A Little Nostalgia During Christmas – Old School Toys

Growing up in the mid-20th century was arguably the best time to be a kid! The toys and cartoons were fun, creative, and edgy! Here are a few fun facts about these fabulous old school toys that will bring you right back to your childhood, and which you can now also hang on your Christmas tree!

Mr. Potato Head

Fun Facts:

1. Mr. Potato Head was created in 1952, and was the first toy to be advertised on television.
2. Mr. Potato Head began as a set of spiked pieces kids gouged into real potatoes – but this was changed due to complaints about rotten vegetables.
3. In 2008, Mr. Potato Head hung out with all of the 2008 American presidential candidates!

The Chatter Telephone

Fun Facts:

1. Since 1962 The Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone has been the first telephone for more than 26 million people, and is one of the only “telephones” on the market that still has a rotary dial!
2. Chatter Telephone appears in the 2010 animated film Toy Story 3, assisting Woody and his friends in their escape from Sunnyside Daycare.
3. In the Simpsons episode, Moe Baby Blues the Chatter Telephone appears in Maggie’s room. Retro Festive also features a large collection of Simpsons ornaments (Wonderful! They can be reunited once again!)

Raggedy Ann and Andy

1. The original creator and artist, Johnny Gruelle, made Raggedy Ann for his daughter, Marcella, when she brought him an old hand-made rag doll and he drew a face on it.
2. Raggedy Ann was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002. Raggedy Andy joined her in 2007.
3. There is a widespread rumour that some of the first Raggedy Ann dolls possessed real candy hearts with “I love you” printed on them! Just like in the original Raggedy Ann and Andy storybooks!

Betty Boop

1. Long before Marilyn Monroe’s dress was blowing in the wind, Betty Boop’s dress did the exact same thing in the film Betty Boop’s Ups and Downs (1932).
2. In the 1988 production of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Betty Boop was the only character not shown in colour. Obviously, Betty Boop always has to stand out!
3. In her first cartoon appearance, Betty Boop, was a dog character with long floppy ears and great legs!

Keeping the nostalgia alive is what Retro Festive is all about! Check out our entire selection dedicated to old school toys designed as Christmas ornaments.

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