Television commercials have been a major part of marketing for decades, but have you ever wondered which toy was the first to be advertised on TV? The answer is Mr. Potato Head. This classic toy made history in 1952 when it became the first children’s toy to be promoted through television advertising.
This topic explores the history of Mr. Potato Head, how it changed toy marketing, and why it remains a beloved classic today.
The Birth of Mr. Potato Head
Who Invented Mr. Potato Head?
Mr. Potato Head was invented by George Lerner, an American toy designer, in the late 1940s. His original concept was quite different from what we see today. Instead of a full plastic toy, Mr. Potato Head was initially just a set of plastic facial features—eyes, noses, mouths, and ears—that children could attach to a real potato or other vegetables.
Lerner struggled to find a company willing to produce the toy. Many manufacturers believed parents would not want their children playing with food. Eventually, in 1952, the Hassenfeld Brothers (later known as Hasbro) bought the rights to Mr. Potato Head and introduced it to the market.
The First Toy Commercial on TV
Why Was Mr. Potato Head Advertised on TV?
In the early 1950s, most toy companies promoted their products through radio, newspapers, and store displays. However, Hasbro saw an opportunity with the growing popularity of television. At the time, many American households were buying TVs, and children’s programs were becoming popular.
Hasbro took a bold step and launched a TV commercial specifically targeting children—something that had never been done before.
Details of the Historic Commercial
- The first Mr. Potato Head commercial aired on April 30, 1952.
- Unlike traditional ads directed at parents, this commercial spoke directly to kids, encouraging them to ask their parents to buy the toy.
- The advertisement was a huge success, and within the first few months, over 1 million Mr. Potato Head sets were sold.
This campaign revolutionized the toy industry, showing that TV advertising could influence children’s buying decisions.
How Mr. Potato Head Changed Toy Marketing
The Power of Television Advertising
Before Mr. Potato Head, toy ads were mainly in print. The success of the TV campaign led to a massive shift in the way toys were marketed. Companies realized that TV ads could create demand directly from children, leading to the rise of “pester power,” where kids influence their parents’ purchasing decisions.
The Birth of Character Branding
Mr. Potato Head became one of the first toys to have a personality in advertising. Instead of just being a product, the character of Mr. Potato Head was marketed as a fun, interactive friend. This approach paved the way for future toy franchises, such as Barbie, G.I. Joe, and Transformers, all of which became successful through TV commercials.
Evolution of Mr. Potato Head
Changes Over the Years
- 1952: The first set only included plastic facial parts—children had to use a real potato.
- 1964: A plastic potato body was introduced, eliminating the need for a real vegetable.
- 1975: The toy was made larger to meet safety regulations.
- 1980s-Present: New accessories, themed versions, and collaborations with movies like Toy Story made Mr. Potato Head a pop culture icon.
Mr. Potato Head in Pop Culture
In 1995, Mr. Potato Head became even more famous when he appeared as a character in Pixar’s Toy Story. The film introduced him to a new generation, ensuring his continued popularity.
The Legacy of Mr. Potato Head
Impact on the Toy Industry
Mr. Potato Head proved that TV advertising could drive massive sales. Following its success, toy companies rushed to create TV commercials for their products, leading to the commercialized toy culture we see today.
Why Mr. Potato Head is Still Popular
Despite the rise of digital toys and video games, Mr. Potato Head remains a classic toy. Its simplicity, creativity, and interactive play style continue to appeal to children and collectors alike.
The story of Mr. Potato Head is more than just about a toy; it’s about how television changed marketing forever. As the first toy to ever be advertised on TV, it revolutionized the industry and influenced how toys are sold to this day.
Even after more than 70 years, Mr. Potato Head remains an iconic part of childhood, proving that sometimes, the simplest toys make the biggest impact.