Can You Identify These Retro Items?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These Retro Items?
Image: drbimages / Zedcor Wholly Owned / E+ / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

About This Quiz

From the phone on which you're probably reading this to the chair on which you're sitting, modern technology, household items and toys all have an origin. These things evolved over the decades to be better, sleeker, and more efficient. While you may be able to recognize modern items, their retro counterparts can be a little trickier. Imagine the time when computers filled entire rooms and couldn't even connect to the outside world. Now, imagine your life connected to a wall while talking on the phone. You'd have to talk on that phone rather than sending a quick text, Snap, or video message. Talking on the phone was, long ago, the fastest and most efficient way to connect with another person. 

No matter when you grew up, you have a sense of nostalgia for the retro items that you see in movies set decades ago or in those memes that ask you if you remember for what purpose items were used. This nostalgia gives you a center to hold on to while you look at the world around you. Your ability to recognize retro items gives you a sense of appreciation for accessibility of the world around you. If you think you're good at spotting and naming all things retro, try taking a walk down memory lane to see if you can identify these retro items.

1950s radio
outoftime / E+ / Getty Images
There aren't very many newer models of these in homes because this item was replaced with similar items with multi purposes.
1980s CD player
1970s tape player
1950s radio
1920s video game
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first radios were just that ... radios. They didn't have CD player options, record players, or even 8-track players. They were simply conductors of radio waves, bringing your favorite radio programs to your living room every night.

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Typewriter
narvikk / E+ / Getty Images
Before word processors, these things reigned supreme. They were known as what?
Manual processor
Word writer
Typewriter
Typerloom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There were dozens of variations of the typewriter before the word processor was invented. Eventually, typewriters even allowed for an erase option that deleted mistakes. This was incredibly helpful to those who couldn't type with accuracy.

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Roller skates
Bluemoon Stock / Stockbyte / Getty Images
While these fell out of favor quite a while ago, they were great ancestors of the rollerblade. Do you know what they're called?
Wheelies
Boardwheels
Shoewheels
Roller skates
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Way back when, roller skates were attachments for your shoes. However, safer versions were made that basically functioned as footwear. These days, rollerskates and rollerblades have been replaced with Wheelies and razor scooters.

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1970s vacuum cleaner
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus
Can you name this incredibly loud item?
1920s radio
1950s generator
1970s vacuum cleaner
1980s water receptical
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though not much has changed in the way of sound for vacuum cleaners, there are much sleeker designs. Some vacuum cleaners have even done away with expensive (and environmentally silly) bags.

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Reel-to-reel tape recorder
narvikk / E+ / Getty Images
You may recognize this from movies set in the 1960s. What is it?
The original CD player
8-track player
Reel-to-reel tape recorder
Record player
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you've ever seen a detective film that was shot in the '60s or '70s, you recognize these awesome tape recorders. While they were bulky, they were effective, and created a great sound recording.

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Washboard
Zedcor Wholly Owned / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus
What is this item that people needed before washing machines?
Washboard
Basin board
Tub board
Rug beater
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A washboard generally had a wood frame and a grooved metal surface. This made it easy to wash clothes. We use the term "easy" rather loosely here, as it would take most people an entire day to wash and dry a load of clothes with a washboard.

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Electric razor
Wiki Commons by Jennie Hills / Science Museum
You may have a more modern version of this in your home. Can you name it based on this picture of an early model?
Electric brush
Egg timer
Electric razor
Moisturizer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first electric shaver was patented in 1930 by Jacob Schick. This guy really loved a close shave, because he (and his company) created some innovative shaving products.

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Stand mixer
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus
There are some much sleekER models of this item on the market today, but what would you call this vintage appliance?
Stand mixer
Sewing machine
Spatula
Cookie Maker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While stand mixers haven't changed a whole lot in terms of what they do, their designs have changed quite a bit. These days, a stand mixer doesn't just mix. You can get attachments that allow you to roll pasta, grind meat, and shred cheese.

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Grinding nuts
Jeffery Barnes via YouTube
For what was this device once used?
Grinding nuts
Sifting flour
Separating eggs
Boiling water
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nut grinders of the 1950s aren't much different than the nut grinders of today. However, the food processors of today can grind nuts better and faster (and with less physical energy) than actual nut grinders, so why bother?

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Sewing machine
Aliyev Alexei Sergeevich / Cultura / Getty Images
It might look a little crude, but what is this device?
Stapler
Peppermill
Onion slicer
Sewing machine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over time, the design of the sewing machine hasn't changed very much. However, newer models of sewing machines offer many more stitch options​ and require less manual work to operate.

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Can and bottle opener
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus
Back in the day, these were necessary to open pretty much everything. Can you name this item?
Can and bottle opener
Tweezers
Thumb press
Whipple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're old enough to remember your juice coming in a can, you know that you needed to put two holes in the top of that bad boy to get the good stuff. One hole was for pouring and the other hole to relieve air pressure.

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Phonograph
Fotosearch / Getty Images
What is this beast that is actually an ancestor of the iPod?
Phonograph
Calliope
Hearing aid
Trumpet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the late 19th Century, the phonograph or record player as it would become known, was a great way to listen to your favorite music or speeches. The phonograph was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877 as both a recording and listening device.

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Nail file
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus
This looks deadly, but it's used for something ordinary. What is this?
Letter opener
Butter knife
Nail file
Stick finder
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On the second look, you may be telling yourself, "Oh, yeah, a nail file." While the design of the nail file hasn't changed much, the materials from which it is made have. These days, we get disposable nail files instead of the metal ones.

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rotary phone
michellegibson / E+ / Getty Images
This one is easy (or maybe not). What is this?
The Internet
An old school alarm system
A rotary phone
An alarm clock
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While you may have seen the hilarious videos of young kids trying to figure out rotary phones, they were actually very advanced for their day. People no longer had to call the operator to connect with others.

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Milk bottles
buzzanimation / E+ / Getty Images
These bottles were used for storing something specific. Can you name what it was?
Milk
Soda
Water
Vinegar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Back when it was delivered, milk needed more protection so it was put into thick, glass bottles to protect it from the elements. These bottles were returned (or picked up) whenever the next shipment of milk was delivered.

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Strawberry Shortcake
peachblushberryin via YouTube
Which doll was named after a delicious dessert?
Blueberry Muffin
Raspberry Rhonda
Strawberry Shortcake
Cucumber Cathy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Strawberry Shortcake was sold with her other produce-inspired friends. The best part about these dolls was the fact that they actually smelled like the desserts and fruits after which they were named.

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Compass
Mika Mika / Moment / Getty Images
What do you call the original GPS?
Global positioning swatch
Pocket watch
Compass
Rose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The compass was an amazing invention, but you had to know how to use it. A compass will only tell you which way​ is north. You have to figure out the rest.

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Ice crusher
Lew Robertson / Photodisc / Getty Images
What was this item that was a necessity for 19th century hosts?
Salt shaker
Ice crusher
Bowl shaper
Can opener
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These days, we have the Margaritaville margarita machine to crush our ice for us. However, for those unfortunate souls of the past, an ice crusher was what was necessary to create the ultimate hosting experience.

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Toboggan
Ariel Skelley / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Can you identify this innovative toy of its day?
Toboggan
Sleeping mat
Sushi roller
Snow stencil
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You didn't need a license to go incredibly fast on your toboggan. These excellent little manual snowmobiles were great fun for kids of every class since the early 1900s. A toboggan is generally more narrow than a sled, and larger models can hold many children.

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Icebox
Wiki Commons by יעקב
What was the precursor to the refrigerator called?
Bellows
Icebox
Cold storage
Freezer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may have heard one of your elders refer to the refrigerator as the "icebox," and this is why. Of course, the older models of iceboxes were very fancy, and the refrigerators that replaced them were definitely not as cool (especially the green ones).

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Rolodex
Jostaphot / E+ / Getty Images
Your phone pretty much takes care of this now, but what were these contraptions that stored contact information called?
Pocket secretary
Contact list
Card holder
Rolodex
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These days, you can scroll through your social media to contact those you know, or you can simply start typing their name (or nickname) into your phone and their contact info will pull up. Before cell phones, however, people had to alphabetize their contacts on their own in a Rolodex.

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Pet rock
R.Tsubin / Moment / Getty Images
This little guy came in a box with straw and air holes. What is he?
Pet rock
Fobb
Gloomy Gus
Han Solo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pet Rocks were a huge fad in the 1970s. These inanimate joke objects were sold as live pets, and even came in a box with holes in it, so the little guys could breathe.

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Monopoly
Wiki Commons by Mark Strozier
Which classic board game has many variations these days, but had this original card?
Monopoly
Chance
Mousetrap
Trouble
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This game that basically shows the consequences of capitalism (money for one) was designed in 1933.

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floppy disk
pbombaert / Moment / Getty Images
What is this device that held documents (but not much)?
A floppy disk
A hard drive
A carrying case
A Mac Book
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once referred to as "old school memory cards," floppy disks didn't hold much, but with the programs of their day, they didn't need to hold very much at all.

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Raggedy Ann
Wiki Commons by Prisencolinensinainciusol
This doll was a little creepy, but everyone had one. What was her name?
Raggedy Ann
Strawberry Shortcake
Weebles
Little People
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While this doll looks creepy, it was a great doll for little children. The doll was patented in 1915 but was so easy to make at home, there were plenty of knockoffs.

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Gumby and Pokey
Wiki Commons by PumpkinSky
These two characters won everyone's heart in the 1950s and on. Who are they?
Mickey and Minnie
Pee Wee and Chairy
Gumby and Pokey
Bullwinkle and Rocky
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gumby and Pokey toys and products were all the rage from the 1950s through the 1990s. There was even a Gumby movie in the 1990s, and though it didn't do all that great, the toys always sold.

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Walkman
Wiki Commons by Binarysequence
Can you name this brick of a thing that was replaced by an iPod?
Discman
Camcorder
Polaroid
Walkman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Sony Walkman allowed you to walk around with your music playing in your ears. It was compact (sort of), and it gave you the ability to ignore adults who were yelling at you. The iPod would later allow you to walk around without bringing your tape collection with you.

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VCR
KLH49 / E+ / Getty Images
These pretty much don't exist anymore. What is it?
CD player
VCR
DVD player
Walkman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While certain vintage VCR tapes can be collectibles, VCRs are relatively worthless (unless you have the videotapes that go with them). VCRs were the original TiVos, which are already obsolete as well (thanks, Hulu).

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Bozo Bop Bag
Shannongraf80 via YouTube
If you were afraid of clowns, you'd probably avoid this, but can you identify it?
Clown college kit
Clown balloon
Bozo Bop Bag
Punch-it
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Bozo the Clown" was a popular television show in the 1940s that featured, you guessed it, a clown named Bozo. His popularity spawned a line of products, including the Bozo Bop Bag, which would bounce back after you hit it.

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Corn Popper
Jared Owen via YouTube
Can you identify this great way to get kids to learn how to do chores?
Corn Popper
Clean Maker
Go GaGa
GearZooz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These playtime vacuum cleaners by Fisher-Price are still in production today. These beloved toys were great learning tools for toddlers. Children love mimicking adults ... until they get to their teens, that is.

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Holly Hobbie
Colorforms Brand, LLC / 9 Story Media Group
Who is this special friend for little girls?
Hobby Lobby
Milly Mixin
Holly Hobbie
Strawberry Shortcake
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Originally a paper doll set with stick-on clothes, Holly Hobbie toys would later include Colorforms (shown here), dolls, porcelain figures, tea sets and more. Children loved her because she was full of promise and accessories (well ... hats). Fun fact: Holly Hobbie's creator was an artist and writer also named Holly Hobbie.

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Garbage Pail Kids
The Topps Company, Inc.
These little nasties were excellent stickers and trading cards. What were they called?
Nasty-Grams
Cabbage Patch Kids
Garbage Pail Kids
Billings Bodies
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Garbage Pail Kids were the punk answer to Cabbage Patch kids. They gave children of the 1980s the ability to make fun of themselves while they collected cool cards and stickers.

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Atari cartridges
Wiki Commons by Evan-Amos
Can you identify these little boxes that changed playtime?
Nintendo cartridges
Joy sticks
Controllers
Atari cartridges
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the earliest home game consoles was the Atari 2600. It was sold with joysticks and cartridges. When we look at our iPads and Xboxes these days, we should be thankful for the crazy programming skills involved in creating the Atari consoles.

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1983 Casio Touch Screen TC-500
ftey2000 via YouTube
Which watch had a touch screen before it was cool?
1977 Citizen Quartz Touch Screen
1985 Citizen Quartz Touch Screen
1977 Casio Touch Screen V-80
1983 Casio Touch Screen TC-500
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before the Apple Watch (long before, actually), there was the Casio Touch Screen TC-500. It had an alarm, displayed the time and featured a calculator all in one. While it didn't use WiFi, it was pretty ahead of its time.

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Pulsar P1
Antiques Roadshow / BBC Studios
What was this innovative watch from 1972 called?
Pulsar 14K
Pulsar P1
iWatch
Industrial Watch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This was the first digital watch on the market, and it boasted an 18-karat gold encasement. In 1972, it cost a whopping $2,100, which makes the Apple Watch look basically free these days.

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Steffie
Wiki Commons
What is the name of Barbie's friend (not Skipper) from the '70s?
Joanie
Jamie
Stella
Steffie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Walk Lively Steffie doll is relatively unknown, but collectors seek it out. This 1970s doll with dark hair can be worth up to $800, in a mint-condition box. It really does pay to be Barbie's friend.

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1900s Basketball
Wiki Commons by Verpacker Ing
It looks like a basketball and a football had a baby. Do you know what it is?
1900s Basketball
1910s Football
1920s Rugby Ball
1930s Waffleball
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The original basketball was modeled after the soccer ball. The game was invented in the late 1800s in Massachusetts to help keep athletes in shape during the off-season.

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Super Soaker
Wiki Commons by JaviDex
What do you call this shocking collectible?
Nerf gun
Crossfire
Super Soaker
Water balloon launcher
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

That's right, your super soaker from the 1990s could be worth up to $500. Who would have thought squirt guns are worth more than most Beanie Babies?

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Apple II Series
Wiki Commons by Rama & Musée Bolo
Which Apple series revolutionized home computing?
Apple I Series
Apple II Series
Apple III Series
Mac 128 K
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This home computer was on the market for an astonishing 16 years. It was offered for personal use and public schools from 1977 to 1993. There were different models, but the Apple II Series sold 6 million units.

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drbimages / Zedcor Wholly Owned / E+ / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images