Everyone Owned It In The '70s — Now It's The Quality Cup You'd Be Lucky To Get At The Thrift Store

These days, reusable cup fads move quicker than jean styles (are skinnies back yet, or no?). The flavor of the month, currently, is the Owala, which shockingly dethroned the Stanley that topped every tween's Christmas list these past few years. Before that, there was the Yeti, S'well, and HydroFlask of the 2010s and the Camelback of the 1990s. But preceding them all was the OG staple, the Thermo-Serv mug.

Produced in the 1960s and '70s, these double-walled plastic cups are one of the kitchen dishware items you should always look for at thrift stores. They are coveted for their lightweight construction from polypropylene (PP) and impressive ability to keep things hot or cold. The company is still in business today, and its Made-in-the-USA products are known for their durable plastic and melamine construction. But while the brand does still create some insulated tumblers, its travel mugs are no longer in production. Thankfully, they are impossible to miss at the thrift store and available for a steal.

Thermo-Serv mugs were highly produced in the 1970s, and, thanks to their durability, Millennials may remember their parents using them well into the '90s. However there are a lot of cheap travel mugs on the market, so how can you be sure you're finding the real thing? Look at the bottom of the mug for the Thermo-Serv logo, "a division of West Bend," and a made in the USA logo. Mugs found in a larger set (two or four) and in their original packaging will be worth more.

The brand made a large array of styles over the years, from mid-century Modern faux glazed styles to solid colors to licensed collaborations with beverage brands including 7-Up, Coors, and Miller. Keep your eyes peeled for popular — and more valuable — patterns like the 1970s Sears & Roebuck Merry Mushroom Thermo Serv mug, which features a collection of whimsical mushrooms in retro burnt orange and red hues. Handled options are great for at-home use, beach trips, and camping, while tumblers with no handle are more ideal for fitting into your car cupholder.

Also popular are the brand's earlier styles, like the 1960s mid-century modern designs with a gold exterior and distinctive removable metal handles, now a popular thrift store decor find. Use these aesthetic tumblers to craft a stylish mug display, and turn toward the more utilitarian, lidded options of the '70s and beyond as your daily to-go cup. Cheers!