15 Things You Could Buy for $1 Back in the Day
In the past, having $1 could buy a range of goods that people might not even consider for such a low cost now. From toys and food to tickets and little trinkets, a dollar went a lot in the days before inflation took over. This article travels down memory lane and highlights 15 items you could purchase for under $1 in the past, illustrating the changes in purchasing power over time.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
This article looks back at the good old days when $1 had significantly more purchasing power than it does now. From childhood favorites to daily needs, it features 15 various products you might purchase with a single dollar in the past. Every item captures a glimpse of the time’s economy and culture, and how inflation has changed affordability for the same level of income.
1. A Candy Bar
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A single dollar spent in the past could get you a candy bar from your neighborhood store. Popular choices, including Hershey’s, Milky Way, and Snickers, were all just a buck. After school or on a run-through, it was the ideal treat for indulgence.
2. A Toy from the 25-Cent Store
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Many children grew up patronizing the neighborhood 25-cent or dollar store, where one dollar would get them several little toys. For just 100 pence, you could have bouncing balls, toy automobiles, or little plastic dinosaurs. For little, cheap pleasures, these stores were like paradise.
3. A Movie Ticket
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Going to the cinema used to be far more reasonably priced. Purchasing a one-dollar movie ticket would let you watch the newest blockbuster movie without paying much. For many, a $1 ticket represented a reasonable evening out with friends or family.
4. A Fast Food Meal
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Back then, you could visit a fast-food establishment for only $1 and have a whole dinner. One dollar was usually enough to buy a burger, fries, or even a small drink. Many well-known chains provided “value menus,” including reasonably priced choices.
5. A Stamp for Mailing Letters
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Once a necessary component of communication, letters were conveyed with a stamp costing just one dollar. One dollar was enough to cover the postage, whether sending birthday greetings, invites, or holiday cards. It made cheap and easy long-distance correspondence.
6. A Soda from the Vending Machine
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A cold Coke from a vending machine would satisfy your thirst for just one dollar. Those machines were filled with your preferred fizzy drinks, such as Coke, Pepsi, or Sprite. Using vending machines was an easy way to get a quick pick-me-up.
7. A Pack of Gum
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An example of a popular snack was chewing gum; you could get a pack for just $1 back then. Gum available for pocket change came from companies including Wrigley’s, Big Red, and Juicy Fruit. This small buy was a good approach to enjoy a little treat or freshen your breath.
8. A Book from a Discount Store
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Once far less expensive, paperback books could be bought for $1 from a bookshop or discount store. Bookstores in the past carried shelves of reasonably priced books like children’s books, guides, and novels. One dollar could provide you access to various reading materials.
9. A Record or Cassette Tape
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From a thrift or budget store, $1 could be used to acquire a single vinyl record or cassette tape for music buffs. These were the days when listening to music at home, most people turned to record players and cassette players. One dollar could bring fresh songs for enjoyment on repeat.
10. A Small Plant
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For just one dollar back in the day, a little potted plant could be purchased at a market or garden center. These easy-to-care plants made great presents, whether little flowers or basic succulents. For those with a green thumb, $1 was all it required to have a fresh plant collection.
11. A Postcard
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Back when traveling was more of a luxury, most tourist locations let you purchase a postcard for only one dollar. Often the greatest way to tell friends and relatives about your trips was using postcards. All you needed to pick up a keepsake from your vacation was one dollar.
12. A Greeting Card
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One dollar would easily let you buy a greeting card for practically any occasion if you wanted to send someone a meaningful note. You can buy a basic card filled with love and well wishes from birthdays to anniversaries. At every event, you can find reasonably priced cards at retailers.
13. A Public Bus Ticket
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In many places, a public bus ride only ran roughly $1. Getting anywhere was relatively cheap using public transit; $1 was all you needed to get from one side of town to another. This made conducting errands and getting around accessible to everyone.
14. A Small Ice Cream Cone
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A nice, creamy ice cream cone from the neighborhood parlor or roadside stand would be within reach for $1. A dollar would get you a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. On those hot days, ice cream was an inexpensive and wonderful pleasure.
15. A Puzzle or Board Game Piece
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If you visited the toy store years ago, a dollar would usually get you a puzzle piece or tiny board game set. For family gaming evenings or calm afternoons spent at home, these were fantastic. For little cost, a $1 puzzle could keep you occupied for hours.