Barbie & Francie Color Magic Fashion Designer Set (1966)
Designed to appeal to budding junior fashion designers, Color Magic kits allowed children to change the colour or decorations of Barbie’s outfits on a whim.
Vintage Advertising
Remember the toys and games of years past through vintage advertising – for better and for worse!
Dare Brothers Fly Glider from Mego (1975)
“Dare Brothers, imagine you’re one of them. Dare Brothers, fly in the sun with them.”
Blaze from Mattel (1961)
In 1961, Mattel released Blaze, a talking horse that wasn’t named Mr. Ed!
Hall of Justice Playset from Mego (1976)
“You can bring Superman in, pretend he checks the map, and dials up a villain.”
Snoot-Flute from Par Beverage Corp. (1940s)
This novelty music maker was like a kazoo for your nose.
SSP Racers from Kenner Products (1972)
“Now, when you pull that t-stick, those SSP Racers howl with power.”
The Imposters
“Suddenly a mild mannered street machine changes into nearly a foot of road gobbling racing machine.” They were kind of like Transformers… before Transformers!
K’NEX Construction Sets from K’NEX (1994)
“K’NEX — the new snap-together color-coded construction set.”
V-RROOM! by Mattel (1963)
In 1963 Mattel released the V-RROOM! series of vehicles with a common attribute: the sound of a roaring engine.
Incredible Crayon Maker from Canada Games (1995)
“Now you can make your own fun by making your own crayons.”
Green Hornet Signal Ray from Colorforms (1966)
This 1966 in-store advertisement promotes the Green Hornet Signal Ray from Colorforms.
Batman Returns Figures and Vehicles from Kenner Products (1992)
“Purrfect getaway.”
Big Jim U.S. Olympic Ski Run from Mattel (1974)
Released in 1974 from Mattel, the Big Jim U.S. Olympic Ski Run brought “scarifying ski jumps and downhill runs” to the 10-inch action figure line.
Polar Dare! from Milton Bradley (1991)
“I want a snack — I’m a hungry bear!”
Electronic Snoopy Playmate from Hasbro (1980)
Released in 1980 from Hasbro, the Electronic Snoopy Playmate was an electronic activity center for children ages 3 and up.
Mr. Potato Bug, Fish, and Bird from Hasbro (1970)
“Hey, Mr. Potato Head! What do you got for us?”
Pee-Wee Herman Talking Doll from Matchbox (1987)
In 1987, Matchbox released the Pee-Wee Herman Talking Doll, part of a line of products based on the Emmy Award winning TV show, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.
Snoopy Pencil Sharpener from Kenner Products (1972)
“Ever since I got my new Snoopy Pencil Sharpener, life just hasn’t been the same.”