Nostalgic Candy from the 70's & 80's

Who didn't like candy as a kid, for that matter who doesn't like candy as an adult? Growing up in the late seventies, early eighties was much different then it is today. I can't remember my mom being concerned about preservatives, or added ingredients in the candy I choose, while waiting in the check out line of our local grocery store. If she did ever ask a question it was along the lines of "how much is that", and that was about it. Things have changed so much since them carefree days of my childhood. Today as a parent we worry about ingredients, labels, and just about anything else we can justify complaining about it seems. I still would, and do buy a few pieces of nostalgic candies from my childhood for my children whenever I find them. Some of these delicious treats include:

Candy cigarettes. Yes, I loved them as a kid, and I remember when the boxes of candy cigarettes were made to look just like the real packs of cigarettes. Even the candy cigarettes inside the pack was complete with a red tip, just as if it was lit. I remember pretending like I was smoking before chewing down the candy stick. Were they a bad influence? Maybe so, but it was a fun treat. You can still find them today hiding in smaller, slimmer boxes, and marketed as candy sticks. I have seen the actual candy cigarette recently in the original novelty pack, but only in specialty candy shops. I understand parents concern with this product, but it still has some good childhood memories attached to them.

Bazooka bubble gum: Who doesn't remember this? I used to love going into the local gas station every week and getting a handful of Bazooka bubble gum. Gum and a comic for a nickel each, what a deal! I still buy it for my kids when I find it, but now it's a quarter a piece.

Candy Buttons: Nothing screams nostalgic like eating paper. There was something about candy buttons that made you want to buy them. However, living in Florida were it is hot and humid, your buttons was always stuck to the paper. My kids complain about the paper as well, but we still love them anyway.

Bubble gum cigars: What's better then a huge cigar made out of bubble gum? I used to love these! I didn't get them as often as I would have liked because they used to cost around fifty cents each, which was competitive with other candies of higher quality. That and the fact my parents hated stepping in gum outside, which is where it always ended up. I have seen these in hospital gift shops for birth announcement novelty items, but I haven't seen them anywhere else.

Candy necklace: I know these are still around, with a few accessories to go with them such as candy bracelets, rings, and lipsticks. I loved candy necklaces as a child, and still do today as a mother. I buy candy necklaces for my kids all the time, and we enjoy eating the little candy beads one by one.

These were just a few nostalgic candy items from my childhood that I enjoy sharing with my children. I'm sure not everyone will agree that my selection is the best, as we each have our on favorite candies, and memories that come attached to them.