Holiday Shopping Guide--A Little Too Vintage

To be fair, I don't love everything about vintage gift giving. One thing I do not want to find under my tree--or anyone else's tree either!

This, from 1949 Sphere magazine (UK):

There are tons of old cigarette ads touting the suitability--the sheer desirability--of giving cigs for Christmas. Some almost make them look good! But this ad shows children giving cigarettes! Yikes!

Why'd we stop doing that? Because it's wrong on so many levels...

Holiday Shopping Guide--Cannon Gift Sets

Towels for Christmas? Well, if they're pretty enough, why not?

From 1952 McCall's:

Great as a sweet feminine gift or as a hostess gift for all those Christmas parties (makes a change from bottles of wine or flowers...). And towels are always handy, aren't they? I must say, my favorites are the Fleurette and Clover sets (top and bottom). The gifts may have been fairly inexpensive, but just look at the attention to detail in the presentation. I think these are just so pretty.

Search for "vintage towel sets" or "vintage towel gift sets" on Ebay, Etsy, and the other shopping sites. There are a fair few out there, still in their pretty little boxes. Of course, most of them cost a bit more than $1.98! I could not find a modern equivalent to these sets... just golf towels and tea towels. So, why'd we stop doing that?

Holiday Shopping Guide!

I know, we're barely into November. But as far as I'm concerned, it's Christmas shopping season. We'll take a brief break for Thanksgiving, but it's at least time to start thinking about what to get those near and dear to us.

Of course, most of these will be distinctly along the lines of "why did we stop doing that?" If you're looking for a vintage style gift, check back often.

This, from 1948 Collier's:

I would take any of these lovely pieces. Why did we stop making appliances something so beautiful (and well made) that you want to keep them forever? Unfortunately, the centerpiece of my living room is a black plastic TV sitting on top of a DVD player and a cable box. Not beautiful. Not attractive.

Check out this living room centerpiece. It's a piece of furniture made of real wood. And that baby's probably still working somewhere! But what I really love is that adorable little "Zenette" at the bottom! How cute is that? It comes on when you raise the lid, and it goes off when you close it! How snazzy!

Furthermore, I love the simple and slightly straggly looking Christmas tree in the background and the great arrangement on top of the radio. And look at those sweet figurines. But most importantly, look at the clothes! The little boy's gret two-tone shirt, and Mom's long sweeping skirt and wide red belt. Love it!