When does a house become a museum? Probably when you go back to visit.
Went to the old homestead this past weekend and was amazed at the treasure trove of pop culture kitsch that has been there for most of my life.
Including these little guys.
I have no idea where they came from, though my mom thinks that she sent in Pop Tart labels for them. A quick Google search for “Pop Tart Toys” (and other variations on the theme) yielded nothing, so I’m just posting this hoping for some hits that’ll point me in the right direction.
The figures are painted wood, possibly with a spool base, with cloth and hair glued on. In the picture, I think, are a couple of Mexican banditos (how’s that for a stereotype?), an Uncle Sam, a Little Red Riding Hood, and a Caveman.
The poor toys have lived a hard life and are pretty beaten up, so it’s not like they’re worthy anything more than a memory. But that’s enough.
Does anyone have an idea where these came from? Or does anyone have a hint on where to search for answers? Comment to let me know.
No real information on these guys, per se, but my wife has a few of them, as well- a couple of British- themed ones (Beefeater, Palace guard) and a couple of pirates (I think). She is also pretty sure that they came from Pop-Tarts, but can’t offer any other info, either. So, your Mom’s Pop-Tarts idea is likely accurate, but we haven’t found anything on them, either…
Cool! Thanks for the research. My mom was always ordering stuff like that. I think I have some wacky Welch’s or Kool-Aid cups around here somewhere …
I’ll keep looking (and hopefully you will too) and we’ll get to the bottom of this!
They are from Pop-Tarts, approximately late 60′s, maybe early 70′s. From what I can remember, we would buy Pop-Tarts and cut the stamps on the package to accumulate what was needed. Send stamps in and receive our character – which was a big deal back then. I have the Wee Scotsman and my brother and sister both have the Beefeater. I’ve been looking for these.
Thanks for the info! These things have been around my parents’ house for as long as I can remember. It’s amazing they’ve survived this far!
Thanks for commenting!
I was trying to research these little guys too. Yes, definitely Pop Tarts. We would send for them and couldn’t wait to get them. I sold my collection at a flea market when I was 13 (I’m 50). Wish I would have kept them. So many fun memories. Thanks for posting the picture!
Thank you for reading! I wonder how many proofs of purchase these little guys were.
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I have 7 of these guys from pop tarts collected as kid. Are they worth anything? Can’t seem to find much about them.
I know. I can’t find much about them either. Thanks for posting!
They are absolutely from pop-tarts…I remember them like they were from yesterday!!
Thanks for checking them out! Do you still have any of them? There’s probably a keen market for them!
they are from mid to late seventies pop tarts mail ins…I want the uncle sam one
I don’t actually have them with me. They are at my parents house four states away …
The characters were 2 proof of purchase stamps and I believe 95 cents or so. I sent away for the Uncle Sam when I was around 10. I don’t know what happened to my original, and I actually forgot about them until I stopped a a yard sale in my neighborhood and spotted an Uncle Sam in very good shape, for a dollar! After I paid for it, I told the woman how I remember sending for it when I was a child. I think she regretted selling it at that point. Anyway, I found snap crackle and pop ones from Kelloggs cereal, the Little Red Riding Hood, and a Monk since, So fun to collect, I just wish I knew how many different ones there were? I have searched also, and can not find any official information about them. May try to e-mail Kelloggs???
Awesome story, thank you for sharing! I should email Kelloggs … and keep my eyes peeled at yard sales!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Thanks for posting. I also have the little cave man from the 70s (when I was just a kid) and was wondering myself where it came from; our family recollection is also from Pop Tarts.
Thanks for reading and sharing! I wonder: are yours in better shape than these?
I have five of them. The Brit, pirate, Bandito, one that looks like a sculpter with a black tilted hat and a little guy with a blue hat and glasses that looks like a swarf.
Cool! Is that a complete set?
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I don’t think so since I’ve seen other Pop Tart men that I don’t have.
I had the Wee Scotsman
Cool! What did he look like?
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I have the Wee Scotsman. He is red with a white beard and a plaid flat hat with a pom-pom.
I remember that guy! Thanks for commenting!
try searching for Kellogg’s Mini People 1972 or Little People or Friendly Folks