The Crossover Appeal Of Mrs. Potato Head

Perhaps the oddest idea for a toy is Mr. Potato Head. George Lerner developed the toy in 1949. It is a plastic model of a potato. The user can decorate it with a variety of plastic parts that can attach to the main body. Originally it contained plastic parts to stick into a real potato. These parts include ears, eyes, shoes, a hat, a nose, and a mouth. Hasbro first manufactured and distributed it in 1952. Mr. Potato Head was one of the first toys advertised on television directed at children.
The crossover appeal of Mr. Potato Head is evidence of how truly popular the character became. The toy has long been used in advertising campaigns. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head also appeared prominently in the Toy Story movies. The toy has also supported