Every Kid Wanted this Hot Wheels Belt Buckle back in 1983

In my family, practicality and foresight were the norm when it came to purchasing clothes. My wise mother always had a plan in mind, knowing very well that I would inevitably outgrow pants and shirts. To ensure that I had room to grow into my clothing, she often sized up, which meant that whenever I received a new pair of pants, I almost always needed to wear a trusty belt.

This little quirk of mine turned me into a bit of a belt buckle collector during my childhood days. It was a delightful hobby, and I took immense joy in having a collection of buckles tied to toys and cartoons that I adored. Among my prized possessions was a fantastic Hot Wheels belt buckle, similar to the one featured in the commercial you see here.

Despite my tendency to hold onto most of my beloved toys, I regrettably didn't pay the same attention to my clothing. As the years went by, piece by piece and buckle by buckle, my once beloved clothes found their way to Goodwill or were passed on to other kids. I can't quite pinpoint the exact moment when my cherished Hot Wheels Belt Buckle bid its farewell, but alas, it did.

However, amidst the departures of my other buckles, I still have one in my possession. This particular treasure was found at the bottom of a bag that was meant to be donated but somehow got overlooked and spent decades stashed away in our basement. Featuring an iconic image of E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial, this buckle managed to survive the test of time, even though the belt it was once attached to had been cracked and destroyed. I'm now determined to give it a new life by finding a properly sized piece of leather to reattach it to.

Who knows, this fortuitous discovery of my E.T. buckle might ignite a spark within me to rekindle my passion for collecting all the belt buckles from my youthful days. Each buckle carries its own little piece of history, a tangible connection to the toys and cartoons that once brought immense joy and wonder into my life. Perhaps, as I embark on this quest to reunite with the memories of my past, I'll rediscover the simple pleasures that made childhood so magical!