This television commercial starring Mr. Potato Head was the first advertisement that targeted children specifically. This holiday honors the beloved toy that changed the face of advertisement.
Featuring a plastic potato body, it has a variety of other plastic parts that can be attached to it — like a cap, nose, mouth, eyes, ears, and even feet! The list of additional accessories has grown over time to include items such as a car and a boat trailer!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD DAY
American inventor George Lerner of Brooklyn, New York came up with the concept of a "funny face man" in the 1940s, a character created by inserting pronged body and face components into a fruit or vegetable. Unfortunately, Lerner's suggestion was turned down.
In 1951, Hasbro® toy and school supply company. Lerner was offered a $500 advance ($4,848.57 today), as well as a five percent royalty on each kit sold. Mr. Potato Head was the moniker given to the toy.
Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to appear in a television commercial on April 30, 1952. It was also the first television commercial aimed at children rather than parents.
The toy was released the day following the ad for $0.98 ($9.50 today). There was no plastic potato included, so you had o use a real potato.
Four noses, three hats, two sets of eyes, mouths ,ears, feet, hands, a pipe, eyeglasses (which were made of plastic), and eight pieces of felt for facial hair were all included in the toy kits of Mr. Potato Head.
In the 1960s, government rules mandated that the parts less pointed, making it more difficult to penetrate potatoes.
In 1964 a plastic potato was added to the toy package as a reaction.
In the 1970s, new safety standards led to the doubling the potato's size in 1975 as well as an increase in the size of the attachments.
NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD TIMELINE
1940s - Mr. Potato Head is Conceptualized
Lerner of Brooklyn comes up with the idea of Mr. Potato Head.
1951 - Mr. Potato Head Gets His Name
The toy gets the moniker 'Mr. Potato Head'.
1952 - The first toy on T.V.
Mr. Potato Head became the firs toy to be advertised on television on April 30, 1952.
1960s - Blunt Parts for Mr. Potato Head
Government rules mandate that the toy's attachable parts be less jointed, making it more difficult to puncture potatoes.
1975 - Mr. Potato Head Doubles in Size
New safety standards lead to the doubling of the toy potato's size and attachments.
NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD DAY FAQS
Q. When did the first Mrs. Potato Head come out?
A. Mrs. Potato Head came out in 1953.
Q. How many is Mr. Potato Head made up of?
A. Mr. Potato Head is made up of thirteen parts.
Q. Why can't you say 'Mr. Potato Head' anymore?
A. Hasbro® is ensuring that everybody is welcome the Potato Head university removing the "Mr." from the Mr. Potato Head brand name and logo. This was donut promote gender equality inclusiveness.
NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD DAY ACTIVITIES
1. Have fun with Mr. Potato Head
This is the right occasion to play with a Mr. Potato Head toy. You could either use the toy you had as a kid or maybe purchase a new one.
2. Binge watch the "Toy Story" series
You may also invite your buddies over for a "Toy Story" marathon. Watching the "Toy Story" movies will transport you back to your childhood.
3. Visit a toy museum
Visit the Classic Toy Museum of the National Toy Hall of Fame to make the most of this national holiday. Click photos of the toys and games displayed over there and share your experiences on social media.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MR. POTATO HEAD
1. Mr. Potato Head is married
Mrs. Potato Head is Mr. Potato Head's spouse.
2. He was part of the Macy's Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade featured a Mr. Potato Head balloon from 2005 to 2007.
3. Inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame
In 2000, Mr. Potato Head was given a place in the National Toy Hall of Fame in The Strong in Rochester, New York.
4. Mr. Potato Head has become health conscious
In 2011, Mr. Potato Head went on a diet to lose weight and become more slimline.
5. Mr. Potato Head has many avatars
Mr. Potato Head is also available in other versions inspired by Buzz Lightyear, Spider-Man, and many other animated characters.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD DAY
A. It improves a child's motor skills
Holding the attachable pieces and putting them into the right places on Mr. Potato Head can develop children's fine motor skills. Depending on the child's age, this toy can be used for many types of play.
B. It instills awareness of bodies
When children can actually hold the toy's body parts, learning about them becomes a little easier. Playing with Mr. Potato Head makes identifying the names of each body part and their proper places a breeze.
C. Toys hold happy memories
Toys are a big part of our childhood. They hold memories of having a good time when playing alone or with friends.
NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD DAY DATES
April 30, 2021
April 30, 2022
April 30, 2023
April 30, 2024
April 30, 2025
April 30, 2026
April 30, 2027
April 30, 2028
April 30, 2029
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