National Mr. Potato Head Day

National Mr. Potato Head Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to the popular toy. The potato head was also used in various advertising campaigns, firmly entrenched in U.S. culture. The holiday is celebrated on April 30.

History

Who came up with the idea to create Mr. Potato? It was a Brooklyn resident named D. Lerner. Back in the 1940s, he developed the general appearance of the toy, which was based on the use of a vegetable fruit, with additional elements attached. Initially, he was not recognized for his idea, but in 1951 it was appreciated by Hasbro. The company is engaged in the production of stationery and toys. The author was paid an advance of $500 and was also assigned 5% of each set sold.

The history of National Mr. Potato Head Day dates back to 1952. On this day the toy first appeared on television, as an element of advertising. After that occasion, it was released for sale the very next day. The first kits included a real potato and accompanying plastic elements to create Mr. Potato. Subsequently, the toy became plastic with a prefabricated device.

Interesting facts

• The first toys were available for 98 cents. The Potato Mr. himself, by the way, was the first toy to appear in a TV commercial.
• Plastic potatoes appeared in 1964. It became a necessity because there were rules that required the parts to be made less sharp for safety. However, as a result, they were harder to insert into the natural potato.
• Since the 1970s, the set began to include even more elements and components, to create a unique Potato Mr. Potato.

How to celebrate

Get yourself or your children a Potato Mr. toy. Find old advertisements and look through them to see what the toy was like decades ago.

Share the holiday post on social networks. Find out from users, do they like this toy?

When is National Mr. Potato Head Day celebrated in 2024?

National Mr. Potato Head Day is observed on April 30 each year.

Observations