National Mr. Potato Head Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

In the 1940s, George Lerner of Brooklyn invented the "funny face man," a character made by inserting pronged body and facial components into a fruit or vegetable. Lerner's proposal was rejected. In 1951,

National Mr. Potato Head Day has been observed annually on April 30 since 1952, when Mr. Potato Head made his television debut. This television advertisement featuring Mr. Potato Head was the first to specifically target children. This holiday celebrates the beloved toy that revolutionised advertising. It has a plastic potato body that can be customised with a variety of plastic accessories, including a headdress, nose, mouth, eyes, ears, and even feet! Over time, the inventory of additional accessories has expanded to include automobiles and boat trailers.

The background of National Mr. Potato Head Day

In the 1940s, George Lerner of Brooklyn invented the “funny face man,” a character made by inserting pronged body and facial components into a fruit or vegetable. Lerner’s proposal was rejected. In 1951, he presented his idea to Hasbro toy and school supply company proprietors Henry and Merrill Hassenfeld. In addition to a $500 advance, Lerner was offered a 5% royalty on each kit sold. The toy was given the appellation Mr. Potato Head.

On April 30, 1952, Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to feature in a television commercial. It was also the first television advertisement directed at children as opposed to parents. The toy was distributed the day after the advertisement for $0.98. There was no plastic potato included, so an actual potato was required. Mr. Potato Head toy kits included four noses, three hats, two pairs of eyes, mouths, ears, feet, hands, a plastic pipe, plastic eyeglasses, and eight pieces of felt for facial hair.

In the 1960s, government regulations mandated that potato-penetration tools be less pointed, making them more difficult to use. As a response, a plastic potato was introduced to the packaging of toys in 1964. In 1975, as a result of new safety regulations in the 1970s, the size of potatoes doubled, as did the size of their attachments.

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NATIONAL MR. POTATO HEAD DAY ACTIVITIES

Enjoy yourself with Mr. Potato Head

This is the appropriate time to engage with Mr. Potato Head. You could either play with the object you had as a child or buy a new one.

Watch the “Toy Story” franchise on repeat.

You could also host a “Toy Story” movie marathon with your friends. Observing the “Toy Story” films will convey you back to your youth.

Visit a toy museum

Visit the National Toy Hall of Fame or the Classic Toy Museum to make the most of this holiday. Take pictures of the toys and games on exhibit and share your experience on social media.