For the rest of us. It’s Ken Day.
Released by Mattel in 1974, the Sunshine Family Home playset echoed the wholesome themes that defined the Sunshine Family line of dolls and accessories.
The family’s love of crafts and the simple life featured prominently in the toy line’s narrative background, and the Sunshine Family Home reflected that spirit. The home was designed in a 1970s country style, with warm tones and rustic details such as wood grain textures and handcrafted decorative elements.
The back of the box invited children to help the family decorate their home through simple craft projects. Materials for these projects were not included with the toy, so children were encouraged to use common household items. Suggestions included growing patio plants in paper cups, using wool to create a rug, making a sofa and chair from milk cartons, and building a dresser from cardboard matchboxes.
A complete playset included a 10″ × 20″ × 20″ cardboard and plastic four-room house (kitchen, patio, bedroom, and living room), along with a bed, table, chair, rocker, highchair, cradle, trunk, curtain rod, decorative labels, and a small idea book of at-home projects. Assembly instructions were also included. Sunshine Family dolls were sold separately.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Although the Sunshine Family had a relatively short production run and was discontinued in 1978, the line was extensive. The collection began with the original family dolls, Steve (dad), Stephie (mom), and Sweets (baby girl). It later expanded to include a baby brother for Sweets, pets, and extended family members. Beyond the dolls, playsets included the home, van, Surrey cycle, and farm. Mattel also expanded the craft theme with accessory packs such as kitchen, gardening, camping, and nursery craft kits.
Watch a vintage commercial for the Sunshine Family Van playset on the Toy Tales YouTube channel.
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