A Blast from the Past: The Definitive Wedding Lists of the 70s and 80s
For couples tying the knot in the 1970s and 80s, certain wedding gifts were practically obligatory. While some presents like crystal and picnic hampers never fade from fashion, others were quintessential products of their time, reflecting the technological ambitions and design tastes of the era.
If you said 'I do' during these decades, you almost certainly received at least one of these iconic items. The question is, have you held onto them through the years?
The Must-Have Retro Gifts
The Electric Carving Knife was the undisputed star of the 70s Sunday roast. This gadget added a touch of theatrical drama to carving the joint, especially when family came for lunch. While hugely popular in the 70s, its appeal had notably waned by the 80s, where it found a second life in dramatic scenes from cult classics like Misery and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Video Recorder (VCR) represented the pinnacle of home entertainment for newlyweds. It promised cosy nights in watching romantic comedies and, crucially, allowed couples to replay their wedding video. Though most have long been discarded, a niche market for second-hand videos persists, with rare titles becoming collector's items.
The Crock-Pot, or slow cooker, was a 70s kitchen essential. It empowered home cooks to prepare meals in the morning that would be ready by evening. After falling out of favour to the microwave, slow cookers have seen a remarkable resurgence. The key difference? Modern versions swap the distinctive brown and orange floral patterns for sleek steel designs.
From Glamour to Gimmicks
The Punch Bowl Set seemed like the ultimate dinner party accessory, promising sophisticated soirees. In reality, these sets often spent most of the year gathering dust, only making a grand appearance during the Christmas festivities.
The SodaStream captured the imagination of a generation with its satisfying ability to create homemade fizzy drinks. At its peak, it was reportedly found in two out of every five UK households. The famous slogan 'get busy with the fizzy' cemented its place on wedding lists, and like the slow cooker, it has enjoyed a nostalgic comeback in recent years.
The Pocket TV felt like pure science fiction in the 70s. The ability to watch television on the move secured its spot on many wedding lists, long before smartphones made streaming ubiquitous. However, one might question its suitability for newlyweds—shouldn't they have better things to do together outdoors?
The Camcorder first arrived in shops in 1983 and quickly became a coveted, if clunky, wedding present. It allowed couples to document their new life together from the very start. While on many wish lists, it was a gift that required a particularly generous or wealthy friend to provide.
These gifts offer a fascinating window into the aspirations and domestic life of couples from a bygone era. They represent a time of rapid technological change and distinct design trends, many of which are now experiencing a wave of nostalgia-driven revival.
