[Emerald U.]

Tell Us Your Most Memorable Trade-in!​

They came in long strips, sticky-backed and full of promise. Week after week, you’d collect them from grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies—lick, press, and save until your redemption booklet was full. That thick green catalog of rewards felt like a treasure chest, with everything from toasters to tents. Do you remember flipping through those pages, dreaming of what you’d get next?

Image source: Reddit

If you recognized these as S&H Green Stamps, you’re right on the money! Distributed by the Sperry & Hutchinson Company, Green Stamps were a popular rewards system from the 1930s through the '80s. Families proudly filled entire books with stamps, then took them to redemption centers—or flipped through catalogs at home—to pick out everything from housewares to bikes. What was your favorite item you ever “bought” with stamps? We’d love to hear your story!

Head to the forum and share your nostalgic entries!

 

[angib55]

l remember my mom saving them but l can't remember what she redeems for them. However, we also collected Double Cola caps and l know she got a set of silverware and also a round cooler with them

 

[hawaiimegrl]

My Mom saved and saved her Green stamps. We were a family of 6. Mom redemed them for Disneyland tickets for all 6 of us plus my Grandma Ruth. We were so excited for that trip. Many memories were made that day.

 

[Arkie98]

She got us a tricycle and a wagon

 

[sadieclayladie]

When I was first out on my own at age 17 I already had been taught by my mom about saving Green Stamps. I generally just put them in the books and back into the shoe box for storage. Forward to age 21 and was expecting my first baby. I opened that Green Stamp box and redeemed the stamps for baby blankets, crib sheets, bottles, a baby swing and some nightgowns that zipped at the bottom. I was so excited! I also saved Blue Chip stamps.