Every generation of moms has their essential items, but 70s moms carried a very particular set of tools, treasures, and surprises in their handbags. From practical must-haves to quirky accessories, the contents of a 70s mom’s purse were like a time capsule of the era. Let’s dive in and take a look at the things you’d only find in a 70s mom’s purse—those little pieces of nostalgia that bring back memories of car rides, errands, and unexpected adventures.
1. Tic Tac Containers
Tic Tacs were a staple in any 70s mom’s purse, with those little white mints rattling around inside their plastic case. The distinct sound of that box was like an instant time-travel button, and they weren’t just for freshening breath—they were often used as bribes to keep kids quiet during long waits at the doctor’s office or grocery store.
2. Lip Smacker Lip Gloss
Every 70s mom had a Lip Smacker or two tucked in her bag, often in flavors like Dr. Pepper or bubblegum. Lip Smackers were fun, colorful, and slightly oversized, which meant they were easy to fish out in a hurry. Plus, they doubled as a treat for kids who couldn’t resist the sweet scent.
3. Metal Nail File
No 70s mom left home without a sturdy metal nail file, often with a pointy end that doubled as a tool for any and all unexpected tasks. From smoothing a chipped nail to prying open a stubborn package, this was an all-purpose item that made an appearance whenever a minor emergency struck.
4. Leather Change Purse
Before credit cards and digital payments, a 70s mom’s purse was never without a small leather change purse. These tiny pouches, often snapped shut with a clasp, jingled with coins for parking meters, vending machines, and quick purchases. It was a little treasure trove of dimes, nickels, and quarters that made kids feel like they were handling “real money” when Mom let them hold it.
5. Checkbook and Pen
Back in the 70s, a mom wouldn’t be caught without her trusty checkbook. Grocery stores, gas stations, and even department stores often required a check for purchases, and that checkbook lived in her purse, ready for action. It was usually paired with a pen, which often ended up being shared with everyone in the family.
6. Embarrassingly Large Sunglasses
70s moms were ahead of their time with those oversized, bug-eye sunglasses. Often tinted in brown or a gradient shade, they were unapologetically big and flashy, adding a touch of Hollywood glam to the simplest errands. When these came out of her purse, you knew she was serious about blocking out the sun—or just looking fabulous.
7. Avon Hand Cream
A small tube of Avon hand cream was a purse essential, perfect for keeping hands soft after hours of errands or a day spent outdoors. The cream’s distinct scent was unmistakable, and Avon made an appearance in many homes, thanks to the classic door-to-door Avon lady. Moms always seemed ready to share a little dab when dry skin struck.
8. Pack of Tissues with Floral Print
A 70s mom’s purse always had a small pack of tissues, often adorned with cheerful floral patterns or pastels. These tissues were there for runny noses, sticky fingers, and even those surprise spills that seemed to follow kids everywhere. Plus, there was something comforting about the scent of that tissue packet—soft and familiar, just like Mom herself.
9. A Matchbook from a Local Restaurant
Even if she didn’t smoke, it wasn’t unusual for a 70s mom to have a matchbook or two from a favorite restaurant or a memorable family trip. They doubled as a souvenir, and who knows, you might need matches in an emergency! These little booklets often had quirky restaurant names or designs, making them a nostalgic gem to find in her purse.
10. Hair Comb
Moms of the 70s didn’t leave the house without a comb handy for a quick touch-up. Whether it was to tame the kids’ unruly hair or keep her own style in check, the plastic comb was a must-have item. Often brightly colored or even in translucent hues, it was the secret weapon against windy days or just general kid-caused chaos.
11. Wrigley’s Doublemint or Juicy Fruit Gum
Nothing says “classic mom gum” like Wrigley’s Doublemint or Juicy Fruit. These gum packs had a strong, memorable scent that filled the purse, and moms used them to keep kids happy (and sometimes quiet). Each stick was wrapped in that familiar foil, and she would dole them out sparingly, making it feel like a special treat.
12. Travel-Sized Aqua Net Hairspray
For moms who took their hair seriously, Aqua Net hairspray was a purse essential. That travel-sized can was a lifesaver for touch-ups, especially with the wind-prone hairstyles of the day. The hairspray was unmistakably strong and had a scent that lingered, ensuring her hair stayed perfectly in place all day long.
13. A Keychain Flashlight
A small flashlight keychain was an incredibly useful accessory in a 70s mom’s purse, particularly before the era of cell phone flashlights. Perfect for finding lost toys in the backseat, navigating a dark parking lot, or even signaling for help, these tiny lights were practical and comforting—just one more way a mom was always prepared.
14. Foldable Compact Mirror
A small compact mirror, often with a decorative case, was another staple of the 70s mom’s purse. This mirror wasn’t just for checking makeup; it was for making sure she didn’t have stray mascara or a smudge after a long day. It had a glamorous touch and was always ready when she needed to take a quick look before picking the kids up from school or heading into a store.
From Tic Tacs to matchbooks, a 70s mom’s purse was like a mini survival kit for family life. It was packed with everything she needed to handle the surprises of the day, and for many of us, there’s something so comforting about remembering the little items she always had on hand. Whether she was doling out gum, fixing our hair, or finding a stray penny in her change purse, her bag was a reflection of her thoughtfulness and readiness for anything.
