Above: A Walgreen Co. holiday display window in the 1940s.
After all the gifts are opened and plates cleared, the holidays often turn to reflection and reminiscing. As we get closer to the season’s festivities, join us for a walk down memory lane of Walgreens’ 123-year history as the go-to store with presents for all alongside everyday health and well-being products.
“What struck me while researching Walgreens holiday ads and offerings of past years to today is that really, there are a lot of similarities between the past and the present,” says Mike Weber, Walgreens media production manager, 28+ year team member and Walgreens history nerd. “We see many of the same types of gifts over the years and usually an aim to have something for everyone on your list.”
Take a look at our holiday gifts over the years matched up with their counterparts today, all linked by the timeless goal of spreading seasonal joy conveniently.
1919
Vacuum Bottles and Perfumes Toilet Waters top the list of Christmas suggestions.
Today
Mugs and fragrances are still great gifts, as featured in our online Weekly Ad here.
1926
Military Brushes presented in a special holly box are “sure to please him!”
Today
This compact grooming kit is the latest gift sure to please the dapper gentleman in your life.
1938
Toys for “small fry” and candy are featured in a catalog ad.
Today
Toys and games endure as gifts for the kids in your life and chocolates in beautiful festive packaging for entertaining still fill our shelves.
1930s
In this newspaper advertisement, health and well-being products are spotlighted above gifts as the ad suggests to “Shop early … comfortably … economically at Walgreen’s.”
Today
We know that a healthy you is the best gift you can give to your family and loved ones at the holidays, supported by our seasonal deals on health and well-being products to grab as you pick up last-minute gifts and items for entertaining.
1978
Giant Plush Pets take center stage in these circulars, with “soap-on-a-rope” and personal care gift sets featured as well.
Today
Plush Squishmallows are a popular present for every season these days and the variety of gift sets at Walgreens continues to grow! Sorry, no soap-on-a-rope this year.
*All advertisements included for illustrative purposes only. Find all current products and offers on Walgreens.com now.
