If mid-century American advertising is to be believed, the way to your mom's heart is through a toaster. “There's no gift more welcome than an electric appliance,” reads a 1948 ad for Proctor toasters. Or take this gem: “Christmas morning, she'll be happier with a Hoover.” Oh, no thank you! Don't get us wrong, we're passionate about kitchen gear, but unless your mom explicitly asked for a shiny ne...