Happy National Mad Hatter Day!
Thingmaker Creepy Crawlers from Mattel (1964)
“Make charming lizard pins or spider rings.”
Tabletop Games, Vintage Toys & Games
Shrieks & Creaks from Golden (1988)
In the Shrieks & Creaks board game, players attempted to escape a haunted mansion by navigating 12 haunted rooms and avoiding misfortune.
Super Jocks from Schaper (1976)
In the mid-1970s, Schaper released a series of sports action games called Super Jocks.
Cameron Smith-Rodewald, PEZ
Cameron Smith-Rodewald collects PEZ. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Cameron shares how a childhood curiosity became a 3,700-piece collection and lifelong passion.
Juliet Lublin, Matt Nuccio, Pillow People
Juliet Lublin is the daughter of Pillow People creator Penny Ekstein and Matt Nuccio is president of Design Edge. In this edition of The Friday Five, Juliet and Matt discuss the return of Pillow Pillow and share how the kidult market influenced the relaunch of the beloved 1980s dolls.
Polly Pocket Celebrated at The Strong’s Worldwide Day of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play welcomed Kate Wiggs, daughter of Polly Pocket creator Chris Wiggs, for a special presentation during its annual Worldwide Day of Play event.
Aqua Pets from Super Impulse
Super Impulse is diving deep into nostalgia by reviving Aqua Pets, the popular interactive water toy.
Pizza Party from Milton Bradley (1987)
“…you better be sharp, you better be quick.”
Re-imagined in 2025 by Super Impulse, the original Aqua Pet toys were released in 2003 by Sega Toys Japan.
The Art of Acquiring: Four Considerations When Buying a Collection
Collector Jody Day offers four considerations when buying an established collection of objects.
Steve Scout High Adventure Scout Base from Kenner (1975)
Kenner’s Steve Scout High Adventure Scout Base was a 28-inch tall log-constructed lookout tower, proportioned to the size of the company’s Steve Scout action figure line.
Playtime is precious. Play builds brain pathways for thinking, creativity, flexibility, empathy, and many other lifelong skills."
— Heather Shumaker
