What Kids Used to Do at the Grocery Store That’s Unthinkable Now

Remember those carefree days at the grocery store when we were kids? Back in the ’60s and early ’70s, shopping with Mom really was a whole different experience from what we see today. From the free samples to the ways we entertained ourselves in the aisles, here’s a look back at things that would raise eyebrows in today’s supermarkets.

1. Riding in the Shopping Cart Without a Safety Seat

It’s true—most of us spent plenty of time standing up in the shopping cart or riding in the big basket with the groceries. Safety belts didn’t become common until the late 1980s, so it was perfectly normal to cruise the store with nothing but our grip on the cart’s sides. Today, all those child seats and warning stickers make this seem downright reckless, but to us it was just fun.

2. Running Wild Through the Aisles

The grocery store was our playground. We’d play tag, hide-and-seek, and sometimes even race down the aisles, careful to avoid knocking over a display. Store employees were rarely bothered, and our parents didn’t worry much about us wandering a few aisles away. Nowadays, most parents keep a much closer eye on their kids, and stores expect a lot less noise and chaos.

3. Eating Grapes Right Off the Vine

Trying a grape or two right in the produce section was a pretty common “taste test.” Our parents would sometimes encourage us to make sure they were sweet, and store clerks rarely minded if a few disappeared. Today, with pre-packaged produce, loss-prevention measures, and stricter health rules, this little snack would be frowned upon—or even considered stealing.

4. Helping to Bag Groceries

Many of us insisted on helping the bag boy—or bagging groceries ourselves at smaller stores. Sometimes we’d hop up by the counter to reach the bags, and the clerk would let us “help” stack items. Today’s concern for efficiency and safety means kids are rarely allowed behind the counter, and self-checkout lanes have changed the whole process.

5. Writing Checks for Groceries

Back then, it was routine for Mom to write a check at the register—credit cards weren’t widely accepted until later. The cashier would chat with us, and sometimes check our signatures against a “book” behind the counter. With today’s debit cards, self-checkout, and speed-of-service expectations, check-writing is increasingly rare in American stores.

6. Getting Free Cookies from the Bakery

Many grocery stores had a tradition of handing out a free cookie to kids at the bakery counter, usually a sugar cookie or chocolate chip. This was a fun treat that kept us happy while our parents shopped. While some stores still do this, it’s much less common due to food allergy awareness and stricter corporate policies.

7. Carrying Glass Bottles to the Return Counter

Glass bottle returns were a staple errand for kids. We’d lug empties to the store and get a nickel or dime for each one—a small fortune back then! The deposit system taught us about responsibility and recycling, but with the rise of plastics and curbside recycling, this ritual faded from everyday life.

8. Playing with the Mechanical Scale

The old mechanical produce scales—with their big dials and hanging baskets—were irresistible for curious kids. We’d weigh apples, oranges, or even our hands, watching the needle jump. Today’s digital scales are more accurate, but they don’t have the same charm—or entertainment value.

9. Reading Comics at the Magazine Rack

The magazine rack was the original “waiting room” for kids. We’d plop down and flip through Archie comics or the latest MAD Magazine while our parents shopped. As long as we put the magazines back, nobody minded. Today, most comics are shrink-wrapped, and digital distractions rule the day.

10. Watching the Price Stamper in Action

Before universal barcodes, grocery clerks used handheld price stampers to label every single item—cans, boxes, and bags—with that unmistakable “ka-chunk” sound. Sometimes, a friendly worker would let us try stamping a piece of scrap paper. Now, electronic price tags and scanners have made this hands-on process obsolete.

11. Getting S&H Green Stamps

S&H Green Stamps were a genuine treat—you’d get a handful at the register with your receipt, then help Mom paste them into savings books at home. Once you had enough, you could redeem them for toasters, toys, or all sorts of housewares from the S&H catalog. Today’s digital loyalty programs just aren’t as satisfying as licking those green stamps and dreaming big.

12. Penny Candy at the Checkout

The checkout counter was a treasure trove of penny candy—Mary Janes, Bit-O-Honey, Atomic Fireballs, and those colorful dots on paper strips. With just a nickel or dime, we could get a whole handful of treats. The cashier would patiently count out each piece as we made our careful selections. Today’s pre-packaged candy bars and strict portion controls have replaced this cherished ritual.

13. Paper or Plastic Wasn’t a Question

Before the 1970s, every grocery store used sturdy brown paper bags—no options needed. These bags became book covers for school textbooks, drawing paper, and even makeshift masks for playing astronaut. The introduction of plastic bags in the mid-1970s changed everything, though many of us still miss the satisfying crackle of those paper giants.

14. The Butcher Who Knew Your Name

The meat counter was a social hub where the butcher knew everyone’s preferred cuts and family recipes. He’d slice paper-thin cold cuts, trim roasts to order, and always throw in a free soup bone for the family dog. Today’s pre-packaged meat department, with its shrink-wrapped portions, has largely replaced these personal interactions.