The Mattel Archive

I admit it. I’m a big kid. I still love toys. At one time in the earlier days of my blog I used to get cases of toys from various manufacturers to review.

As toy prices escalated and more and more ‘websites’ (of questionable authenticity and reputation), began requesting toy review samples my supply of review samples almost dried up.

Once in a while I get a few review samples. I mostly post reviews of toys I already have.

Over the years I’ve downsized my collection considerably and stopped buying toys because they are getting too expensive even for small action figures.

One of my biggest and earliest toy review samples supporters was Mattel Toys. I used to get literally cases of toys from the company to review including Hot Wheels. Sadly those days are over.

But, I still love Mattel Toys and I understand the business end of things.

In Rizzoli’s/Universe’s new deluxe hardbound book The Mattel Archives readers are invited to travel back through the decades to Mattel’s humble beginning.

Discover how the company grew, introduced revolutionary products like Barbie, expanded its toy-line, changed with the times, acquired new properties and smaller companies, incorporated technology and boldly stepped into the future.

Enjoy looking at the old catalogs, photos and advertising images of Mattel Toys from the past to the present.

Printed on non-gloss paper the book’s images look somewhat dated adding to the nostalgia appeal.

I remember so many of the toys and the thrill of getting some of them on my birthday and Christmas, sharing and playing with my toys with my friends and anticipating the holiday new toy releases each year.

What a wonderful journey back in time made even more enjoyable by the vintage images and photos, accompanying text and even the smell of the ink on the paper.

Soak it up and enjoy a step back to your childhood and the excitement you felt when looking at the toys Mattel produced.

Barbie, He-Man, Fischer Price, Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, Mega Blocks, Thomas The Train and hundreds of other toys, games, diecast, dolls and more are included. Let’s play!

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.