Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Rigbee's Kiddieland Easter Ad – 1953

Lorain Journal ad from March 25, 1953
Although very young kids probably associate candy with Easter, Rigbee's Kiddieland was hoping that toys could piggyback onto the holiday as well. 'Easter Toys' are front and center in the ad for the store that ran in the Lorain Journal back in late March 1953.

It's an odd assortment, that's for sure. The uncomfortable-looking Kiddie Pedal Kar for $3.98 is more of a trike or scooter than a car, and looks like it was gathering dust in the Rigbee basement since 1918. The Cowboy Bicycle for $24.88 is interesting; it comes with a cork gun, saddle bags and a leather saddle. It's more expensive than the Child's Auto, which ran $13.88 and looked pretty cool. Other Easter-rific gifts include Archery Sets, a Table & Chair Set and a Wading Pool

I like the illustration of the toddler looking out of his wooden Pres-Toe Alcatraz.

Anyway, the only real Easter toys in the ad are the Plush Bunnies, Chicks and Dogs. I don't know what an Easter Dog looks like, but the bunny looks good.

It's much more appealing than today's modern, top-of-the-line Gund Easter Bunny (below) – which looks more like a dust bunny.