13 Things Kids Could Buy Without Adult Supervision in the Past

Shopping in the past was a different world for kids, who had much more freedom and far fewer rules. They could get their hands on surprising items without needing a parent’s permission or even a second thought. Looking back, it’s amazing what stores used to sell to children without hesitation. These 13 items show just how much times have changed when it comes to safety and supervision.

1. Candy Cigarettes

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These sugary treats looked just like real cigarettes and were sold in bright boxes. Kids thought they were cool, not realizing the message they sent. No one questioned it, even as children pretended to “smoke” them in the schoolyard.

2. Firecrackers

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Children could purchase small explosives, such as firecrackers, at corner stores or gas stations. They were fun for holidays but dangerous in the wrong hands. Today, most places ban the sale of these to minors.

3. Pocket Knives

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Young kids once picked out their first pocket knife at the hardware store with no adults nearby. It was seen as a rite of passage rather than a risky purchase. Now, that idea would make many parents nervous.

4. Slingshots

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You could buy a slingshot at a toy store and walk out ready for “adventure.” Back then, it was just good fun, even if it led to a few broken windows. These days, it would be considered a safety concern.

5. BB Guns

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Some stores sold BB guns to kids without even checking their age. It was considered just another toy for outdoor play. Today, regulations are stricter, and these are rarely sold without adult approval.

6. Real Soda in Glass Bottles

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Kids could walk into a store, buy a bottle of soda, and pop it open with a metal cap remover on the wall. They’d sip it right there with no lids, no straws, and sometimes no shoes. The glass bottles were heavy, breakable, and no one thought twice.

7. Joke Shop Smoke Bombs

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Smoke bombs and stink bombs were sold in joke shops with zero age limits. Kids used them to prank friends or cause chaos at school. Now, items like that would never be sold so easily to children.

8. Permanent Markers

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Markers with strong fumes were available to anyone with a few coins to spare. Kids used them for art, but also sometimes for sniffing, whether they knew it was dangerous or not. These days, some markers are even kept behind counters.

9. Chemical Science Kits

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Old science kits came with real chemicals, glassware, and sometimes even small explosives. They were meant to teach children, but accidents often occurred. Modern kits are much safer and heavily supervised.

10. Lighters and Matches

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Stores once sold matches and lighters with no questions asked, even to kids. Some used them for fireworks, while others just played with fire. Today, most shops would never sell these without an ID or an adult present.

11. Chewing Gum with Fake Tattoos

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Some chewing gum came with temporary tattoos and bright colors that weren’t exactly food-safe. Kids loved the fun designs and strong flavors, even if the ingredients weren’t the healthiest. Parents rarely checked what was in them.

12. Soda-Candy Hybrids

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Drinks that were loaded with sugar and candy pieces were a hit at gas stations. They gave kids a massive sugar rush with no label warnings. Now, nutrition labels and sugar limits are taken more seriously.

13. Comic Books with Shocking Content

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Some comic books aimed at kids had surprisingly violent or scary stories. No one monitored what children picked out at the store. What felt exciting then would probably earn a content warning now.

• Tags:
• Kids
• childhood
• Items
• unsupervised
• Shopping