The Thingmaker by Mattel, introduced in 1963, stands as a classic and innovative toy that left an indelible mark on the world of children’s entertainment. Originally featured as part of the Vac-U-Maker set, the Thingmaker represented a pioneering fusion of creativity, technology, and play.
The Vac-U-Maker set, in which the Thingmaker concept was initially embedded, showcased Mattel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional toy design. By combining the new molds and Plasti-Goop technology with the existing Vac-U-Form machine, Mattel created a multifaceted play experience. The Vac-U-Form machine was a notable toy, utilizing vacuum-forming techniques to shape plastic sheets into simple sculptures. This merging of innovative processes set the stage for the unique appeal of the Thingmaker.
Following the initial introduction within the Vac-U-Maker set, the Thingmaker emerged as a standalone entity, gaining distinction as the “Creepy Crawlers” line. This transition marked the evolution of the Thingmaker into a dedicated and recognizable brand, showcasing Mattel’s strategic vision in catering to children’s growing interest in creative and hands-on activities.
One notable aspect of the Thingmaker’s enduring appeal was Mattel’s astute packaging strategy. The company offered various consumer options, packaging molds separately for individual purchases. Moreover, Mattel created more oversized omnibus editions, such as the “Triple Thingmaker,” “Super Thingmaker,” and “Every Thingmaker,” consolidating molds from different sets into comprehensive collections. This approach allowed consumers to customize their play experience, whether they were interested in specific themes or desired a diverse range of molds.
Throughout the 1960s, Mattel continued to build on the success of the Thingmaker by releasing numerous sets catering to a broad audience. The themes spanned interests that appealed to both boys and girls, showcasing the toy’s versatility. Additionally, introducing exclusive single-mold sets featuring popular characters like Superman and Tarzan demonstrated Mattel’s ability to leverage existing franchises to enhance the Thingmaker’s appeal.
Original concepts like “Squirtles” and “Gangly Danglies” added a whimsical and imaginative dimension to the Thingmaker lineup, further contributing to its charm and popularity. These unique molds allowed children to create a diverse array of colorful and rubbery replicas, fostering creativity and imaginative play.
In conclusion, the Thingmaker by Mattel from 1963 remains a nostalgic icon in classic toys. Its innovative combination of molds, Plasti-Goop technology, and the Vac-U-Form machine provided children with a creative outlet and paved the way for subsequent generations of interactive and DIY toys. The enduring legacy of the Thingmaker lies in its ability to captivate young minds, encourage artistic expression, and exemplify the spirit of play that transcends generations.
~David Albaugh