13 Things You Could Only Buy from the Sears Catalog
The Sears catalog was a treasure trove of unique, sometimes quirky items, offering everything from mail-order houses to motorcycles and even life-saving gadgets. It shaped American consumer culture for over a century.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The Sears catalog, famously referred to as the “Wish Book,” was a revolutionary force in retailing in America, enabling people to shop from the comfort of their living room for anything from homes and cars to exotic animals and apparel. For generations, it was a window into what the American public wanted and wished for, showcasing a selection of products at any given time that were as unorthodox as they were revolutionary. From pre-fabricated homes to mail-order bikes, the Sears catalog not only influenced consumerism but left an indelible stamp on the country’s cultural heritage.
1. Sears Modern Homes (1908–1940) – Mail-Order Houses
Image from USA Today
Yes, Sears literally sold entire houses by mail. Customers could order a fully pre-cut kit home, complete with blueprints, nails, plumbing, and even paint. Over 70,000 of these homes were built across the U.S., and many still stand today.
2. The Acousticon Hearing Aid (1907)
Image from Spurlock Museum
Long before digital hearing aids, Sears offered the Acousticon, a cutting-edge hearing device for its time. It used carbon transmitters and batteries, helping users with partial deafness hear more clearly. This made Sears a pioneer in accessible medical devices.
3. A Ready-to-Assemble Barn (1910s–1930s)
Image from Farm Progress
Similar to their homes, Sears marketed barns that you could construct yourself. Farmers would get all pre-cut lumber pieces, hardware, and step-by-step instructions. It transformed rural building, providing low-cost, efficient farm buildings.
4. The Allstate Automobile (1952–1953)
Image from Wikipedia
In a daring stunt, Sears briefly marketed automobiles—yes, actual automobiles—under the Allstate label. Constructed by Kaiser-Frazer, the tiny cars were sold exclusively by Sears and included Allstate coverage. It was short-lived, but it’s one of the quirkiest catalog listings ever.
5. Sears Motorcycles (1960s)
Image from National Motorcycle Museum
Sears collaborated with manufacturers such as Puch and Gilera to market branded motorcycles. These 2-wheelers were aimed at young adults and teenagers seeking affordable personal transportation. You could have a Sears motorcycle shipped to your doorstep.
6. “Charm School” for Girls (1950s)
Image from Modern Retro Woman
Sears didn’t merely sell stuff—you could take etiquette lessons for young ladies. The course instructed posture, grooming, and social etiquette. It even featured fashion tips using merchandise from the catalog. It was presented as a wholesome road to sophistication.
7. The “Miracle” Baby Chick Incubator (1930s)
Image from Project Gutenberg
Chick hatching for the home front: Sears retailed an electric incubator for hatching eggs right at home. The gadget assured better hatching success rates and included instructional materials on chick-raising. It was great for Depression-era homesteaders looking to increase their food stores.
8. Sears Kenmore Coldspot Refrigerator (1930s)
Image from Oahu Auctions
Invented by industrial icon Raymond Loewy, the Coldspot refrigerator was a bestseller. Sleek in design and high on functionality, it established a new norm for home appliances. Sold only through Sears and one of their own leading in-house brands, it stood out among the rest.
9. The “Tonette” Home Perm Kit for Children (1940s)
Image from National Museum of American History
Sears sold a gentle home perm kit made especially for children. The Tonette enabled mothers to set their children’s hair in fashionable curls at home without the need to go to the beauty parlor. It was incredibly popular with postwar suburban moms and kids.
10. A Full-Size Sailboat (1960s)
Image from ShortyPen Sailboat Guide
Boats in a catalog? Certainly. Sears marketed a 14-foot fiberglass sailboat ready for lake use, with sails and rigging included. People were attracted to the concept of inexpensive outdoor recreation at their doorstep.
11. Sears Exclusive “Silvertone” Guitars and Amps (1930s–1970s)
Image from MyRareGuitars.com
Silvertone instruments were easy for beginners and quite resilient. Countless musicians, including some all-time greats such as Jimi Hendrix and Jack White, learned their trade on mail-order Silvertones. Even the amps came integrated into the case of the guitar—a complete novelty.
12. The “Whirlwind” Vacuum Cleaner (1950s)
Image from Science Museum Group Collection
This strangely futuristic vacuum had transparent components so you could see the dust being pulled in. It was sold as “the cleaner that lets you see it work,” playing on midcentury gadget fascination. Naturally, it was only available to Sears customers.
13. Sears Medic-Alert System (1980s)
Image from Sears
Well ahead of its time, Sears marketed personal emergency alert systems. Seniors could wear a pendant or a bracelet that connected to a call system in case of a medical crisis. It provided peace of mind and independence, handed over directly from the catalog.