Buzz
Think back to when Mr. Potato Head was just a real potato you could eat, decorated with attachable pieces. Or when 'Captain Action' let you transform into any superhero, as long as you had the outfit. These vintage ads will reignite your childhood toy cravings.
The Dynamic Duo: Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head holds the distinction of being the first toy to ever feature in a TV commercial. It didn’t matter that the original versions used actual potatoes. Over a million units were sold the year the ad aired. Fair warning: if you’re younger, this vintage commercial might be a bit unsettling.
Captain Action
Introduced in 1966, Captain Action came with a catchy slogan: 'So super-powerful, he can transform into nine of the greatest superheroes ever!' However, parents often found the toy costly, as Captain Action required separate purchases for each of his many outfits.
Chatty Cathy
'Let’s play house' was just the beginning. This doll also came with a career outfit—specifically for nursing school. Thankfully, both women’s career opportunities and toy choices have evolved significantly since the 1950s.
Lite Brite
These toys allowed children to unleash their creativity. The only challenge was avoiding spills and stepping on the tiny plastic pieces scattered everywhere.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic and Super Ball
While the commercial might make it look like kids were squeezing toothpaste onto their hands, the gooey substance actually created some impressive bubbles. Super Balls, produced by the same company and featured in the same ad, also provided endless entertainment for countless children.
Captain Midnight and the Secret Squadron
Dreamed of joining the Secret Squadron? All it took was embracing your inner Ralphie and consuming plenty of Ovaltine. Captain Midnight himself declared, 'It’s got what it takes for you to be a leader in your gang.' A statement that likely felt harmless back then.
