Despite the plane graphics, Beatles photos, and TWA branding, this “vintage souvenir” is a fantasy piece. The J. & G. Meakin maker’s mark dates to 1954-60, and the TWA logo predates 1962 — years before the Beatles’ actual tours. Likely made from real 1950s Meakin ceramics with later decals applied on top. TWA never made Beatles dishware; their real 1965 giveaways were bags, folders, and menus. Fun collectible, but not authentic ’60s merchandise.

The red TWA travel bag with “The Beatles 'To The USA' August 1965” printed on it became a famous souvenir from the band’s second trip to America. Trans World Airlines (TWA) made these bags just for the Beatles’ flight (TWA Flight 703) from London to New York on August 13, 1965—these were never sold in stores.

Going over Beatles buttons and pins could take up pages and pages in any book. These items came in every color, shape, style, size, and version you could imagine, known as ‘buttons,’ ‘pins,’ ‘pin-back buttons,’ etc. We’ll tackle this fantastic collection of items the best we can. Examining the licensing of Beatles buttons in the mid-Sixties is a daunting task. Many buttons were produced, but only a handful were ‘licensed.’

The Beatles made history in 1965 as the first pop group on a metal lunchbox, per the Smithsonian. Aladdin Industries’ aqua-blue “blue” lunchbox and matching thermos, produced 1965-66, used Dezo Hoffmann photos reworked into embossed portraits by artistic director Elmer Lehnhardt. A vinyl “Brunch Bag” alternative and a rival Air Flite version also hit shelves — but the original metal-and-thermos set remains the holy grail collectors chase today.

In 1965, the Colgate-Palmolive Company produced the Beatles' "Soaky Doll" Bubble Bath commercial.

Even in Venezuela, you could find Beatlemania! This 1965 newspaper ad advertised licensed Beatles wigs imported from the United States.