Genuine Los Angeles Smog

A gag gift from 1958. Cans of the stuff occasionally pop up on eBay, though none are currently available.

More info: kcet.org

Honolulu Star-Bulletin - Apr 24, 1958

Colorado Daily Sentinel - Jun 22, 1958

Posted By: Alex - Thu Jul 07, 2022 - Comments (4)
Category: Gifts, Presents, Tributes, and Other Honoraria, Urban Life, 1950s

Lyndon Johnson’s go-to gift

President Lyndon Johnson met with Pope Paul VI on Dec 23, 1967. The two spoke for over an hour and then exchanged gifts. The Pope gave Johnson a sixteenth-century painting of the Nativity. Johnson, in return, gave the Pope a small bust of himself, Lyndon Johnson.

Pope Paul VI admiring the LBJ bust he just received

It struck people at the time (and ever since) as odd for Johnson to give a bust of himself as a gift to the Pope. But, in fact, the Pope wasn't the only recipient of this bust. It was Johnson's go-to gift for just about everyone: world leaders, congressmen, white house aides, etc. He traveled with a box of them, so he would always have one at hand.

The busts were replicas of a lifesize bust created by sculptress Jimilu Mason. In case you'd like to give one as a gift, they're available for purchase from the Johnson Presidential Library — only $150 each.

More info: Dead Presidents blog

Jimilu Mason poses with her bust of LBJ

Arizona Republic - Jan 14, 1968

Posted By: Alex - Wed Oct 06, 2021 - Comments (2)
Category: Art, Statues and Monuments, Gifts, Presents, Tributes, and Other Honoraria, 1960s

Rolls Royce Gift Card

Source of story.

Apparently still a thing these days, but in digital format.

Posted By: Paul - Sat Jul 15, 2017 - Comments (2)
Category: Gifts, Presents, Tributes, and Other Honoraria, Motor Vehicles