Everyone loves The Popples

Popples, those adorable plush toys from the mid-1980s, had the potential to be the Transformers of the stuffed animal world. Imagine toys that could transform from one thing into another, much like the popular Transformers, but alas, Popples never quite lived up to that promise. Instead, they leaned more towards being stuffed animals, even in their ball mode. Yet, despite this, they managed to capture hearts with their vibrant colors and undeniable cuteness.

These cuddly creatures were the brainchild of Those Characters From Cleveland, a subsidiary of American Greetings, and were brought to life by the manufacturing prowess of Mattel. In the world of fuzzy plush toys, they found their niche, gaining a dedicated fan base, especially after the introduction of the Popples Animated Series. Much like the Care Bears and other similar toys, Popples became beloved companions for many.

Recently, Playmates brought Popples back into the market, attempting to recapture the magic of these charming characters. However, the revived Popples, while still colorful, are a mere echo of their former selves. They lack the essence that made the originals so special, reminding fans of the golden era of toys.

Speaking of the golden era, I can't help but think back to the classic mid-80s commercial for Popples. It was a time when commercials had a certain charm, a simplicity that resonated with viewers. While I haven't seen the new commercials for the revived Popples, I find it hard to believe that they could ever match the nostalgic appeal of those iconic ads from the past.

In a world where toys have become increasingly sophisticated, there's something endearing about the simplicity of Popples. They may not have transformed as dramatically as their robotic counterparts, the Transformers, but their enduring charm lies in their cuddly, lovable nature. Even as a pale shadow of their former selves, Popples continue to remind us of a time when toys were more about heart and less about flashy gimmicks. Sometimes, it's the timeless appeal of cuteness and color that truly makes a toy special, and in that department, Popples have always excelled.

They were created by the Those Characters From Cleveland, a subsidiary company of American Greetings, in the in the mid-1980s and were manufactured by Mattel. Like the Care Bears and other fuzzy plush toys they developed a fan base, especially after the addition of the Popples Animated Series.

Playmate’s had recently started selling Popples again, although they are a pale (but still colorful) shadow of their former selves. I have yet to see a commercial for the new Popples, but I cannot imagine them being better then this classic mid-80s one.