Take a fun look back at vintage Hostess snacks like Twinkies, cupcakes and fruit pies — see how these classic treats became American favorites.
Vintage advertisements
In the early 1940s, Whitman’s Chocolates heavily promoted their product as the ideal Mother’s Day gift — and they laid the guilt on thick. “There is no hurt like forgetting.”
Discover vintage kitchen design ideas from the 1940s to 1980s that blended style and creativity — and see why some old trends might deserve a comeback.
In the early 1980s, Wilton rolled out a batch of Star Wars cake pans that turned ordinary birthday cakes into mini blockbusters. Inspired by The
A wonderful play of taste and texture, this Holy guacamole recipe combines avocados, savory herbs and spices, and just a dash of imagination.
General Foods International Coffee ads from the ’70s and ’80s had cozy vibes, sweet flavors and a jingle you still can’t get out of your head.
Tastee-Freez was the go-to spot in the 1950s for fast food and frozen treats. See what made this ice cream chain a summertime favorite.
60s bathrooms were bold, colorful and fashion-forward. From sunken tubs to pink sinks, see how these retro spaces made bathrooms a true style statement.
Explore the sharp style of 1930s suits, from double-breasted jackets to Hollywood swagger, and see what made these vintage looks truly stand out.
How much did you love this Brach’s Easter candy from the 60s? Bunnies, chicks, chocolate eggs & more
Brach’s Easter candy from the ’60s included chocolate malt & chocolate creme eggs, marshmallow-filled chicks and rabbits, and tiny jelly bird eggs.
Easter cakes like these bring together all the things people used to love seeing on a holiday table: soft layers, a little citrus, and a
Believe it or not, retro Easter candy like chocolate Easter bunnies, creme eggs, jelly beans and Peeps candy didn’t exist at all prior to the 20th century. Here’s a look back at what the bunny has been bringing.
Remember vintage TV dinners — shiny foil trays filled with delicious-looking dinner delights, waiting in the freezer for a special night? Plus find out the history of TV dinners!
These 60+ vintage patio furniture sets – charming tables, chairs, chaises and more – were as popular in the 1940s through the 1970s as they are now.
80s Cherokee shoes were all about comfort and style, with wedge heels, strappy sandals and soft soles that made them a favorite with teen girls.
See how decorating with frosting and cute little marshmallow flowers can turn angel food cakes into happiness you can eat!
Although the 1980s leg warmers fad was inspired by dancers, they became a trendy, colorful way for girls & women to show some creative flair – and to prove that you were up on the latest fashions.
See the 1977 Ford cars: New action-stripe Pintos, sassy sweet-handling Mustang IIs, tricked up trucks and fancy vans. Thunderbirds and LTD IIs in new spring colors. Even a sportier Granada.
Explore the vintage pink kitchen trend of the 1950s, from pastel cabinets to pink appliances. See what made this retro style such a mid-century favorite.
The basic concept hasn’t changed much in 100 years, but vintage Erector Sets like these are still popular, still inspiring creativity, and still being used to build everything from mini roller coasters to motorized robots.
The history of Levi’s jeans shows that the power of a really good idea – like super-durable clothing that people like to wear – can make for a business that stays strong for more than 160 years.
Discover 1940s makeup tips that kept women looking fresh and polished despite wartime shortages. Simple routines, soft colors, and smart tricks made all the difference.
Dishwasher history starts with Josephine Cochrane, who invented the first automatic model in the 1880s. Her creation changed kitchens forever.
Not only is pineapple amazing on its own, it also can be a delicious ingredient in lots of recipes — like this sunburst chicken stir-fry recipe from the 80s.
Great American cook Anthony Gaglione shares a prize family secret with this: Anthony’s mouthwatering meatball recipe!
Before plastic trays, metal ice cube trays were a daily struggle — until a clever lever changed everything. Here’s how they shaped vintage kitchen life.
The original vintage Slinky toy was an all-metal spring that thrilled kids by ‘walking’ down stairs. Invented by accident back in the forties, it’s one of the classic toys that has stood the test of time.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes: The story of how a simple shake became a holiday tradition (1970s & 80s)
McDonald’s shamrock shakes have been a St. Patrick’s Day favorite for decades. Here’s the surprising history behind this minty green fast-food classic.
Prell shampoo was popular since its introduction in the 1940s, and was best-known for being bright emerald green. Here, see how the product – and the brand’s message – changed from the ’40s to the ’80s!
Fashion rings in the 1950s and 60s were big, bold, and eye-catching. See how these oversized costume jewelry pieces became a must-have accessory.
No luck needed to bake this deliciously vintage Lucky Clover St Patrick’s Day cake! This recipe from 1950 promised to be tall, dark and delicious.
Now best known for their iconic appearance in the Back to the Future movies, DeLorean cars had an unusual origin story – and ended in a spectacular flameout.
Here’s an easy retro recipe from the ’60s for a delicious Italian-style ricotta & mozzarella stuffed manicotti cheese bake!
In the 70s, stainless steel or copper cookware wasn’t enough – people wanted retro pots and pans for their kitchen in all of the latest colors and patterns. Take a peek inside those old kitchen cabinets!
From meat glazes to unique salads and totally vintage-style jello molds, the most iconic tropical fruit can make itself useful in so many ways. Here are some weird – and some good – retro ways to serve pineapple.
With warm, rich flavors and tender pieces of meat and vegetables, New England beef stew is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner on a cold winter evening!
1960s paper dresses were fashionable, disposable, and many thought they’d be the next big thing! Take a look back!
The vintage Spirograph toys let you create millions of colorful, startlingly beautiful extraordinarily intricate designs in infinite variety – all you needed were pens, paper and the kit’s plastic gears and wheels. Take a look!
Remember when every girl wanted a Lane hope chest? See 20+ vintage hope chests from the 20th century
Way back when, it’s what every girl wanted: A cedar-lined Lane hope chest for linens and her trousseau. In upper-middle-class homes, giving a teen cedar chest was a longstanding tradition — and practically a requirement for marriage.
For Valentine’s Day, Washington’s Birthday or any day, give them something made with love, like these deliciously indulgent rocky road bars and a sweetheart fudge pie!
Warm up like it’s the 1960s with hot Dr Pepper! This retro drink, served with a slice of lemon, is a unique and cozy twist on the classic soda.
Starting back in the ’50s, women were encouraged to start their own businesses, hosting Tupperware parties, and demonstrating how to use those popular plastic containers. Here’s a look back!
After an outdoorsy afternoon, bring the party inside. Settle down to something warming. Any of these delicious dishes will do fine. They’re super easy because you make them with onion soup mix.
These vintage bullet bras (also called sweater bras) were considered flattering and sexy around the ’50s. Take a look back and see what you think of the style!
After she wondered if humans have a primal craving for hamburgers – hot, juicy and so simple – here’s Cybill Shepherd’s favorite hamburger recipe.
Here’s a look back at 100 years of vintage Fostoria glass – from candelabra to stemware, in clear crystal or a rainbow of colorful hues – that people have been using and collecting for generations.
It’s green. It’s molded. It’s studded with pears. It’s the ’80s version of the Jell-O classic – Under-the-sea salad!
What did the future look like from the ’60s? See some modernist-style retro futuristic home concepts that captured the midcentury era’s sleek style and space-age optimism.
Because not everything was baked from scratch, see some Vintage slice ‘n’ bake cookies, frozen cookie dough, mixes and other semi-homemade cookies from long ago!
Chi-Chi’s may have closed its US restaurants, but it’s far from forgotten. Reminisce with these old menus and get you some of that yummy Chi Chi’s salsa – it’s still on the market!
Take a look back at some of the most popular vintage 1970s cereals that we loved – including many discontinued products we still miss. (And don’t forget about the free toys that were inside kids’ cereal boxes!)
Whether you’re a nostalgia buff or looking for Christmas door decorations for your mid century home (or both!), we have some fun and festive ideas!
This collection of vintage Pier 1 Christmas ads shows the great variety of gifts, home decor, and Christmas decorations they had available through the second half of the 20th century.
Long before we became obsessed with charcuterie boards, we had Hickory Farms Food Gift Paks. Remember those? Here, we have a round up of vintage Hickory Farms ads for your reminiscing pleasure!
This exceptional Bacardi rum cake is a pudding cake baked in a ring pan, and flavored with Bacardi dark dry rum. You may be surprised at how easy it is to get an elegant cake – perfect for the holidays!
How did a character whose brief life ended so tragically become a hero of the happiest holiday? We have some theories plus four different vintage gingerbread man cookie recipes!
They have gelatin on the inside… and the outside. Try making this vintage 1970s Jell-O fruity cookie recipe, and see if you can capture a little bit of that retro vibe!
Get seven sassy snack mix how-tos from yesteryear, including the granddaddy of them all: the original Chex mix recipe!
These vintage touch-tone phones – featuring push buttons, speed and musical tones – represented a totally new signaling system, and opened the way to increased versatility in communications.
More than good, Libby’s pumpkin pie is smooth, gently spicy, and perfect! Get the classic pie you love – the original vintage recipe is right here, with our very own step-by-step photos to guide you.
Take a look back at the evolution of Thanksgiving traditions — and holiday meals — from the 1940s through the 1990s, plus see how the best parts of the past have influenced our modern-day celebrations!
Not only would these vintage sexist ads not sell well today, but they’d also cause a huge social media backlash. See 50 of the most obnoxious examples here.
Looking for some deliciously sweet fall snacks? Try these two classic recipes: some amazing pumpkin spice cookies with lemon icing, and the traditional seasonal favorite, Libby’s pumpkin nut bread!
Though many have tried, no cook has ever been able to improve upon the taste of traditional pumpkin pie. Carnation’s famous pumpkin pie recipe is a Thanksgiving classic – and we have the ’50s recipe right here.
See what was needed to put you in the running for a coveted stewardess job back in the ’50s and ’60s! Some requirements were grounded in reason, but many were just plain sexism in action.
Vintage Chef Boy-Ar-Dee said that their canned food was all you needed to make an Italian-like meal – including spaghetti, meatballs, ravioli, and tomato sauce. Look at some of these retro dinners here!
Years ago, old-fashioned clock radios like these were on pretty much every bedside table around America, both lulling us to sleep with music and radio shows, and getting us up for work in the morning.
These two Libby’s pumpkin cheesecakes are rich with cheese and pumpkin and brown sugar, flavored with maple, topped with sour cream and cinnamon – truly delicious desserts.
What did many of our grandparents and great-grandparents look most forward to getting for Christmas? In many cases, trains – like these vintage American Flyer train sets!
This easy retro recipe for a delicious creamy chicken and broccoli casserole gets a bonus crunch from a crispy onion topping.
The melted plastic Halloween decorations popular in the ’70s were ‘delightfully different’ and ‘captured the happy Halloween spirit.’
Here’s how to craft creative salt dough ornaments for Christmas! It’s easy to stir up a batch, and makes getting into the holiday spirit extra fun.
Take a look back at vintage Pizza Hut restaurants, and some of the popular foods they served over the years – plus find out the history of the chain!
These festive Halloween cupcakes are decorated in a variety of fun and creative ways — including a pumpkin, a witch, a mummy, two spiders, a jack-o-lantern and a wolfman.
The late-1960s brings us a couple of tasty mid-century dessert recipes perfect for repurposing any leftover Halloween candy bars you might have laying around!
The iconic Breck shampoo ads were meant to look sweet & wholesome, and a few of the Breck Girls went on to become famous actresses. Take a look!
From all these beautiful old-school Bigelow carpet styles, celebrities Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz chose their dream carpet to decorate their home.
These cheap vintage Halloween masks & costumes proved that when you spent a couple bucks to get ready for trick-or-treating, you got what you paid for. But the kids? They loved it.
They weren’t cheap, but these vintage Kodak movie cameras were really popular, and helped people save moving-picture memories on fiolm.
Mr Whipple: Please don’t squeeze the Charmin! 20 years of legendary TV commercial toilet paper drama
Discover the story of Mr Whipple and his famous “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin” commercials, one of the most memorable ad campaigns of the 20th century.
Who remembers these popular vintage Fisher Price baby toys from the 70s and 80s — iconic, durable and full of fun. Check out our nostalgic collection!
A super simple must-try retro ’60s recipe: Crunchy breaded chicken! Soup ‘n stuffing make chicken a taste treat. See how easy it is to make it here!
Explore the timeless appeal of 1940s hats for men. Discover classic styles in these vintage ads from a fashion era that shaped men’s wardrobes.
What did vintage Target stores look like? Take a look back here at dozens of in-store pictures from the company’s start in 1962 through the end of the 20th century!
By starting this old-fashioned corn souffle recipe with a can of cream-style corn, you can make this popular side dish in record time.
Whether new or classic, millions still love vintage Corelle dishes from the Corning company (also behind Pyrex & Corningware). See some of the dish patterns available during the ’70s & ’80s!
Homemade with love! These deliciously luscious pumpkin cheesecake bars don’t take long to make when you start with this classic recipe from the ’80s!
Check out how classic 60s Ford Thunderbird cars looked when they were brand new — plus find out the then-unique features they offered that were much in demand back then!
Monsanto’s Home of the Future at Disneyland – set in the futuristic year 1986 – was built almost entirely of plastic, either alone or in combination with traditional building materials.
All of these sweet potato pie recipes come from the early part of the 20th century — from 1915 until 1922 — and should give you some ideas for ways to spice up a sweet potato pie of your own!
Remember having fun in vintage playhouses & forts like these? Take a look back at some of these retro play structures through the decades, from the ’50s through the ’80s!
Baker’s easy one-bowl German chocolate brownies with coconut-nut topping: A classic recipe from 1997
These easy German chocolate brownies are deliciously indulgent, and have a coconut-nut topping! Get the ’90s retro recipe right here.
Get some retro Cheez Whiz recipes for fondue, casserole and other cheezy dishes like ham & rice roll-ups, Mexican bean dip and more.
From volumizing wonders to moisturizing miracles, these 90s shampoos played a significant role in making hair look fabulous.
Consisting of lots of lettuce, browned hamburger, a variety of vegetables, sauces and dressings, a taco salad is a meal in itself.
Old paper welders were small metal presses that essentially embossed two or three pieces of paper together – no staples or paperclips needed. Here’s a look back!
Check out more than 100 different colors of discontinued Revlon nail polish from the 1980s, from Super Platinum and Spunsugar Pink to Blackberry and China Almond.
Take a nostalgic look back at how Americans have loved coffee for generations – plus get some great old-fashioned ways to brew a delicious cup of vintage coffee.
