History of the Xmas selection boxes

A fascinating archive of vintage selection boxes have emerged to reveal how the common stocking filler was once a luxurious present that families would save all year for.

Families began putting aside money throughout the year to afford the must-have gifts, which became more extravagant as their popularity grew.

Rowntrees provided newsagents and grocery shops with special Christmas Club Cards which buyers used to pay weekly installments towards the selection boxes.

In the 1930s Rowntrees began adding novelty items to the packs such as vases, carriage clocks, and cutlery sets, which acted as keepsakes once the chocolate had been eaten.

They ranged in price from 2 shillings and six pence up to 10 shillings depending on the size of the enclosed gift. (BNPS)

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