Looking back at old ads is like flipping through a scrapbook of memories—except some of those memories leave us scratching our heads or laughing out loud. Whether it was their over-the-top claims, awkward wording, or unintentionally funny visuals, these ads from yesteryear are guaranteed to bring a smile. Let’s dive into 12 gems that made us laugh, even if they didn’t mean to.
1. Pond’s “Your Best Weapon in Marriage”
This Pond’s Cold Cream ad had women believing their beauty routine was the only thing standing between them and a failing marriage. It wasn’t subtle—“Keep that man of yours happy!” was basically the subtext. The pressure was real, but now we can’t help but giggle at the dramatic stakes.
2. The Cigarette Doctor Recommends It!
Remember when cigarette companies thought slapping a doctor in their ads would make us feel better about lighting up? “More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette” wasn’t just a tagline—it was a full-blown marketing strategy. Today, the thought of a doctor puffing away between patients is laughably absurd.
3. 7-Up for Babies
Yes, there was a time when 7-Up suggested parents mix soda into baby formula. The ad cheerfully claimed it would make your baby “happier and healthier.” Can you imagine today’s health experts reading that? Talk about a sugar rush for junior!
4. Blatz Beer for Mom
Nothing says wholesome like an ad encouraging mothers to drink beer while nursing their babies. Blatz proudly claimed their beer would help with milk production and energy. Looking back, it’s hard to believe this ad was ever taken seriously.
5. The Creepy Jell-O Salad Era
There’s no single ad to pin this on, but the obsession with Jell-O salads led to some very questionable creations. Meat and veggies suspended in gelatin were presented as the height of culinary sophistication. The ads made it look so appetizing—but let’s be honest, did anyone really want a slice?
6. Lux Soap and Hollywood’s Secret
“Use Lux Soap, and you’ll look like a movie star!” was the gist of every Lux ad. They’d parade actresses like it was some magic potion for fame and fortune. The idea that a bar of soap could get you into the silver screen is as ridiculous as it is charming.
7. Keep Her Where She Belongs
This gem from the 1950s advertised men’s Weyenberg Shoes but decided to throw in some old-school sexism for good measure. The tagline? “Keep her where she belongs.” Apparently, great shoes also kept wives in line. It’s so cringe-worthy it’s almost funny—almost.
8. Get the Kids a Gun!
Toy gun ads from back in the day were unintentionally hilarious in their intensity. “Teach your boy to shoot like a man!” read one. These ads featured grinning kids wielding BB guns with slogans that would horrify any modern parent. Oh, the Wild West days of childhood.
9. “Why Doesn’t My Husband Like Me?”
Women were the target of countless ads that preyed on insecurities, but one for a deodorant took the cake. It posed the question, “Why doesn’t my husband like me?” before suggesting body odor was the issue. Subtle, right?
10. The Horrifying Carnation Breakfast Ad
Carnation once advertised its instant breakfast drink with a slogan that said, “We’re not going to let you starve to death!” The accompanying visuals were equally grim. Thanks, Carnation, for the reassurance, I guess?
11. Is Your Child a Problem Drinker?
An ad for a soda claimed to fix your child’s tantrums. The solution? Keep them happy with a cold, sugary bottle of the company’s finest. Because nothing solves behavioral issues like a caffeine buzz, right?
Listerine: Cure for Your Bachelor Problem
Listerine ads of the 1920s didn’t hold back. One showed a forlorn young woman labeled “Edna” who was still single because of her halitosis. The message? If you didn’t use Listerine, you’d die alone. Poor Edna! While the scare tactics might have sold bottles back then, today they’re more laughable than persuasive.
Old ads remind us just how much things have changed—and they give us a good laugh while we’re at it. Did any of these ring a bell? Or maybe you’ve got another one tucked away in memory that still cracks you up!
