Back to school is almost here and while it has been a long time since I have been an official student, I still get many flashbacks of the days leading up to the first day back.

So for today’s post I’m going to do a collection of vintage back to school advertisements from 1920s -1960s to maybe bring back your own memories of the first day back (please share them in the comments section below).

Let the fun begin!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Back to School Vintage Advertising

1920s-1960s

1954 vintage ad for Blue Bell long wearing clothing for the entire family. “It’s Back To School~In Bright Sturdy Blue Bells!”

Source: Etsy

1954 vintage advertisement. “Save on Back to School Specials at Rexall Drug Stores!”

We have a:

• Zipper Binder
• Lead Pencils
• Wrist Watches
• Pocket Watch
• Lunch Kit
• School Bag
• Handkerchief Package
• And so much more!

Source: Etsy

A variety of “tastefully appropriate” apparel for young schoolgirls (7-14) from the Fall-Winter 1923 Sears catalog.

Source: Tumblr

1940s ad. “I hate to go back to school” says our blonde character. Why? Because she does not look good and her smile is not great. But don’t worry Listerine and a makeover will make everything better!

I am enjoying the 1940s fashions and 1940s hairstyles in this ad (even though the messaging is from another time).

Source: eBay

1962 back to school national Bellas Hess catalog. I remember all I wanted when I was younger was a plaid skirt. Cute look on our 1960s teen.

Source: Flickr

1955 Texcel Cellophane Tape “It’s Time To Buy Back To School Supplies!”

Source: Etsy

1936 Back to school dresses for Girls – 1930s companion Butterick sewing patterns advertisment.

Source: Etsy

1946 Phillip’s Milk Of Magnesia print ad. “Back To School; Back To Work”.

Source: eBay

1960s back to school advertisement. An outstanding large vintage french poster showing two happy, well dressed children eagerly returning to school, replendent in their new clothes, school bags and equipment.

Source: Etsy

1940s vintage ad. Heading back to college? Make sure you shop at Harry W. Joseph in West Phila for your campus styled Arrow shirts.

Source: eBay

1950s going back to school…..loans advertisment. This ad made me chuckle so I needed to add it to the collection.

Source: eBay

1950s ad for Woolworth’s School Pencils & Pencil Cases.

Source: Pinterest

1930s vintage ad. School wear for Girls from Grace Brothers, Broadway, Sydney 1938 (not a fall ad but a new year school ad).

Source: Pinterest

1940s newspaper ads for Cripe Town Talk Bread – “Back To School, Take a Lunch”.

Source: eBay

Just what every teen wants…to dress like their whole family for back to school. 1962 Minnesota Woven ad.

Source: grayflannelsuit.net

Hope you enjoyed the collection of back to school advertising. Share in the comments what your favourite ad was or a story about your own back to school experience.

Further Reading:

• Vintage Advertising 1920s – 1960s (archived blog post)
• Vintage Back to School posts

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz