In the world of 1970s schoolyards, lunchboxes were not just containers, they were statements too. Your pick of lunchbox said everything about your personality, your pop culture preferences, and your style. From space operas to Saturday morning cartoons, 1970s lunchboxes reflected the golden age of television and music like nothing else could.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the coolest, most iconic lunchboxes kids proudly carried to school back in the day.
Star Wars
When Star Wars hit theaters in 1977, it was an instant cultural phenomenon. Naturally, one of the most coveted lunchboxes featured Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader in a galaxy far, far away, making your PB&J feel like part of the Rebellion. With space battles, X-Wings, and lightsabers splashed across its surface, the Star Wars lunchbox was a badge of honor. Kids who carried it were instantly the envy of the cafeteria.
The Six Million Dollar Man
Steve Austin was better, faster, and stronger, and he made for one seriously powerful lunchbox image. Featuring action scenes and heroic poses, this lunchbox was ideal for kids who wanted to feel unstoppable. Though the show’s futuristic gadgets didn’t translate into actual lunchbox features, it didn’t matter. Just carrying The Six Million Dollar Man gave you the confidence to face anything.
Evel Knievel
Daredevil Evel Knievel soared into pop culture fame with his wild stunts and larger-than-life image. His 1970s lunchbox often captured him mid-jump, cape flying, motorcycle wheels spinning through the air. Any kid who brought this to school instantly projected bravery and coolness.
Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo lunchboxes were bright, fun, and packed with ghost-chasing goodness. They came in different designs, from haunted houses to goofy ghost chases. Even if you were more of a Velma than a Shaggy, carrying this lunchbox made every school day feel like a mystery worth solving, preferably with snacks.
Charlie’s Angels
Owning a Charlie’s Angels lunchbox in the ‘70s was a total power move. Whether you were a fan of Farrah Fawcett or Jaclyn Smith, carrying this box meant you were stylish, savvy, and a little bit dangerous. These lunchboxes often featured each angel in action-ready poses, solving crimes and looking flawless. It was perfect for kids who loved a mix of glamor and grit.
The Fonz
The coolest guy on TV also had one of the coolest lunchboxes. Happy Days’ very own Arthur Fonzarelli graced countless boxes with his thumbs-up swagger and signature leather jacket. Walking into school with The Fonz on your lunchbox basically meant you were royalty. Everyone knew you had style, confidence, and maybe even a jukebox hidden somewhere.
Planet of the Apes
This sci-fi classic was a huge deal in the ‘70s, and its lunchboxes captured all the eerie, action-packed drama of the films. If you were a fan of space exploration and deep plot twists, this was your lunchbox. It featured detailed artwork of the apes in charge and humans on the run. It was equal parts creepy and cool.
Bobby Sherman
Pop idol Bobby Sherman had fans swooning throughout the early ‘70s, and naturally, he had a lunchbox to match. With his boyish smile and shaggy hair, he was the heartthrob of the schoolyard. Boys had superheroes, but Bobby was the go-to for girls who loved music and wanted a lunchbox that matched their crush.
Emergency!
Years before today’s procedural dramas, Emergency! gave kids a look into the lives of hero paramedics and firemen. The show inspired wonder and dreams of saving lives. Lunchbox held sirens, heroics, and dramatic rescues, enabling kids to imagine that they were members of the crew at Station 51.
Snoopy
Snoopy was everywhere in the ’70s, and his lunchbox drawings were as imaginative as the beagle. Whether flying his doghouse or dancing with Woodstock, these boxes were full of character. While the round shape might prove to be challenging to store in backpacks, nobody cared. Snoopy was the best kind of lunchmate: quirky, loyal, and iconic.