In 1973, Remco produced the Mickey Mouse Candy Factory set, a toy that encouraged kids to make their own sweet treats, with no batteries or electricity required.
The toy was designed to resemble a factory, including an industrial façade and roof-top water tower. Fun exterior embellishments added to the realism, such as factory signs with images of Mickey Mouse and pretend peek-through windows that revealed the inner workings of the candy factory.
Kids guided a candy tray along the path at the side of the toy. The powdered candy mix and water were poured into the water tower and mixed together. A hand crank on the back of the factory was then used to deposit the mix into the candy mould. Once filled, the mould was carefully slid out of the unit and left to harden on a countertop. The resulting treats were bite-sized oval candies that featured the likenesses of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and other popular Disney characters, which were integrated into the mould design.
The toy’s operation was easily powered by a child. No batteries or electricity meant that no heat was generated in the candy-making process, eliminating the risk of burns.
A Mickey Mouse Candy Factory set included one plastic factory unit, three candy mould trays, a measuring cup and spatula, five powdered candy mixes, and a small plastic tablecloth with illustrations. The candy mixes could also be purchased separately so kids could replenish their supplies for the next candy-making session. Printed instructions were included in the box.
The set was Remco’s entry into the burgeoning toy category of miniaturized appliances that allowed kids to make edible fare, emulating the adults in their lives. Similar toys included the Easy-Bake Oven from Kenner (1963), Pretzel-Jetzel from Transogram (1965), Suzy Homemaker Super Safety Oven from Topper Toys (1966), Junior Chef See-It-Bake Oven from Argo Industries Corp. (1971), and The Taffy Machine from Kenner (1975).
Note: If you buy something using the eBay link in this story, we may earn a small commission.