Avon Calling: How Everyday Packaging Became a Collector’s Dream

When most people think of Avon, they imagine the iconic "Avon Calling" catchphrase, neighborhood sales reps, and classic cosmetics. But there’s another side to the brand’s story—one rooted in nostalgia, design, and unexpected value. Avon product packaging, especially from the mid-20th century, has become a beloved and highly collectible category in its own right. What began as a smart marketing strategy turned into a hobby for many and a treasure trove for vintage lovers and collectors alike.

A Brilliant Marketing Move

Avon started in the 1880s as the California Perfume Company, but it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that its packaging design became iconic. During this era, Avon began packaging men’s colognes and women’s perfumes in a wide variety of novelty containers—everything from vintage cars and trains to animals, sports gear, and even patriotic eagles.

Why the quirky bottles? Avon’s marketing genius lay in creating something visually engaging and display-worthy. These containers weren’t just vessels for perfume—they were collectible Avon bottles, designed to double as home décor. Especially for the men’s line, this approach added a sense of fun and uniqueness to the traditional cologne gift.

The Breadth of Avon Collectibles

The variety of vintage Avon collectibles is staggering. Over the decades, the company released thousands of designs, many of which were part of themed collections. There were Wild West-style bottles shaped like cowboy boots, aftershave housed in miniature race cars, and bath oils in ceramic figurines.

Holiday-themed packaging, like Avon Christmas collectibles—featuring snowmen, Santa Clauses, and decorative trees—remain some of the most popular and valuable today.

One standout line is the Avon Cape Cod collection, made of deep ruby red pressed glass. Originally filled with bath oils, powders, and lotions, these elegant pieces are now highly sought after by collectors for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Avon also expanded into porcelain figurines, vintage Avon jewelry, and decorative housewares. While not every piece has high resale value, their retro appeal and link to personal memories keep them in demand among collectors.

What Makes Avon Packaging Collectible?

Several factors contribute to the enduring appeal of collectible Avon products:

1. Unique Design: From bottles shaped like vintage fire trucks to chess pieces and animals, Avon’s creativity in product design makes these items instantly recognizable and display-worthy.
   
   

2. Nostalgia: For many, Avon collectibles bring back memories of flipping through catalogs, trying sample lipsticks, or receiving a bottle of Sweet Honesty as a first fragrance.
   
   

3. Limited Editions: Many of Avon’s designs were seasonal or short-run, making rare Avon collectibles especially valuable when found in good condition.
   
   

4. Crossover Appeal: Some pieces attract non-Avon collectors. For example, a cologne bottle shaped like a vintage locomotive may interest both Avon fans and train memorabilia collectors.
   
   

The Collector’s Scene Today

The community of Avon collectors is alive and well. Online forums, vintage collector groups, and Facebook communities provide platforms for buying, selling, and showcasing prized pieces. eBay Avon collectibles remain a strong market, with some rare finds fetching impressive prices—especially when they come with original packaging and unused contents.

Part of the fun for enthusiasts is the thrill of the hunt. Estate sales, thrift shops, and flea markets are treasure troves for uncovering vintage Avon perfume bottles, novelty items, and themed collections. Collectors are especially drawn to items that are in pristine condition or still full and sealed.

Final Thoughts

Avon’s collectable packaging is a testament to the power of creativity in marketing and design. What began as an effort to boost sales turned into a cultural phenomenon that bridged the gap between consumer product and keepsake. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just someone who remembers the thrill of flipping through a catalog as a kid, Avon’s vintage packaging offers a colorful slice of mid-century Americana that continues to enchant new generations.

So next time you're browsing a flea market or helping a relative clean out their attic, keep an eye out. That quirky little bottle might just be Avon—and it might just be worth collecting.