Penneys Toyland – 1965

Ad from the Journal, November 25, 1965

Do you have to do any Christmas shopping for kids these days?

I'm glad I don't. I wouldn't have the slightest idea as to what kids want for Christmas. I'm guessing it would be some kind of high-tech toy or gaming system.

But things were a lot simpler when it came to shopping for us Baby Boomers in the 1960s. There were plenty of TV commercials with the latest and trendiest toys; the Sears catalogue could be counted on to have an incredible selection; and lastly, there were lots of gift ideas right in the newspaper ads, since everyone read the paper each night back then.

And above you see what Penneys was offering, toy-wise, at Christmas time in 1965.

It's an interesting selection. 

Secret agents were very much in vogue back then, with James Bond on the big screen and Get Smart and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on the little TV screen. So we have the Secret Sam Spy Outfit.

Talking dolls were still big, even though it had been five years since Mattel introduced its first talking doll (Chatty Cathy) in 1960. For 1965, we had Chester O' Chimp – an "animal yacker" that makes "11 different smart remarks." (As someone of Irish heritage, I'm not sure whether I should be a wee bit offended or not.)

Ideal Toys gave us Tigeroo, to make a bike sound like a tiger, I guess. 

I like how the ad copy slightly appropriates the Humble "Put a Tiger in Your Tank" slogan.

Of course there were the usual toys geared specifically to boys or girls. Boys were expected to be interested in cars and trucks, so there was Duffy's Daredevils and the Johnny Express tractor-trailer (and its various accessories).

For girls, of course, there was.. Baby First Step! Over the years she had various 'do's and eventually became as gabby as that yackin' simian, Chester O' Chimp.

Lastly, the most boring game hands down being pitched by Penneys had to be, er, Hands Down!

All toy photos courtesy of eBay.