I just found these four 1953 adverts for Ideal/Bakelite dolls. The ventriloquist dummies are simply fearful, and the bear’s not much better!
“Barbie’s $136 wardrobe from nurse to nightclubber.” I found this article about Barbie in Life magazine, published in August 1963.
I came across this fearful 1970’s styling head recently. I love the packaging with the housewife-to-hooker before and after effect. Produced by Amsco (Milton Bradley) in 1971, it was just one of the many merchandising products released for the US TV show “Family Affair” in which Buffy was one of the characters.
With Halloween just a few days away, I thought it would be fun to look up some 1980’s & 1990’s TV, toy and movie based fancy dress sewing patterns. They range from fun to the down right bizarre!
Whilst I was scanning through my collection of 1960’s catalogues for a Powder Monki post featuring Lurid Lounge Wear, I also came across a selection of lurid coloured toys too. I’m now on the look out for the pink goose bank!
Like any normal human being, I have a healthy hatred of clowns. One stood on my foot once, and then there was Poltergeist. That said, here is a collection of clowns from various catalogues dating from 1962 to 1989. My favourite clowns are the ones being punched by small boys.
“Create your own masterpiece in just 3 seconds!” Here’s a selection of Easter egg decorating kits from the 1980’s, featuring the likes of Rainbow Brite, Hugga Bunch, Care Bears and more!
“When they named a game after me, it had to be built!” Elvira And The Party Monsters pinball machine was produced in 1989.
“Your fist becomes a real face.” I came across this little game yesterday. Produced by Remco in 1966, the box consisted of very little: four plastic nose-eye combos, a bit of fur, an old rag and a pen – “for hours of play and fun”. Well, it’s better than a punch in the face, I guess.
“Cards – Stickers – Bubblegum” Here’s a selection of horror movie themed trading card wrappers by Topps from the 1980’s.
“A fitness programme for today’s young girl.” During the mid to late 1980’s, Hasbro produced a line of fitness sets aimed at young girls.
The back of Boys’ Live magazine advertised everything from an ALF fan club membership and Nintendo strategy play book, to garlic bubble gum and windshield wiper glasses. You could also buy your own official nickname, a fetching pair of leather fingerless gloves, and a ventriloquists dummy which looks a bit like Sloth from Goonies.
“You’re on the road with Journey, one of the world’s hottest rock groups. A spectacular performance has just ended. Now it’s up to you to guide each Journey Band Member past hordes of Love-Crazed Groupies, Sneaky Photographers, and Shifty-Eyed Promoters to the safety of the Journey Escape Vehicle in time to make the next concert. Your mighty manager and loyal roadies are there to help, but the escape is up to you!”
“The beautiful hairstyling doll.” These Kenya doll adverts by Tyco are from 1992-95.
Giant Glow-Up Costume KitsThese crazy Halloween costumes were produced in 1979/1980 by Spearhead Industries.
As random toy finds go, this tickled all the right spots (a-hem)! Bum Bum Gang was a Russian Roulette balloon game by Giochi Preziosi, made in the late 1980s in Italy.
Here’s a wonderful six page spread from Mattel I found in a LIFE magazine dated November 24th 1967. Shame it’s forty eight years too late to enter!
“Get in on the swinging sound!” Here’s a selection of images featuring children playing musical instruments from various catalogues dating from 1970-90’s.
I stumbled across this delightful selection of boardgames in the 1976 Argos catalogue, which I was browsing (as you do). I was immediately captivated by Brucie’s little smiling face and had to learn more!
“Kids! This Halloween you can be the creatures you really are!” PAAS Halloween make-up kits were produced from 1984, and there were six different sets made at first.
“Have fun with things occult.” Here is a selection of scary boardgames from various catalogues ranging from the 1960’s-70’s.
“This Halloween don’t be just another face in the crowd.” These makeup kits were aimed at adults and came with glitter and metallic colours. They were produced by Plough in 1985 and 1987.
Ahh, Halloween. That time of year when you dig out the old flame retardant vinyl costumes and creepy, creepy face masks of your favourite childhood toys…
“She’ll wash clothes, run water, turn knobs! Busy, busy in her Frigidaire kitchen! It’s all pink… and just her size!”From mothers little helpers to mini gourmet chefs, here’s a collection of toy kitchen sets from 1962 to 1989.
“Crank out and paint these plastic uglies.” Here is a selection of different types of monsters from various catalogues ranging from the 1960’s-70’s.
“All kinds of robots are on the move.” Here is a selection of toy robots from various catalogues ranging from the 1960’s-70’s.
This large full page ad for Woolworths toys is from the Daily Express, Friday November 20th 1959.
