5 Vintage Items You Never Knew Existed

Poison Rings, Rain Bonnets, Sweat Guards—and where to find them today

If there’s one thing I love, it’s finding quirky vintage pieces we no longer use today. I’m always asking my grandma, “What was this used for?” and marveling at how much day-to-day life has changed! Here are my top five favorite vintage oddities, their original uses, and where you can find similar ones online.

1. Vintage Rain Bonnet

One of my first viral videos was about this little gem! Though it might look like a Polly Pocket toy or a treasure chest for lost teeth, it’s actually a rain bonnet. In the mid-20th century, women who had their hair set at the salon every week needed a way to protect their styles for the other 6 days. This tiny, purse-attached case unfolds into a plastic bonnet to shield your hair from the rain. And it conveniently folds right back up when you’re done!

They come in so many Polly Pocket shapes! 10$-18$ a piece here on Etsy!

2. Sweat Guards