If you’re looking for gifts from the 40s and 50s, then think of Coca Cola, three stooges, Rosie the Riverter or Elvis and Lucy from the 1950s.
1950s home decor gifts, retro style clothes for him and her – fun, beautiful and functional old school gifts never go out of style.
Whether you’re looking for retro gifts for your girlfriend or vintage inspired gifts for mom and dad, these cool and unique old time gifts from the 1940s or 50s would surely impress them.
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Fun Nostalgic Gifts From The 40s And 50s
Affiliate Disclosure: I may be compensated through the links in the post below, but the opinions are my own
Vintage Inspired Clothing
How do men and women dress in the 1940s or 1950s? How was the vintage fashion of the yesteryear?
Add a little retro flair to your wardrobe with the 1940s inspired graceful A-line skirts or the swing dresses with a feminine fit.
Look glamorous in the 40s inspired evening dress or the pretty classic vintage plaid tea skirt complete with an elegant princess seam bodice, tiny waist and lovely curves.
Timeless but fresh and they never go out of the style – meet the classic retro T shirts. These old time tee shirts with the faded look, classic TV shows or movie designs do bring on the nostalgic feel.
If you’re looking to add a bit of vintage chic to your wardrobe or looking for that flattering elegant vintage inspired slim waist dress for your cocktail party or prom night, then check out these old style fashion below.
To get the 50s feel, remember to wear it with a petticoat or crinoline for that elegant flared effect.
For the men – Colorful sport shirts, button down casual shirts with floral, plaid patterns, retro inspired tee shirts, pleated dress pants worn higher up the waist compared to modern times.
Fedora hats became popular with Hollywood celebrities during the 1950s era.
The bomber jacket was first worn by the military pilots during the world wars.
Bomber jackets provide a layer of warmth to pilots flying at high altitudes.
The bomber jackets of yesteryear come with a cotton outer, fixed fur collar, sleeve zip pocket and slash pockets.
Then between 1949 and 1950, the fur collar was replaced by a knit collar.
Nylon was used to make the body of the jacket due to its ability to remain dry as well as prevent the absorption of water into the fabrics of the jacket.
The common population started wearing the bomber jacket during the mid-1950. Read about the history of the bomber jacket.
Make your fashion statement with these 1940s and 50s shirts made for the modern man.
Women’s Autumn Vintage 50s 60s Plaid Dress Retro Rockabilly Pinup Housewife Party Swing Dress Long Sleeve Fur collar
Made of cotton blend, this old style rockabilly swing plaid dress comes with a fur collar and long sleeves.
A dress with a vintage flare, wear it to work, cocktail party or as casual wear.
The button plaid dress of a 1950s silhouette – charmingly prim and proper.
Vintage Style Retro 1940s waist Flared Party Tea elegant Women Dress
Ranging in sizes from M to 2XL, this vintage inspired cocktail evening tea dress comes with a wrinkle V-Neckline.
This 40s style vintage dress is made of 95% polyester, 5% spandex-stretch.
Vintage Half Sleeve Floral Lace Cocktail Party Pleated Swing Dress
Made of polyester, this beautiful vintage inspired floral lace party dress comes with half length elegant see-through floral lace sleeves.
This vintage 1950s dress comes with a concealed back zipper.
This pleated flare skirt makes a gorgeous retro gift.
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Party Prom Dresses Cap-Sleeve
This retro dress is a Audrey Hepburn style for wedding prom party, 1950s punk swing polka prom, lolita costume cosplay club wear.
This 1950s dress has a round collar, cap-sleeve with waistband as well as a hidden zipper at the back.
It is made of 90% Cotton, 10% Elastane.
It is available in a few different colors, polka dots or floral prints.
It would be great as a bridesmaid dress, cocktail dress, party dress, mother of the bride dress.
1950s Retro Floral Print Evening Cocktail Formal Prom Ball Gowns Straps Rockabilly Cloak Shawl
Made of cotton and polyester, this vintage style V-neck sleeveless strap dress comes with a doll collar, cloak shawl.
This 1950s style elegant and classic dress in lemon and floral print is available in sizes S,M,L,XL,XXL.
Vintage-Look Black B-15A Bomber Jacket, Mens Flight Jacket
Dress like the fighter pilot of the 1940s and 50s.
This black B-15A bomber jacket has a 100% cotton shell.
You can get it in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.
It comes with a quilted lining featuring a strategic air command print.
The cuffs and waist are knitted.
Cool vintage inspired features include a removable black fur collar, 2 leather tabs for O2 tubes, slash pockets in the front and a zippered sleeve pocket with pen holder.
Men’s Keeper Vintage Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Vintage Royal
Men’s vintage shirt with long sleeve and bound collar is made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
George Men’s Pleated Cuffed Microfiber Dress Pant With Adjustable Waistband
This pair of classic style pleated cuff dress pants come with 2 front and 2 back pockets.
The pants are made from 100% polyester and are machine washable.
The microfiber dress pants with adjustable elastic waistband feature moisture wicking Sorbtek technology.
You stay cool, dry and comfortable.
It comes with button and zipper closure as well as belt loops.
It is available in black, grey, navy and sand.
Sizes available range from S to 5XL.
I Love Lucy Ethel Paris Dress 1956 T-Shirt
Made of 100% preshrunk cotton, this short sleeve retro style I Love Lucy tee shirt is available from sizes S to 3XL.
This would certainly make a great gift for a I Love Lucy fan.
Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock Dance T-Shirt
Elvis Presley was the King of Rock N Roll.
Ranging in sizes from S to 3XL, this Elvis dancing fun tee shirt is made from 100% pre shrunk cotton.
Tee shirt comes with two needle hemmed short sleeves and bottom.
It is also available in long sleeves.
Old School Kitchen Tools Gifts From The 40s and 50s
These old style retro inspired cooking tools or gadgets would make lovely housewarming gifts.
Useful and nostalgic kitchen gadgets bring with them wonderful memories of food shared together with loved ones through the years.
Kitchen tools with bright, fun, colorful and cheerful vintage floral designs sure do bring in the sunshine.
Iconic Atomic Starbursts Kitchen Towels
Set your kitchen into the 50s diner style ambiance with this Iconic Atomic Starbursts Kitchen Towel.
The old school, cream colored background with gold speckles add an instant retro feel to your dining table.
The iconic atomic starbursts design is styled after a 1950’s dish pattern.
This 16″ x 24″ dishtowel is made of 80% durable woven polyester/ 20% polyamide blend microfiber.
Retro hot pink turquoise teal blue 1950s 50s fifties Grandmas kitchen – Towel
This 50s style kitchen towel is made of 63% polyester (microfiber) / 37% cotton (velour terry cloth).
It measures 15 x 22 inches.
Image printed on microfiber side / terry cloth side blank
Coca-Cola Retro Vending Machine Mini Fridge
The Coca Cola mini fridge in the shape of a retro vending machine is both a fun and functional gift for your retro lover friend.
It cools to 32 degrees below ambient temperature and can hold a total of ten 12 oz. cans soda (drinks are not included).
The cute mini fridge with the tall window display measures 12W x 28.5H x 18.7D Inches.
It’s just like a push button vending machine – push a button to open it.
This compact thermoelectric cooler operates on 110V AC or 12V DC power.
Mamas Diner on black Retro hot pink turquoise teal blue 1950s style 2 Tone Red Mug
This 11oz white ceramic mug comes with red interior and handle.
This ceramic mug is lead free, microwave safe and FDA approved.
It would make a lovely retro inspired housewarming gift or as a gift for mom.
You can also get one for dad too. It comes with the message ‘Dad’s Diner‘
Copper and Stainless Steel Hammered Moscow Mule Mug 20 oz, set of 2
The Moscow Mule mug is a traditional classic drinking mug especially for cold beverages.
Some of these mugs are made of solid copper and some have just the copper finish on the exterior of the mug with a stainless steel interior.
Stylish and elegant, you have a choice of a glossy finish on the exterior or the intricate hammered look.
These mugs come with large sturdy handles.
This beautiful Moscow mule mug with the the intricate hammered design is made of copper plated stainless steel.
The classic vintage design dates back to the 1940s when the Moscow Mule was first mixed together.
This classic Moscow Mule mug is best hand washed only.
Related post : Vintage Style Kitchen Gadgets
1940s 50s Vintage Style Decor Items
If you’re thinking of gifting a beautiful piece of 40s or 50s inspired decor item, then check these out.
Kit Kat Animated Black Cordless Wall Clock
The Kit Cat clock was first invented during the 1930s and became very popular during the 1940s and 50s.
The smiling face animated Kit Cat pendulum clock has unique features such as 4 toes on each of its 2 paws and a pendulum tail.
The Kit Cat clock is a made in America classic.
Made of durable black plastic, its eyes and tail move along as the clock hands move.
You need 2 C batteries (not included) for it to work.
The animated made in USA clock measures 4W x 2.5D x 15H inches.
The Kit Cat pendulum clock adds a nice old charming touch to your vintage themed kitchen.
Crosley Black Classic Kettle Desk Phone
The first free standing dial telephone was invented in 1919.
The rotary dial phone lasted until 1963 when it was replaced by the tone dialing phone.
The Crosley black classic kettle desk phone adds a nice retro touch to your desk or office space.
It is designed based on the authentic 1930s model right down to the classic coil cord.
It is a rotary dial phone with push button technology and comes with a tone/pulse switch.
Measuring 5H x 6.2W x 6D inches, it comes with earpiece volume control.
It doesn’t come with a speaker, you’ll have to hold it to talk just like during the good old days.
Just plug it into your land line phone jack in the wall. It works even during a power cut.
Rosie the Riveter We Can Do It Ceramic Coffee Mug
Rosie the Reverter became the most iconic image of women working during the world war 2 era.
The fictitious bandanna clad Rosie was featured in highly successful campaigns that stressed on the patriotic need for women to enter the work force during that time when men were conscripted into the army.
The retro lover who loves coffee would be so delighted with this Rosie the Riveter coffee mug.
Drinking your morning coffee in this ceramic coffee mug with the words ‘We Can Do It’ is indeed a great way to start your day.
The imported mug is designed and printed in the USA.
It measures 3W x 4H x 3D Inches.
Vintage 1950s Tiles & Squares Spring Doormat
Vintage 1950s inspired doormat with lines, outlined shapes and squares in beautiful Spring colors of teal, yellow, pink and purple.
This 18″ x 24″ mat comes with 1/8″ smooth fleece with white edge bounding.
I Love Lucy – Pop Art Poster Print
This 24 x 36 poster ships rolled in an oversized protective tube for maximum protection.
Laminating or custom black wood framing is also available.
I Love Lucy Lucys Blend Art Canvas
The original black and white comedy series I Love Lucy American sitcom starring Lucille Ball, was shown from October 15, 1951 to May 6, 1957.
Every one needs a bit of laughter in their lives. I Love Lucy canvas wall art hung up in your room would indeed remind you of the humorous side of life.
This I Love Lucy Lucys Blend Art Canvas comes with graphic printed on deep grain canvas that is stretched on a rigid board with backing.
The image wraps around the sides.
It is available in sizes ranging from 8″ x 12″ to 20″ x 30″.
Reproduction Vintage Metal Tin Signs
Ready to hang timeless vintage style metal signs make wonderful retro decor gifts.
There are vintage inspired tin signs suitable for every room in your home or office.
These vintage reproduction metal signs come with distressed rusted looks and appear to have embossed graphics and raised letters but the surface is actually flat and smooth.
Hanging up one of these old fashioned metal signs is a wonderful way to bring back all those nostalgic memories.
COKE – 5 Bottles Retro Tin Sign – 12.5″ x 16″
Coca Cola was invented by John Stith Pemberton in 1886.
They were originally served at soda fountains and then sold in bottles for the first time in 1894.
The first plastic 2-liter bottle was introduced in 1977.
Diet coke was introduced in 1982.
If you ‘re a fan of this popular carbonated drink, then you’ll definitely want one of these old world Coca Cola themed tin sign hanging on your wall.
This vintage inspired Coca Cola tin sign comes with rich vibrant colors and heavy embossing.
It measures 12.5″ W x 16″ H.
More Coca Cola decor items from Retro Planet ~ Coca-Cola Decorand Collectibles
1940s KAYO Chocolate Flavored Drink Vintage Look Reproduction Sign
Some of you might have great memories of the popular KAYO chocolate drink.
It was first created in 1929 by Aaron Pashkow of Chicago and was in production for several decades.
The chocolate drink was named after a popular comic strip character Kayo Mullins. Kayo Mullins was one of the characters in the American comic strip Moon Mullins which ran from June 19, 1923 to June 2, 1991.
The drink bottles featured Kayo Mullins on its colorful label.
This Kayo vintage look reproduction sign measures 8″ x 12″.
The Kayo sign comes with simulated rust, scratches, faded paint giving it a more vintage look.
The surface of the sign is flat and smooth to the feel.
Made in USA, this Kayo vintage sign comes with mounting holes for easy hanging.
Elvis Presley The King of Rock and Roll Portrait Tin Sign
The Elvis metal sign measures 12.5″ W x 16″ H.
The image itself measures 11″ x 14″.
This durable tin sign is lightweight and easy to hang.
This is indeed a fantastic gift for a Presley fan.
Golf Masters Academy Three Stooges Tin Sign
This Golf masters academy three stooges tin sign is a great fun metal sign for golfers who love retro stuff.
The 3 stooges tin sign measures 12.5″ W x 16″ H.
Here’s another 3 stooges tin sign measuring 8″ x 12″ and has a metallic satin finish.
1958 Corvette Americas Sports Car Tin Sign
Conveying the message ‘America’s Only Authentic Sport’s Car Corvette’, this 58 Corvette America’s Car Metal Sign looks like a good buy for hubby.
Related post : Vintage signs