It’s that time of the year, Black Friday Shopping and there are deals and commericals EVERYWHERE! I know I will be searching for some savings to get ahead of my holiday shopping (or finish it). No stores for me though, just online as I don’t want to fight the people.

Speaking of online shopping or in this case for the blog…catalog shopping, I thought it would be fun to step back in time and browse a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook / catalog to see what people might of been shopping for that year (for gifts or for themself). Plus I LOVE looking back at vintage catalog’s and magazines and have done a few blog posts in the past on this topic.

So please make sure you take a look after and let the shopping begin!

Note: The catalog is huge so I cannot possibly show it all. Click the image below to be taken to the full wishbook after your done with this highlight post.

All images are from Archive.org

Note: If your interested in special gifts from small businesses, Etsy which is my go to online vintage shopping website has some fantastic sales for all types of homemade products, vintage items and more.

Plus Etsy is an Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. So thank you in advance.

1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook Catalog

History of Black Friday Shopping:

The day after Thanksgiving has been regarded as the beginning of the United States Christmas shopping season since 1952. The practice may be linked with the idea of Santa Claus parades. Parades celebrating Thanksgiving often include an appearance by Santa at the end of the parade, with the idea that “Santa has arrived” or “Santa is just around the corner” because Christmas is always the next major Christian holiday following Thanksgiving.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Santa or Thanksgiving parades were sponsored by department stores. These include the continuing Toronto Santa Claus Parade in Canada since 1905, originally sponsored by Eaton’s, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held in Manhattan, New York City since 1924, sponsored by Macy’s. Department stores would use the parades to launch a big advertising push. Eventually, it became an unwritten rule that no store would try doing Christmas advertising before the parade was over. Therefore, the day after Thanksgiving became the day when the shopping season officially started (Source).

Vintage Gift & Personal Shopping Ideas

“Lovely ways to say Merry Christmas…Colorful Keystone slippers.”

These are some pretty spectacular slippers that I’m pretty sure one could wear out onto the street. 1940s wedges, peep toes, slip-on’s and more. Too cute!

“Flattering Scarfs for every woman”

A good scarf is the perfect gift as it can be worn many different ways and is so very stylish (even in our modern era!).

Further Reading: A Vintage Guide to 1940s Hair Accessories

Beautiful soaps for mom that can be personalized, or colour coordinated with your bathroom. You can also pick up a perfume bar, tissue plastic box, glamour lite and a ‘Saucy Satchet Clown (mardi gras perfumed clown)’.

A note about the soaps…they will probably never leave their package and collect dust and eventually get thrown away. But they sure are pretty!

“Aprons for entertaining…Aprons for practical use.” “So smart and festive they make delightful Christmas gifts.”

“Dressy Handbags” featuring Rayon Corde (this year’s most elegant gift) and small dress-up handbags that are the perfect accessory for afternoons and after-dark.

Costume Jewelry is always a welcomed gift, especially when it’s charm bracelets and necklaces.

Further Reading: Vintage Charm Bracelets-Memories on a Dainty Chain

Don we now our gay apparel” Colorful 1940s men ties in fantastic patterns.

Which one would you buy?

“….had just settled ourselves for a long winter’s nap.” Pilgram brand pajames..knits, broadcloth, flannelette.

Get dad the pajamas he always wanted!

A good wallet never goes out of style.

I remember that when I was younger my dad got lots of wallets from us kids.

“Men’s Gold Bond Casuals, Jewelry Accessories.” 1940s Cufflinks & Men’s Jewelry by SWANK!

“Girls Wear from Tots to Teens starting with winter caps & ensemble sets.” Plus “Sno-Belle” fur pillboxs for that fashionble teen in your home. The perfect answer to “What to give girls this holiday season?”

Stuck on what kind of clothes to get that young man in your life? Make it plaid! Plaid is warm and it’s fun! Also a good pair of earmuffs go a long way.

“Original Games by Cadaco-Ellis.” Board games are always a hit with kids AND adults!

Musical instruments and mini electronic record player and phonograph for kids.

The famous “Betsy Wetsy, Magic Skin Dolls” for that little girl looking for a reality check (joke!).

“Hampers, wastebaskets and Kitchen Accessories” to make a home complete.

Give the gift of “Electric Table Appliances” like an Electric Therm-O-Jug or a Kent Coffee-Maker. Maybe a Kenmore Electric Liquidizer would be a welcomed present? Plus everyone loves a good toaster, so go ahead and pick up two!

“Closet Accessories.” Hangers, shoe bag & box and more!

I am also excited to see an item I have in my home…a STOCKING DRYER (the shell shaped item on the left in the middle). Cool!

Further Reading: A Peak Into My Vintage Collection- A 1949 Stocking Dryer

“Still Cameras, Photographic Supplies” for the photographer this Christmas.

Magazine subscriptions are a great way to please the reader in the family.

Bring on the kitchen kitsch! “Harmony House Giftware, Candles and lamps.” Matched, taste-tempting Strawberry Items. Make kitchen work a real pleasure!

Before you finish your Black Friday shopping, make sure you pickup some Christmas Decor and Christmas treats!

Bubble lights are a very special Christmas memory for me as I remember them always being on our tree as a little kid. I would just curl up under the tree and watch them bubble for hours. Fantastic!

“Christmas Card Assortments – 21 Tower embossed Christmas Cards”. Stock up for only $0.47.

“Hard Candy for a sweet old-fashioned Christmas.”

Colourful candy is a must during the holiday season. Not only does it taste good, but its super fun for decor!

Question Time: What was your favourite items showcased above? Share any thoughts about this blog post or others in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

• Vintage Christmas 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
• Vintage Christmas Catalogs

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz