Back in the mid-20th century, these gift sets were the go-to presents for men for occasions like birthdays, Christmas and Vintage articles and more in Vintage Father’s Day at Click Americana. Brands like Old Spice, English Leather and Brut were big names, known for their dependable products.
A typical set included cologne, aftershave, talcum powder, and sometimes soap. What made these sets special was their straightforward presentation. They came neatly boxed and ready to give, reflecting the practical and no-nonsense style of the times. The fragrances in these vintage sets are another highlight — rich and complex, with notes like sandalwood, musk and spice. These scents were made to stand out and make a lasting impression.
These vintage gift sets also show how men’s grooming habits evolved during the 1950s and 1960s. This was when the idea of men taking care of themselves started to gain traction. These sets made it easy for men to adopt grooming routines that had previously been more associated with women.
Below, take a look back at these collections to see how men’s personal care has changed over the years, while also appreciating the timeless appeal of these classic products.
Avon for men (1965)
Trust Avon to know what father likes best. First Edition is Avon’s memorable way of showing Father this is his day… day after day. He’ll open the gift carton to After Shave Lotion and Talc in distinctive Spicy scent. Just two in Avon’s wide assortment of grooming products spiced with Avon’s popular Spicy scent.
He’ll know he’s first on your list — and first in your heart — when you give him grooming products by Avon.
Vintage gift sets for men: Citation (1965)
Look no more, my lady. For him, the solution is Citation.
The bold new array of sophisticated scents for men, by Mennen. He’ll like its robust fragrance. You will too. So look for the red and white gift box with the eagle on it. Gift problem solved!
MORE: Macho: The powerful scent for men (1977)
Currier & Ives (1965)
So magnificently in the spirit of Christmas — A superb collection of men’s toiletries.
No man can resist the woman who gives him a luxurious new Currier and Ives gift set for Christmas. And no woman can resist the manly elegance of these exciting new grooming aids for men. Ideal for every man on your gift list, they give year ‘round grooming perfection and pleasure.
Magnificent full-color reproductions of famous Currier and Ives prints make each set capture the true spirit of Christmas. And each set comes in its own distinctive and different gift box. There’s a gift set priced right for every man on your list… from $2.50 to $7.50.
Gillette gift set (1965)
Don’t cross a man off your list till you get him a Gillette Gift Set.
A gift for Dad, Uncle Jim, the postman, your younger brother? No problem. Gillette Gift Sets. They’re from the people who know men best. You can’t miss.
MORE: Johnny Carson’s line of polyester suits was a huge seller in the ’70s
Old Spice (1965)
To most men… it just isn’t Christmas without Old Spice — the gift with that masculine, sea-fresh aroma — by Shulton!
Included soap-on-a-rope, deodorant, cologne, body talcum & more
Gilette’s Sun Up (1964)
Place of honor this Christmas… elegant new gift sets.
SEE MORE: Soap on a rope: The old-fashioned Father’s Day gift that made a real splash in the 1970s
Old Spice for Dad (1960)
Choose the gift that comes through with flying colors… Old Spice for Dad.
MORE: What were the best colognes for men in the 60s & 70s? Here’s a look!
Dare to give him 007 (1966)
…He’ll love you for it. There’s a 007 gift set for every man in your life. Give him as much as you dare.
ALSO SEE: 50+ sexist vintage ads so bad, you almost won’t believe they were real
Avon for Men (1963)
“Avon Calling!” now has a masculine ring! A man’s choice of shaving essentials: Shaving creams, lather or brushless; Foam Shave, regular or mentholated with a spicy scent. And Electric Pre-Shave Lotion.
All part of Avon’s complete line of good-grooming products for men who are discovering what women have known for years: Avon is quality.
Yardley for him (1956)
Christmas gifts for good grooming.
NOW SEE: Vintage gift sets for women & girls: Fragrance, beauty & skincare for her
2 Responses
We still have a car glass cologne container from Avon. I forget the scent but it smelled nice.
I received a set of Currier & Ives Aftershave/Cologne during the middle 1960’s with C & I talc. The scent was unique and manly, and I fell in love with it. A few years ago, my wife surprised me with a C & I aftershave/cologne set — most bottles were pretty fully, but I still use them sparingly. My wife, again, surprised me with a Currier & Ives shaving mug, for another Christmas! Maybe the younger generation wants to smell perfumy with the designer scents, but most of us “Old School” still desire manly scents from the 60’s.