Some things just seemed out of reach as a kid—items that felt like luxury simply because adults controlled access to them. Turns out, a lot of those "fancy" things weren’t expensive at all. They were just positioned as rare treats, either for convenience or to keep us from overindulging. Now that we can buy them ourselves, the illusion is completely shattered.
House Keys
The way parents spoke about losing house keys, you’d think they were cut from solid gold. The fear of dropping one meant picturing a mysterious trench-coated villain methodically testing every lock in town. When I found out you could get one copied for two dollars, I was offended. The dramatic warnings were all for nothing.
Scented Markers
Owning a set of these in elementary school was an instant status upgrade. Kids would gather like it was a YouTube challenge, guessing each scent with eyes closed. My mom refused to buy them, which only made them seem more exclusive. When I finally saw a pack for five bucks, I felt scammed.
Barrel Juices
Kids treated these little plastic barrels of sugar water like liquid gold. They only appeared on special occasions, making them feel premium. Meanwhile, a 20-pack is under three dollars. Knowing that now, I question every adult in my childhood who acted like they were some rare, extravagant delicacy.
Air Mattresses
Camping in the backyard felt like exile because I was expected to sleep directly on the ground with nothing but a thin sleeping bag. I assumed air mattresses were a luxury item, only to learn they’re twenty bucks. The betrayal stings more than my third-grade back pain ever did.
Grocery Store Cakes
Every time I walked past the bakery section, I imagined a team of professional pastry chefs working on those impossibly fluffy cakes. My childhood brain equated them to something from "Cake Boss." Now I know they cost about $15, and honestly, they’re better than some overpriced custom cakes I’ve had.
Limo Rentals
When a limo pulled up to prom, the entire school ran outside expecting Hilary Duff to step out. It was actually just three seniors with their college boyfriends, which, looking back, is more concerning than impressive. I thought renting one cost thousands—it’s $75. That’s less than an expensive Uber ride.
DVD Players
Back when physical media was everything, I thought a DVD player was a major investment. Turns out, they were never that expensive—about 20 bucks, which is less than I’ve spent on a single Blu-ray. Meanwhile, my parents acted like I was asking for a home theater system.
Concerts
If you’re going for front-row seats to a superstar’s tour, sure, it’ll cost you. But if you just want to enjoy live music, mid-tier artists play for $30-$40. That’s cheaper than some dinners, yet as a kid, concerts seemed like once-in-a-lifetime events only rich people could attend.
Eggs
They come from a living creature. That alone made me think they should be expensive. You’re telling me an animal has to lay this, and I can get a whole carton for two dollars? Also, why are some fertilized and others not? Are eggs just chicken periods? I have questions.
Electric Toothbrushes
Being locked behind a plastic security case at Target made these seem unattainable. I thought they cost hundreds, but the basic ones are $20-$30. Sure, they don’t blast Britney Spears songs like a Tooth Tunes, but we all have to make sacrifices for dental hygiene.
Colored Pencils
Markers were too messy, and crayons were for babies—so said my first-grade friend Grace, whose dad was a doctor. That was enough to convince me colored pencils were for professionals and therefore expensive. A 12-pack is a dollar. Grace lied.
Glow Sticks
As a kid, glow sticks felt like scientific magic. I assumed whatever made them light up must be some costly chemical reaction. They were reserved for special occasions, making them seem rare. Seeing them at the dollar store shattered my childhood illusions.
Jewelry
I grew up thinking every necklace and ring had to be at least $500 because of those "Every Kiss Begins With K" commercials. Meanwhile, kids were running around the playground in cubic zirconia earrings that cost five dollars at Claire’s. I did not know what "costume jewelry" meant.
Freezy Pops
After a sweaty soccer game, nothing felt more valuable than a Freezy Pop. It was like buried treasure from a cooler, handed out by some saintly parent. These are five dollars for a 100-pack. How dare they make us feel like we were receiving a luxury item?
Bouncy Castles
Having one of these at your birthday party made you royalty. Kids would literally strategize to be invited. I thought they were ridiculously expensive, but you can rent one for $70. That’s cheaper than dinner and drinks at a chain restaurant.
Ice Cream Truck Treats
Hearing the jingle sent an entire neighborhood into a frenzy, and yet somehow, my mom always said no. I assumed a SpongeBob popsicle must cost a fortune. They’re two dollars. The pain of watching everyone else enjoy theirs while I sat on the porch still lingers.
Mechanical Pencils
Somehow, these were the Louis Vuitton of school supplies. The kids who had them would shake the little lead containers like they were flaunting diamond bracelets. Meanwhile, they’re three dollars for a 12-pack. My parents acted like I was asking for something extravagant when all I wanted was a clicky pencil.
Pizza
Friday night pizza felt like a major financial decision in my house. My dad treated it like we were taking out a second mortgage. In reality, a large pizza is ten dollars. And yet, we had to share one tiny garlic sauce container like it was liquid gold.
Ferrero Rocher Chocolates
It was the gold foil. The name I couldn’t pronounce. The fact that they were placed in a fancy plastic container instead of a regular candy bag. I thought these cost $100 per piece. They’re a couple of bucks. Childhood me was eating them like Charlie with his birthday Wonka bar.
