flavor. Reminisce about those classic times while filling the room with this joyous scent.
8. Surf’s up!
Picture this: Going to the beach with bright plastic pails and shovels and watching the beach bums arrive in their woodies with surf boards strapped on the roofs. Hearing The Beach Boys playing on AM radios, and seeing the risqué two piece bathing suits making their debut. This candle will remind you of breathing that sunny, salty fresh air on those vintage beach days.
9. Skateboards
Back home in the neighborhood we had our own version of surfing happening. A board with 4 roller skate wheels attached to the bottom. Every kid wanted one! some dads even tried to make homemade versions and more than a few kids ended up with broken bones when they got going too fast and crashed. Bummer.
10. Play-doh
Play-doh, which was originally developed as a cleaner to remove coal residue from wallpaper in the 1930’s, came of age in the sixties with the help of commercials that aired during children’s TV programs. Play-doh Pete was introduced as the mascot and the Play-doh Fun Factory was invented in 1960. Who can forget that whimsical fragrance that transports us right back to simpler times?