1. Coin Purses
In the 1950s, people didn’t have the convenience of plastic cards or mobile pay apps, so carrying coins was a daily necessity. Almost everyone had a small leather or snap-shut coin purse rattling with nickels, dimes, and quarters, perfect for bus fare, soda machines, and a quick candy bar.
Men often carried them in their pockets, while women tucked them into handbags, sometimes decorated with floral patterns or initials. The jingling sound became part of everyday life, a reminder that small change could actually get you pretty far back then.
2. Calling Cards
Long before cell phones made introductions instant, calling cards were the polite way to leave your name and contact information. People carried small stacks of these cards in their wallets or purses, ready to hand out after meeting someone new.
They weren’t just practical, they were a social ritual, especially in certain circles. Receiving one felt formal and proper, as if you’d been officially acknowledged. It’s hard to imagine now, but forgetting your calling card could feel like showing up underdressed.
3. Hair Combs
Many men in the ’50s carried a comb in their back pocket, always ready to slick their hair back into place. With pomade and Brylcreem so popular, that shiny, neat look needed constant touch-ups.
Even women kept small combs handy to smooth out flyaways or freshen up bouffants. Pulling out a comb at a diner booth or in a bathroom mirror was almost a ritual. Grooming wasn’t just private, it was something you did confidently in public.
4. Handkerchiefs
Handkerchiefs were everywhere, folded neatly and ready for use. Men carried them in their suit pockets, and women often had embroidered ones with delicate edges.
They were pulled out for sneezes, to dab away tears, or even offered gallantly to someone else. Today’s disposable tissues have replaced them, but handkerchiefs added a certain touch of charm and practicality that is hard to replicate.
5. Fountain Pens
Even though ballpoint pens were on the rise, many people in the ’50s still carried fountain pens. They were seen as classy and dependable, often tucked into shirt pockets with a little clip showing.
Some pens were even family heirlooms, treasured and refilled again and again. Signing documents or jotting down notes felt a little more important with a fountain pen in hand. It was more than writing, it was a statement.
6. Cigarette Cases
Smoking was incredibly common in the ’50s, and many smokers carried sleek metal cases filled with cigarettes. They added a touch of sophistication, far more stylish than a flimsy cardboard pack.
Opening one up in public felt almost like a performance, complete with offering one to a friend or stranger. While the habit has fallen out of favor, the cases themselves remain little relics of a culture where smoking was everywhere.
7. Pocket Calendars
Instead of checking phones for dates and appointments, people often carried small pocket calendars. These were slim booklets that fit easily in a purse or jacket, filled with neat little squares for each day.
Many were given out by businesses or banks as free promotional items, making them both practical and personalized. Flipping through one felt reassuring, a way to keep life organized without needing technology.
8. Gloves
Yes, gloves weren’t just for cold weather. In the ’50s, women especially carried gloves as part of proper etiquette. They were an accessory expected at church, social events, and even while shopping.
Sometimes gloves were tucked into handbags, other times carried casually by hand. They symbolized polish and respectability, turning even an ordinary outfit into something more refined.
9. Compact Mirrors
Makeup compacts were almost always within reach for women. They combined a mirror with powder, making quick touch-ups possible anywhere.
They often came in beautiful cases, sometimes engraved or decorated, making them as much a fashion accessory as a beauty tool. Opening one in public carried a certain grace, part of the polished image many women maintained.
10. Pocket Knives
For men, a small pocket knife was a surprisingly common everyday item. They were used for opening packages, whittling, or even cutting fruit.
They weren’t thought of as weapons, but as handy tools that could make daily life easier. It’s something that feels unusual now, but in the ’50s, it was almost expected.
11. Prayer Books or Rosaries
Religion was an important part of daily life for many in the ’50s, and people often carried small prayer books or rosaries. They fit neatly in a pocket or purse, ready to be used during a quiet moment.
Carrying one was both a source of comfort and a reflection of values. Today, these items might feel more private, but back then, they were visible reminders of faith.
12. Address Books
A pocket-sized address book was essential before smartphones stored all our contacts. People jotted down phone numbers, addresses, and birthdays by hand.
These little books often became treasured keepsakes, full of messy handwriting and notes in the margins. They were a lifeline for social life, business contacts, and long-distance correspondence.
13. Perfume Vials
Many women carried small vials or atomizers of perfume in their handbags. A quick spritz before a date or a gathering was part of the ritual of being put together.
Perfume was considered a finishing touch, and the tiny glass bottles were often beautiful keepsakes themselves. Carrying fragrance everywhere made everyday life feel just a bit more glamorous.
14. Flashbulb Cameras
Portable cameras were bulkier than today’s phones, but many people carried small models with flashbulbs ready to capture memories. Vacations, birthdays, and everyday fun could all be documented at a moment’s notice.
Changing out the flashbulbs was part of the process, a little awkward but exciting. The anticipation of waiting for developed photos made each shot feel more precious.
15. Sewing Kits
Women, in particular, often carried miniature sewing kits in their purses. A missing button or small tear could be fixed on the go, saving the day.
These kits were tiny, often just a few needles, thread, and safety pins tucked into a case. They symbolized self-reliance and care, qualities deeply valued in that era.
16. Matchbooks
Matchbooks weren’t just for lighting cigarettes, they were also collectible souvenirs. Restaurants, bars, and hotels handed them out freely, often with colorful designs or logos.
Even non-smokers carried them for convenience, since lighting candles or stoves could still call for matches. They became little keepsakes of nights out, vacations, and everyday stops.