30 everyday products that cost so much more in the 1980s
Products that were pricier in the past
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Let's take a trip back to the 1984 holiday season. Ronald Reagan was in the White House, Madonna was killing it in the charts, Dynasty was the top-rated TV show, and an insane amount of consumer goods were a whole lot more expensive than they are today. Using the Sears Christmas Wish Book as a guide, we reveal exactly how much a range of products cost back then when adjusted for inflation and compare them to prices of equivalent items sold on Amazon in 2019.
Cabbage Patch Kids 16-inch doll: 28% more expensive in 1984
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Several key factors including technological advances, improved manufacturing processes, fiercer competition, and cheap imports from China have combined to pull down the price of consumer goods in America. A major craze in 1984, 16-inch Cabbage Patch Kids dolls retailed for $26.99 a-piece, which translates to $66.65 in 2019 dollars. Today you can pick one up for just $49.99.
Craftsman electric wall stud finder: 54% more expensive in 1984
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Swiss Army knife: 85% more expensive in 1984
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Marble pastry board: 92% more expensive in 1984
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Connect 4 game: 96% more expensive in 1984
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Wood bread box 16-inch wide: 106% more expensive in 1984
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Oster toasted sandwich maker: 112% more expensive in 1984
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Mr Potato Head classic toy: 115% more expensive in 1984
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A favorite among 1980s kids, Mr Potato Head has enjoyed something of a revival thanks to its appearance in the Toy Story movies. In 1984 the toy was priced at $5.99 in the Sears Christmas Wish Book. That's $14.79 in today's money. Right now you can pick one up on Amazon for only $6.88.
Jovan Sex Appeal cologne four-ounce bottle: 125% more expensive in 1984
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Gas grill: 130% more expensive in 1984
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Corby pants press: 140% more expensive in 1984
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Craftsman three-piece mini pliers set: 147% more expensive in 1984
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KitchenAid Classic Mixer: 172% more expensive in 1984
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450x refractor telescope: 187% more expensive in 1984
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Basic two-slice toaster: 193% more expensive in 1984
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Philips Norelco electric shaver: 209% more expensive in 1984
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Roller Derby roller skates: 215% more expensive in 1984
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Teflon waffler: 230% more expensive in 1984
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Upright vacuum cleaner: 251% more expensive in 1984
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Andis curling iron: 257% more expensive in 1984
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Eight-foot wood pool table: 257% more expensive in 1984
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Care Bear 13-inch soft toy: 271% more expensive in 1984
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Like Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, Care Bear soft toys were a massive craze back in 1984 and the manufacturer and retailers certainly took advantage of their popularity if prices are anything to go by. Back then a 13-inch Care Bear cost $14.99 or $37.02 in 2019 money. The modern equivalent retails for just $9.99 on Amazon.
Read about 50 Christmas presents that are now worth a fortune
Speak & Spell: 295% more expensive in 1984
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Mr. Coffee 12-cup coffee maker: 330% more expensive in 1984
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Trivial Pursuit game: 338% more expensive in 1984
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Hailing from Canada, the Trivial Pursuit board game launched in 1981 and peaked in popularity in North America in 1984 when 20,000 units were sold. At the time the game cost $26.99, which is $66.95 when adjusted for inflation. Today Amazon sells the classic version for only $15.23.
Read about the Most expensive toys ever sold at auction
Kenmore sewing machine: 538% more expensive in 1984
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19-inch color TV: 606% more expensive in 1984
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Sunbeam iron: 627% more expensive in 1984
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Kenmore 0.9 cubic-feet microwave oven: 938% more expensive in 1984
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Vintage popcorn cart: 1,996% more expensive in 1984
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A real showstopper, Sears was selling a vintage popcorn cart back in 1984 for a staggering $1,499.99, which translates to $3,704.08 in 2019 dollars. Today a similar-sized cart crafted from more or less the same materials is available on Amazon for just $176.72.
Discover Surprisingly valuable things from the year you were born
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