14 Products You Could Only Get Through Mail Order
These 14 unique products were once exclusively available via mail-order catalogs, highlighting how they transformed shopping in the pre-digital era.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Before the convenience of online shopping, mail-order catalogs were the gateway to a world of products for many households. This listicle explores 14 distinctive items that could only be acquired through mail order, from entire homes to quirky gadgets. These products not only showcase the innovation of the time but also reflect the evolving consumer culture.
1. Sears Catalog Homes
Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Between 1908 and 1940, Sears sold over 70,000 kit homes through their catalogs. Buyers received all necessary materials and blueprints to construct their own houses, revolutionizing homeownership in America.
2. Thonet’s Bentwood Chair
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Introduced in the mid-19th century, Thonet’s elegant bentwood chairs became widely accessible through mail-order catalogs, bringing European design into homes worldwide.
3. Columbia Record Club Subscriptions
Siameselover on Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 1955, the Columbia Record Club allowed music lovers to receive vinyl records by mail, pioneering the subscription model for music distribution.
4. FAO Schwarz Toy Catalogs
WhisperToMe on Wikimedia Commons
FAO Schwarz brought joy to children by offering a wide array of toys through their mail-order catalogs, making holiday shopping more accessible for families.
5. Montgomery Ward’s General Merchandise
Montgomery Ward on Wikimedia Commons
As one of the pioneers of mail-order retail, Montgomery Ward’s catalogs offered everything from clothing to farm equipment, serving rural customers across America.
6. Johnson Smith Company Novelties
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Known for quirky gadgets and novelties, Johnson Smith’s catalogs were a treasure trove of unique items, captivating customers with their eclectic offerings.
7. Hammacher Schlemmer Innovations
Hammacher Schlemmer on Wikimedia Commons
Long before tech went mainstream, Hammacher Schlemmer’s catalog offered wild gadgets. Customers could order things like motorized ice cream makers and infrared grills, which made them feel like they were shopping in the future.
8. Spiegel Fashion Catalogs
Spiegel on Wikimedia Commons
Spiegel brought runway-inspired style straight to your living room. Their glossy pages showed off chic outfits you could order without ever facing a dressing room, giving shoppers a new kind of fashion freedom.
9. Whole Earth Catalog
Akos Kokai on Wikimedia Commons
The Whole Earth Catalog was more than a catalog; it was a cultural moment. It gave readers tools and resources for self-sufficiency, from solar panels to compost bins, and it shaped the way a generation thought about living off the grid.
10. L.L.Bean Outdoor Gear
L.L. Bean, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
L.L.Bean’s catalogs were must-haves for outdoor lovers. They promised gear tough enough for harsh weather and long adventures. You knew if it came in that iconic catalog, it would last.
11. Radio Shack Electronics
Mike Mozart on Wikimedia Commons
Before online tech stores, there was Radio Shack, and its catalog was gold for tinkerers. It had everything from radio parts to early personal computers, helping fuel the curiosity that built the modern tech world.
12. Victoria’s Secret Lingerie
PCHS-NJROTC on Wikimedia Commons
Victoria’s Secret changed the game by offering elegant lingerie through discreet mail-order catalogs. Women could shop confidently, privately, and stylishly from their homes. The catalog made self-expression feel both personal and empowering.
13. Blue Chip Stamp Catalog Rewards
Helena Lopes on Pexels
Collecting Blue Chip stamps turned grocery shopping into a points game. You’d stick them in booklets and trade them for everything from blenders to bicycles. It was like a treasure hunt that showed up in your mailbox.
14. Charles Atlas
Blue Chip Stamp Catalog Rewards on Pexels
Charles Atlas promised to turn “97-pound weaklings” into muscle-bound heroes—all through a course delivered by mail. His program came in printed lessons, inspiring readers to flex their willpower and biceps. For many, it felt like unlocking superhero potential right from the kitchen table.