History's Best Selling Toys of 1952

Hats off to 1952! Few toys commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Mr. Potato Head. Alongside sensationally popular hits like PEZ Dispenser and essential classics, consumers eagerly embraced the mid-century craze and suburban optimism. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Hasbro and PEZ Candy Inc. set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Mr. Potato Head

   Released in 1952 by Hasbro

   On April 30, 1952, inventor George Lerner was granted U.S. Patent 2,639,545 for his "Toy Face for a Vegetable," officially paving the way for one of history's most iconic toys. This date marks the genesis of Mr. Potato Head's commercial journey with Hasbro. The company, then known as Hassenfeld Brothers, launched a revolutionary marketing campaign that would change the industry forever. For the first time, a toy was advertised directly to children on the new and powerful medium of television. This groundbreaking strategy, debuting the very same year, created an immediate sensation, leveraging 'pester power' and transforming a simple kit of plastic parts into a national phenomenon and a must-have item.

2. PEZ Dispenser

   Released in 1952 by PEZ Candy Inc.

   On December 2, 1952, the trajectory of a simple Austrian breath mint changed forever. This date marks the official granting of U.S. Design Patent D168,235 to inventor Oskar Uxa for his 'dispenser for a confection'. While PEZ candy had existed for decades, this patent protected the ingenious idea of placing a character head atop the dispenser. This pivotal innovation transformed PEZ from a functional adult product into a whimsical candy toy for children. The patent paved the way for the first character dispensers, like Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse, which would soon turn PEZ into a pop culture phenomenon and a staple in American candy aisles and toy chests.