Hallmark stationery sets from the 1960s and ’70s
By the 1920s, Hall Brothers had expanded into greeting cards, gift wrap and other paper goods, and stationery fit naturally into that mix. The name “Hallmark” — borrowed from the mark goldsmiths in medieval London used to certify quality metal — went on the back of every card by 1928. If the company could sell you a card to send, it could also sell you the paper to write on.
- Brighten their day with this cheerful stationery set that includes festively lined envelopes and cute sticker seals
- Stationery set features 12 sheets of die-cut paper in 2 colorful designs: Wavy pink grid on red and wavy rainbow stripes; includes yellow envelopes with confetti lining and coordinating sticker seals.
- Colorful stationery kit makes a great gift for kids, grandchildren, teens, new grads, coworkers, friends and family.
The writing paper lines of the ’60s leaned hard into color. Sets came in saturated shades with names like Raspberry Ice, Malibu Blue and Persimmon, often paired with a fiber-tipped pen in a matching hue — a product Hallmark called Write-Bright.
By the early ’70s, the designs had picked up the looser, bolder graphics of the moment, with one line going by “Somethin’ Else” and the packaging pitched squarely at a younger audience. Through all of it, the sets were gift-boxed with ribbon, so they could serve double duty as presents.
The photos and ads here capture a handful of those sets from across the decade — the Write-Bright packaging, the hippie-era notecards, the ribbon-tied gift boxes — in all their saturated glory, celebrating a time when friendly messages to friends were sent exclusively by snail mail, not email.
Vintage Hallmark magenta/raspberry pen and paper set (1968)
The paper is raspberry. The pen is raspberry. It writes magenta.
Bright new way to color your thoughts! Each box compatible with a fiber-tipped pen that writes in a color to accent each bold new paper — be it Raspberry Ice, Malibu Blue, Persimmon, Aleutian Green or Lemon Yellow.
Makes a smashing gift, too. Comes smartly gift-boxed. Write-Bright Stationery from Hallmark.
Retro Hallmark yellow and orange ’60s stationery set
Says so much about you before you write a word. Hot new color happening! Colorburst by name. Blazing bright shades and explosive new designs spark the radiant look in the new Hallmark stationery collection.
The gayest way to give letters more flair — already smartly gift-boxed for gifts to go. Every box fastened with a ribbon and sealed with the Hallmark crown.
Vintage paper and envelope set from Hallmark (1960s)
Lavender-Blue… splashed on rich, creamy white paper. To compliment your thoughts. To serve as thoughtful gifts.
When you care enough, send the very best.
MORE: Vintage Snoopy & Peanuts stickers sheets (’70s & ’80s)
Vintage 1960s Hallmark – Notecards and envelopes (1967)
The freshest way to send a letter to your love (or Aunt Nellie, for any matter).
Vintage sixties Hallmark stationery cards and more
How to wrap up your problems!
A burst of design, a splash of color — and Hallmark turns a small gift into something special! Do your gift gathering where the excitement is — at a fine store that sells Hallmark cards. Colorful gift wraps, too.
MORE: Remember the pens you could erase? Look back at Eraser Mate & Scripto Erasable Pen from the ’80s
Retro Hallmark stationery & notecards from the 1970s
‘Somethin’ else’ writing papers: Happening in over a dozen supercharged designs. Get it wherever Hallmark is featured.
Hippie-style vintage Hallmark note cards (1970)
Write on! ‘Somethin’ Else’ — the great new writing paper that’s half the message. A really cool medium to communicate major truths, beautiful thoughts, the stuff of dreams… and every deathless word (!).
ALSO SEE: These vintage ‘insert dime’ greeting cards with coins were a big deal for kids
2 Responses
I always loved visiting the Hallmark store and would buy note cards, greeting cards and gifts there. Does anyone remember those small datebooks they would give out each year? I loved those.
I remember them well – I even still have some of mine! :-) They’re included on this post about stocking stuffers: https://clickamericana.com/holidays-seasons/christmas/christmas-stocking-stuffers