Polar Dare! from Milton Bradley (1991)
“I want a snack — I’m a hungry bear!”
Vintage Advertising
Remember the toys and games of years past through vintage advertising – for better and for worse!
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.”
Soapsters from Kenner (1976)
In 1976, Kenner released Soapsters, a line of bathtub toys designed for kids ages 2 and up. Suds were generated automatically thanks to moving soft foam rubber wheels.
G.I. Joe Adventure Team Headquarters from Hasbro (1972)
“A radio message from the tower: Adventure Team member caught in quicksand.”
2021 Readers’ Choice: Vintage Advertising (Videos)
Toy Tales readers have spoken! Based on website activity and engagement on social media, here’s our top 5 most viewed videos on the Toy Tales YouTube channel.
2021 Readers’ Choice: Vintage Advertising (Print Ads)
Toy Tales readers have spoken! Based on website activity and engagement on social media, here’s our top 5 most read print ads in the Vintage Advertising category.
The Fisher-Price Movie Viewer
It’s like going to the movies. Only better!
Tree Tots from Kenner Products (1978)
“Folks, I want you to meet some mighty special friends of mine from the magic forest…”
Space Pilot Helmet from Tarco Toys (1952)
In 1952, Tarco Toys allowed you to “whiz through space” with your very own Space Pilot Helmet.
Electronic Hot Shot Basketball from Milton Bradley (1992)
“Now the excitement of real arcade basketball is yours with Electronic Hot Shot Basketball.”
Shoop Shoop Hula Hoop from Wham-O (1977)
WHAM-O reinvigorated the hula hoop craze by adding sound!
Mickey Mouse Talking Phone from Hasbro (1970s)
“Mickey, come over for a party.”
Bionic Beauty Salon from Kenner (1976)
A 1976 ad from Kenner for the Bionic Beauty Salon – the place where the Bionic Woman would unwind after doing battle with the Fembots.
Betty Crocker Easy-Bake Mini-Wave Oven from Kenner Products (1981)
November 4 is National Easy-Bake Oven Day! Enjoy this classic commercial for the Betty Crocker Easy-Bake Mini-Wave Oven from Kenner Products.
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.