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40 Of The Most Creative Vintage Ads That Show Just How Different The World Used To Be
Getting an old magazine or newspaper is a fantastic way to start exploring the past. See how people once used their language, what was included, and excluded. Memorizing events is all fine and dandy, but these don’t actually show how people would approach everyday life. Advertisements are a great way to approach what people liked and wanted.
Through the magic of the internet, we now are able to catalog and share all sorts of ads from the past online. So prepare to look into a different time as you scroll through, be sure to upvote our favorites and comment your thoughts on these truly vintage ads below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Advertisement For Bacardi Rum Warning Against The Dangers Of Drunk Driving (1986)
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#2
Man Looking For A Wife In 1865
#3
They All Got The Vaccine.. Except Dad, 1958
Often, the 50s and 60s were referred to as a sort of golden age of advertising. It’s no accident that the hit show Mad Men was set during this time period when both the science of marketing and economic booms all came together. It was the first time brands started to really think about a solid image to create and maintain and companies started to spend a lot of money working out ways to entice buyers.
This “golden age” wasn’t just a one-way street of businesses realizing that marketing had its advantages, it coincided with a lot of economic prosperity in the United States, as more and more families had money to spend on luxury items. In general, spending was no longer taboo, as it may have been during the great depression and companies found that they really did have to compete with a whole host of competitors.
#4
Honestly The Graffiti Is Better
Ryan Mercer 2 years ago
Wait, I can fix it. If it were a married woman, it would get its bottom pinched by her respectful and adoring husband of over 20 years. There, I defanged it.
#5
Ray Ban 1998 Ad
#6
When I’m 64
Once you add in all the new possibilities for where and how to display ads, you get a melting pot of creativity. Radio had been around for a while, but soon marketing teams realized that TV was a great medium to promote something. At the same time, many Americans were purchasing cars and traveling, making billboards potentially more effective. The result is that creatives, from cinematographers to musicians and artists could all be employed to make eye or ear-catching ads.
#7
Remember Digging Through The Entertainment Section Of The Newspaper To Find The Movie Listings?
kate h 2 years ago
I saw the "sneak preview" of Jaws - can you imagine?!!! For those unfamiliar, a "sneak preview" was when they released a movie at a handful of theaters with ZERO plot information or 2 minute preview ads. All you had to go on was the poster. Obviously Jaws was about a big scary shark, but nothing could have prepared 17 year old me for that movie...so great and one of my favorite memories.
#8
Best Buy, 1999
#9
Electricity Was New Once. These Signs Were Mostly In Hotel Rooms And Other Public Places
Despite the veritable buffet of possibilities, many vintage ads were quite classy and creative, perhaps a result of many of the best minds going into advertising. WV's classic “think small” ad for the beetle is a good example of modernizing a pre-war car with an eye-catching, minimalist poster. It was also a clever way to stand out by not being more loud, flashy, or bombastic than many of its competitors.
#10
Remember When Brach’s Pick A Mix Was The Best Thing About Going To The Grocery Store? (1970s)
#11
Jester Wools (1947, UK)
David H 2 years ago
btw back then the word meant happy, not homosexual. And yes the rainbow and bright colors were associated with that. Later when the gay rights movement took the term gay for themselves to counter the slur terms, they also adopted the bright colors and rainbow associated with the word as well
David 2 years ago
I don't remember the ad but I do remember when gay was used in conversation without meaning a sexual preference. Language changes over time.
De Nilla 2 years ago
I remember this. When John Denver was always gay, so as a kid I associated that kind of happiness with being "so lame" and we called everything "gay" because it was lame. But that's offensive now because apparently words can't have 2 meanings
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Moo 2 years ago
Yes I know in this context gay is a synonym for happy, but I love how it aged lol
Andy Frobig 2 years ago
You're either born that way or you're not! Wool won't do it. Leather on the other hand...
Strega Nonna 2 years ago
I hate that the word "gay" was coopted. It had an entirely different meaning back in the day, as the ad shows.
Sarah Schumm 2 years ago
I’d like to think this was subversive but the rainbow flag was invented a lot later. It’s just happy.
Brandon Parisien 2 years ago
Back when Gay meant something else, don't tell the MAGA crowd! Lol
Jill Sadler 2 years ago
Breaking stereotypes! Look at that nice gay fella looking for a lesbian friend. Who says they can’t stand each other!
Rachel Malkoski 2 years ago
Please enlighten us with what you feel is the bad meaning.
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#12
1978 Star Wars Vaccination Ad
Curious readers can find a number of clever tricks used in the “think small” ad, including the way the car is angled to direct the reader toward the text. This text actually ends with a period, which was quite uncommon for the time, while the entire poster was black and white. This actually helped it stand out, as by 1959 most visual display ads would be in color.
#13
Garfield Telephone By Tyco (1978)
#14
Esprit (1980's)
#15
With A Smile
Michael Largey 2 years ago
It's easy to murder people when you have no fear whatsoever of the electric chair.
Other companies started to realize that they didn’t just have to sell a product, they could sell themselves, as a brand. These days, this has reached such a position that there are consumers who will buy something not because they like the product, but because they like the brand. Apple is a prime example of this. The origins of this idea can be traced back to a couple of different examples, including the Cadbury Flake Girl.
#16
In 1962, Bette Davis Placed This Ad In Variety
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Five weeks after this ad, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" premiered, getting her another Oscar nomination.
#17
Cottonelle Colored Toilet Paper (1982)
#18
"Someday Roads Will Tell Cars Where To Go" Gm (1969)
This would allow a large corporation to suddenly morph into a more personified character that people might relate to and even like. Other companies would try to associate their brand with enduring, desirable qualities, like reliability and innovation. This also freed up advertisers to expand on what they could show and talk about, as the topic no longer had to just be a product or service.
#19
Daihatsu Hijet Ad From 1996
#20
"Is Your Kid Living In A Dream World?" Ad Placed In Ebony Magazine Encouraging Minorities To Pursue Stem Careers. General Electric, 1979
Billy Harrelson 2 years ago
Maybe they need an ad like this again, across all platforms. Not just minority girls either, but all girls. Encourage them that they don't have to dream of being an influencer or Instagram model. Be a scientist that discovers the next big breakthrough. Go to Mars. Go into cyber security. Anything that doesn't involve how many likes you get online.
#21
1988 Penn Tennis Ball Ad Promoting The French Open
These days, companies can and do actively advertise to children. In the past, it made sense to target adults, as they were the ones with any real purchasing power, but marketers quickly learned that a persistent child could talk parents into quite a lot. Similarly, many young adults were already working, so they could be persuaded to spend some of their hard-earned cash on luxuries and entertainment.
#22
Pan American Airlines (1956)
#23
One Oregon Newspaper Clip Reads: “We Appeal To Your Civil Patriotism To Co-Operate With Us In Our Effort To Stamp Out The Spanish Influenza Or “Flu” Plague In Portland By Wearing A Mask.”
#24
Sony Walkman 1980
#25
I'm Pretty Sure Everyone Had One Of These
#26
Vintage Soda Cans Dates Unknown
#27
American Airlines, 1971
Laughing Orc 2 years ago
Looking out the window would probably convince you, I'd have thought. But that does look pretty awesome!
#28
This TV Looks Like It's Going To Kill Her!
#29
Apple Computers Late 90s
#30
1950s Ad For Methedrine Brand Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Aka Speed)
#31
Pizza Hut Oven In Sears Catalog (1977) "Put Up The 'Official' Sign And You're In Business!"
#32
Game Boy Ad 1990s
#33
Ge Widescreen 1000 - General Electric Performance Television - 1978
#34
How To Carry 20 Megabytes Of Data Around In 1985
#35
1965 Ge Ad
#36
Life Savers ~ Fancy Fruits (1965)
#37
"Past Present Future?", Western Electric, 1959
#38
Panasonic "Don't Listen To Squares" 1973
Edward Pedraza 2 years ago
I had a red one when I was a teenager. Used to listen to it in bed with the earphone and would fall asleep with it on. Wish I still had it.
#39
Ad From A Finnish Teen/Music Magazine Suosikki 1983
#40
Mcdonald’s, 1987 Ad
#41
Sugar Information Inc., 1964
Liz Clarke 2 years ago
I think Jenny should have had an apple or banana instead, they both have plenty of sugar for an energy boost but also fibre and plenty of nutrients.
#42
1998 Milk Ad With Conan O'brien
#43
Only One Of Its Kind, The Coronation Imperial, Chrysler, 1953
#44
Knox Gelatine (1938)
#45
1976 - The Green Machine
#46
Beauty Is More Then Skin Deep, Cordless Massager, Anthony Enterprises, 1971
#47
So Much 80’s Packed Into One Ad. 1987
#48
Nutone Intercom-Radio, 1962
#49
Mitsubishi Movievision Projection TV (1979)
#50
Really, Really Excited About Hot Dogs (1950s)
#51
Modern Home Floor Plan, Sears 1934 Catalog
CheshirePhrogg 2 years ago
You can still find some of the completed homes people built from kits. They weren't bad!
#52
Toll Booth Quarter Gun (1962)
#53
Dr. Nut Was An Almond Flavored Beverage – In New Orleans We Call Them “Cold Drinks,” But Never “Soda” Or “Pop” – With An Aroma Similar To Amaretto. [1930]
![Dr. Nut Was An Almond Flavored Beverage – In New Orleans We Call Them “Cold Drinks,” But Never “Soda” Or “Pop” – With An Aroma Similar To Amaretto. [1930]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/64996360412f5_tt824w2p4vsa1-png__700.jpg "Dr. Nut Was An Almond Flavored Beverage – In New Orleans We Call Them “Cold Drinks,” But Never “Soda” Or “Pop” – With An Aroma Similar To Amaretto. [1930]")
#54
No, K Mart, No
#55
1956 "Modern Hair Styling"
#56
A Century Of Juicy Fruit Gum
#57
Mcdonalds Onion Nuggets
Ozymandias73 2 years ago
Those would be so fire! I was 2 when they were first introduced. (1975) Apparently, McD's made these before the chicken nuggets to please vegetarian customers but weren't liked due to the traditional Onion Rings being the popular fried onion choice. I would seriously devour these tidbits of joy!
#58
Sears, 1975
#59
Personal Ads, 1957
#60
1980s Sony Cassettes Ad
#61
A Terrifying Way To Start Your Day: Post's Sugar Krinkles
#62
The Establishment Wig, 1968
Bill Swallow 2 years ago
Still think the guy on the right looks sorta like Gary Owens - and you can bet your sweet bippy on that!
#63
Mcdonald’s, 1975 Ad
#64
You No Longer Have To Sacrifice Power For Portability. Game Keeper Ad, 1991
Negatoris Wrecks 2 years ago
My mom spent all the money my dad sent her for baby items on this and a new Gameboy with games
#65
Personals, 1971
#66
1979 Ad For London Transit Showing How The City Would Look If Built By American Planners
#67
The Original Burger King Whopper In 1963
#68
Matchbook Ad For Camp Wandawega In Elkhorn, Wi
#69
Universal Food Chopper (1899)
Riche White 2 years ago
I still have my mom's. Used it many times to grind up the leftover ham to make ham salad
#70
Plushy Mushroom Stools, Montgomery Ward's Fall/Winter 1972 Catalog
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
why was everything in the 1970s a variant on some version of vomit-coloured?
#71
“It’s Almost Like Having Another Lover There With The Two Of You.”
Cynthia Carter 2 years ago
These must have been in Playboy and other similar magazines. They sure weren't in Good Housekeeping. 😆
#72
Wold Wad Wi Wfound Wfor Wrangler Win Wmy Wbasement
#73
Citroën 2cv, 80’s
#74
Lucky Strike Ad - 1930s
Mr Old School Cool 2 years ago (edited)
“Studies show that guys prefer skinny girls with cancer over healthy girls with bulging thighs.” ~ (Gilda Radner in character, SNL)
#75
Call Home And Have A Chat With Your Vcr, 1989
#76
Palestine Tourism Posters, 1930s
David H 2 years ago
BTW the Visit Palestine Campaign was from the Tourist Association of Palestine, which was a division of the Jewish Agency, and was done by Zionist artist Franz Krausz for the Palestine booth at the World Fair, which was "to promote Zionism" according to the recors at the time. Back then most of the Arabs rejected the name Palestine (The Arab Higher Committee, which was the Arab equivalent of the Jewish Agency called Palestine "A zionist term" and said the area was Southern Syria). Back then the term Palestine was associated with Jews and Zionism (post 1948 the Palestine National Football team because the Israel team. Palestine Post became Jerusalem post, Palestine Philharmonic became the Tel Aviv Philharmonic, etc). This was a Zionist ad when Palestine and the Palestinian Cause meant Zionism and Jews. Here are other ads from the campaign. visitpal5.jpg 
#77
Bell Telephone Long Distance Ad (1982)
#78
Campbell's Soup On The Rocks (1960)
#79
Cellophane (1954): Better Living Through Chemistry
#80
Yes, These Are Telephones. Created By The Ericsson Company Of Sweden In The 1940s, Marketed In The 1950s
#81
"The Day My Kid Went Punk... What Do You Do When Your Bright, Loveable, Talented Kid Turns Into A Punker Overnight?" - Abc Afterschool Special, Oct. 23, 1987
#82
“Paul Masson Will Sell No Wine Before It’s Time” 1980
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Note that Mr. Welles is offering the opinions of others, not his own.
#83
"Sugar's Got What It Takes" Sugar Information, Inc 1960's
#84
Personal Ads, 1951
#85
Eat Ironized Yeast (1930s)
#86
Life Savers, 1958
#87
"Some Day All Beer Cans Will Open This Easy!", Schlitz, 1962
S. E. in Indiana 2 years ago
Cleaning through a junk drawer the other day and found two of these openers. I remember them well.
#88
Tmnt Pies, Hostess, 1991
#89
Mcdonalds 1969
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What do you think ?
Julian Slate 2 years ago (edited)
Just popping in to point out that, factually speaking, anyone can indeed contract COVID. Please, don't fall for that pseudoscientific antivaxx nonsense. Oh, and the mRNA did curb polio quite a bit. Science suggests vaccines do work.
James Doe 2 years ago
I agree with your intention. You should however be careful about spreading misinformation yourself. The polio vaccine has "nothing" to do with mRNA. In fact the covid vaccine is the first mRNA vaccine. (*of course the immune response triggered in the end and the effect of training the immune system are very similar. So far vaccines contained inactivated viruses or proteins to react to. The mRNA vaccines trick the body to produce such proteins itself)
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Billy Harrelson 2 years ago
The COVID shot did what it was supposed to do and that's mute the severity of infection. Vaccines are not like pesticides, they do not kill the virus, only help your body respond better to it.
Load More Replies... Julian Slate 2 years ago (edited)
Just popping in to point out that, factually speaking, anyone can indeed contract COVID. Please, don't fall for that pseudoscientific antivaxx nonsense. Oh, and the mRNA did curb polio quite a bit. Science suggests vaccines do work.
James Doe 2 years ago
I agree with your intention. You should however be careful about spreading misinformation yourself. The polio vaccine has "nothing" to do with mRNA. In fact the covid vaccine is the first mRNA vaccine. (*of course the immune response triggered in the end and the effect of training the immune system are very similar. So far vaccines contained inactivated viruses or proteins to react to. The mRNA vaccines trick the body to produce such proteins itself)
Load More Replies... Billy Harrelson 2 years ago
The COVID shot did what it was supposed to do and that's mute the severity of infection. Vaccines are not like pesticides, they do not kill the virus, only help your body respond better to it.
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