Me and my blankie

The New York Times just published an article about so-called transitional objects.  For you it might have been a teddy bear or a doll.  For Linus (above) it was his blanket.

These are objects that give children comfort, especially in new and challenging situations.  The article states that up to 25% of young women take a childhood transitional object with them when they go away to college.

I wonder if certain products and brands can serve as de facto transitional objects for adults?   When people describe fond childhood memories of a particular brand that they still use, is that what is happening at some level?