When we think of the 1970s, we probably remember a time of shag carpets, wood-paneled station wagons, and rotary phones. But some kids had a little more—okay, a lot more. The ones with deep-pocketed parents had the coolest toys, the flashiest gadgets, and the kind of luxuries that made everyone else stare in awe. Let's discuss a few things only the rich kids used to own.
Colored Televisions
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Many families were already watching their favorite shows in black and white, but wealthier households had the luxury of color TVs. Famous shows like "Happy Days" and "The Brady Bunch" were entirely different when seen in full color. A decent color television wasn't cheap and often cost several hundred dollars in the '70s, about over $1,000 today when adjusted for inflation.
Personal Stereos
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The wealthiest kids had personal stereos with turntables, cassette decks, and massive speakers. While most kids listened to AM radio or whatever their parents played in the car, rich kids blasted Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin in crystal-clear sound without anyone telling them to turn it down.
Christmas Trees
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Christmas trees were common in many homes, but the wealthy took theirs to another level. Instead of a simple tree from the local lot, they often had massive, professionally decorated trees sourced from upscale nurseries. Some had multiple trees, each with a theme—one for presents, another for decoration, and sometimes even one with imported ornaments.
Sports Equipment
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Wealthier kids' tennis rackets were made of high-quality wood or even fiberglass. Their golf clubs were custom-fitted, and their skis weren't rentals but premium brands like Rossignol or K2. Private lessons at exclusive clubs ensured they had the gear and the skills to impress.
Designer Jeans
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Jeans were a profound status symbol in the '70s. Wealthier people sported designer brands like Jordache, Calvin Klein, and Gloria Vanderbilt. These jeans were tighter and flashier, and they came with a price tag that made them unattainable for most. Owning a pair meant your parents were willing to drop serious cash on your wardrobe.
Luxury Watches
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Kids with a Timex or a basic digital watch were lucky, but the more fortunate ones sported high-end timepieces from premium brands. Swiss-made watches were investments, sometimes passed down through generations. A gold or silver watch on a kid's wrist in the '70s was as much about telling time as it was about showing off.
Slotcar Racing Sets
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A basic Hot Wheels track was fun, but some kids had something much better—elaborate slot car racing sets. High-end sets were electric and huge and featured multiple lanes, sharp turns, and fast cars that required skill to control. Brands like Aurora and Scalextric made premium tracks that could take up an entire room.
Custom-Made Furniture
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Rich kids had furniture designed just for them. We're talking custom-made dressers, four-poster beds, and built-in bookshelves. Some even had themed bedrooms with handcrafted pieces that reflected their hobbies, like nautical designs for future sailors or race car beds that looked like luxury vehicles. Having furniture made specifically for a child was the height of privilege.
Personal Computers
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Owning a computer in the '70s was rare, but some well-off kids had early models like the Apple II or Commodore PET. Having one at home meant being ahead of the technological curve. It also gave them a head start in what would soon become the computer revolution, years before PCs became everyday household items.
High-End Cameras
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Rich kids interested in taking pictures often received expensive cameras like the Nikon F2 or Canon AE-1. They had full 35mm setups, complete with interchangeable lenses and tripods. Some even had access to darkrooms at home that allowed them to develop their own film.
Stationery Sets
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Letter-writing was still a big deal in the '70s, and wealthy kids didn't use just any paper and pen. Their stationery sets were high-end and often featured monogrammed paper, embossed envelopes, and gold-trimmed pens. Brands like Crane & Co. produced luxurious writing materials that made even the most straightforward thank-you note look elegant.
Luxury Bicycles
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Bikes were a childhood staple in the '70s, but some kids rode in style with expensive brands like Schwinn Paramount or Peugeot racing bikes. While basic bikes could be bought at any department store, wealthy kids had high-performance models with lightweight frames and custom seats. Some even had imported European models that weren't available to the general public.
Designer Dolls
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Wealthy children had access to rare, high-end dolls made for collectors. Madame Alexander dolls, for example, were handcrafted with authentic clothing materials and porcelain features. Some were custom-made, with outfits that matched their young owners. Others had entire wardrobes, accessories, and even luxury dollhouses built to scale.
Leather Goods
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If you were hauling your schoolbooks in a leather satchel instead of a plastic or canvas bag, there was no question that you had money. Leather goods were a status symbol; some parents even went all out with custom leather-bound notebooks or checkbook covers for their teens.
Club Memberships
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Country clubs, yacht clubs, and exclusive tennis clubs were social playgrounds for the elite. Kids who had access to these were networking before they knew what the word meant. Private club memberships meant summer camps with actual chefs, tennis lessons with former pros, and pools that never had too many kids splashing around.
