What was the first toy to be advertised on television mr potato head

What was the first toy to be advertised on television? Mr. Potato Head.

Have you ever wondered which toy was the first to be advertised on television? Well, you might be surprised to learn that it was none other than Mr. Potato Head! This iconic toy, which has brought joy to children for decades, holds a special place in the history of advertising.

Mr. Potato Head was introduced in 1952 as a novelty toy, created and developed by George Lerner. Originally, it was not a plastic potato figure we are familiar with today. Instead, it was a kit of facial features, hands, feet, and accessories that could be stuck into a real potato or any other vegetable. However, due to the potential risks of food spoilage, the toy was later revised to include a plastic potato body in 1964.

It was in 1952 that Mr. Potato Head made its television debut. The first advert for this innovative toy aired during The Howdy Doody Show on May 2, 1952. This marked the beginning of a new era in toy marketing. No longer limited to print ads and catalogs, toy companies saw the potential of television as a powerful medium to reach millions of households across America.

With its catchy jingle and vibrant visuals, the Mr. Potato Head advertisement captured the attention of children and parents alike. The tagline, “More fun than a barrel of monkeys,” emphasized the imaginative play and creativity the toy encouraged. It became an instant hit, and Mr. Potato Head quickly gained popularity.

The success of Mr. Potato Head’s television advertisement paved the way for other toys to follow suit. Toy companies realized the impact television had on their sales and began investing in commercials to showcase their latest products. Television became an integral part of toy marketing strategies, and advertisers used it to create a desire for their toys among children.

Over the years, Mr. Potato Head has evolved and become a beloved classic. From various themed versions, such as Star Wars and Marvel, to its recent foray into digital media with the “Toy Story” franchise, Mr. Potato Head has remained a staple in children’s playrooms.

So next time you see Mr. Potato Head on a store shelf or in a child’s hands, remember its significant role as the first toy to be advertised on television. It revolutionized toy marketing and opened up a whole new world of possibilities for the industry.