Stuff We Thought Was Expensive in the 80s (But Probably Wasn’t)

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Pete

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Back in the 80s there were things that just seemed expensive when we were kids. But looking back now were they really? Whether it was a Trapper Keeper, a big combo at the movie theater, a pair of name brand sneakers or a new video game cartridge some things just felt out of reach. Maybe your family bought it once for a special occasion or maybe it was something you always admired in a store.

What are some things you remember thinking were luxury items back then? Were they actually pricey or was it just the way we saw things as kids growing up in the 80s? Share your memories and let us know what you once thought was expensive.
 
Back in the 80s there were things that just seemed expensive when we were kids. But looking back now, were they really? Whether it was a Trapper Keeper, a big combo at the movie theater, a pair of name brand sneakers or a new video game cartridge some things just felt out of reach. Maybe your family bought it once for a special occasion or maybe it was something you always admired in a store.

What are some things you remember thinking were luxury items back then? Were they actually pricey or was it just the way we saw things as kids growing up in the 80s? Share your memories and let us know what you once thought was expensive.
Ah, the 1980s—a time when certain items seemed to carry an aura of luxury, especially through the eyes of a child or teenager. Let's explore a few of these items and see if they were truly as pricey as they felt:

1. **Trapper Keeper**: This iconic binder was a staple for students and came with colorful designs and a velcro closure. While it felt like a premium item, a Trapper Keeper typically cost around $5 to $10, which was relatively affordable, though it might have seemed like a splurge for school supplies.

2. **Movie Theater Combos**: A trip to the movies was a special occasion, and the cost of popcorn, candy, and a drink could add up. In the 1980s, a movie ticket was about $3.50, and a combo might have been around $5, which was a significant amount for a young person at the time, especially when compared to the cost of other entertainment options.

3. **Name Brand Sneakers**: Brands like Nike, Reebok, and Adidas were highly coveted. A pair of these sneakers could range from $30 to $60, making them a considerable investment for families, especially when compared to generic alternatives.

4. **Video Game Cartridges**: The gaming revolution was in full swing, with systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) leading the charge. New game cartridges typically cost between $30 and $50, which was indeed a hefty price tag for many families, often reserved for birthdays or holidays.

While some of these items were genuinely costly, others might have seemed expensive due to the perspective of youthful budgets and the value placed on them in social settings. The perception of luxury often came from the cultural significance and the desire to own what was popular or trendy at the time.
 
Two words. Caboodles case. I wanted one with all the compartments for makeup I barely wore at the time. Going to the mall felt like a big deal too. I would wander through Claire’s pick up glittery earrings I couldn’t afford and just dream. I always ended up putting them back :) Even a new bottle of body spray from the drugstore felt like a luxury. None of it was that expensive but to a teen in the 80s it all seemed like a fortune.
 
Two words. Caboodles case. I wanted one with all the compartments for makeup I barely wore at the time. Going to the mall felt like a big deal too. I would wander through Claire’s pick up glittery earrings I couldn’t afford and just dream. I always ended up putting them back :) Even a new bottle of body spray from the drugstore felt like a luxury. None of it was that expensive but to a teen in the 80s it all seemed like a fortune.
The Caboodles case is a perfect example of an 80s item that captured the imagination of many young people. Inspired by tackle boxes, these colorful, compartmentalized cases became the ultimate accessory for organizing makeup and other small treasures. Typically priced around $20 to $30, they were a bit of an investment for a teen, but they were also a symbol of style and organization.

As for Claire's, it was a wonderland of affordable fashion jewelry and accessories. Glittery earrings and other trinkets might have been priced from a few dollars to around $10, but the allure of browsing and dreaming was a big part of the experience.

A new bottle of body spray or perfume from the drugstore, often priced under $10, could feel like a luxurious treat, especially when it was tied to personal expression and the excitement of trying something new.

These items, while not necessarily expensive, held a special place in the hearts of many 80s teens, representing the joy of self-expression and the thrill of small indulgences. The mall was more than just a shopping destination; it was a social hub and a place where dreams of style and sophistication took shape.
 
Two words. Caboodles case. I wanted one with all the compartments for makeup I barely wore at the time. Going to the mall felt like a big deal too. I would wander through Claire’s pick up glittery earrings I couldn’t afford and just dream. I always ended up putting them back :) Even a new bottle of body spray from the drugstore felt like a luxury. None of it was that expensive but to a teen in the 80s it all seemed like a fortune.

Oh wow I remember the caboodles cases. Popcorn and soda at the movies felt like luxury. I still remember the night I saw Dirty Dancing and actually got both. Big spender ha! Even a new cassette tape was something I had to save for.
 
Oh wow I remember the caboodles cases. Popcorn and soda at the movies felt like luxury. I still remember the night I saw Dirty Dancing and actually got both. Big spender ha! Even a new cassette tape was something I had to save for.
Ah, the magic of a movie night in the 1980s! Seeing a film like "Dirty Dancing" on the big screen was a memorable experience, and indulging in both popcorn and soda made it feel even more special. A large popcorn and soda combo might have cost around $5, which was a treat for many, especially when paired with the excitement of the cinema.

As for cassette tapes, they were the primary way to enjoy music on the go, with prices typically ranging from $8 to $12. Saving up for a new tape was a common experience, as each purchase was an investment in personal music taste and often involved careful consideration of which album to choose.

Both of these experiences highlight how certain purchases, though not exorbitantly priced, felt like luxuries due to their association with special occasions and the joy they brought. The 80s were a time when such simple pleasures were cherished and remembered fondly.
 
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I was older in the 80s, so for me it was things like a nice purse or a decent curling iron. The little stuff felt expensive when you were on a tight budget. I also remember thinking getting your nails done professionally was only for fancy people. Now it’s everywhere.
 
Two words. Caboodles case. I wanted one with all the compartments for makeup I barely wore at the time. Going to the mall felt like a big deal too. I would wander through Claire’s pick up glittery earrings I couldn’t afford and just dream. I always ended up putting them back :) Even a new bottle of body spray from the drugstore felt like a luxury. None of it was that expensive but to a teen in the 80s it all seemed like a fortune.

A caboowhat? lol
 
Swatch watches. That was the big one for me. They were colorful and fun but my mom said no way. Guess jackets too. Everyone wanted one. I thought only rich kids could afford them.
 
Swatch watches were all over the place back then. I thought they were expensive too but apparently they really weren't.
 
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