National Mr. Potato Head Day

National Mr. Potato Head Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to the popular toy. Mr. Potato Head has been used in various advertising campaigns and has become a staple of U.S. culture. The holiday is celebrated on April 30.

History

Who came up with the idea to create Mr. Potato Head? It was a Brooklyn resident named George Lerner. In the 1940s, he developed the concept of a toy based on a vegetable—specifically, a potato—with attachable plastic parts. Initially, his idea wasn’t well received, but in 1951, Hasbro, a company known for making toys and stationery, saw its potential. Lerner received a $500 advance and 5% royalties on each set sold.

National Mr. Potato Head Day dates back to 1952, when the toy made its first television appearance as part of an advertising campaign. The day after the TV ad aired, the toy was released for sale. Early kits included a real potato with plastic parts for creating Mr. Potato Head. Eventually, the toy was redesigned using a plastic potato for safety and convenience.

Interesting Facts

• The original Mr. Potato Head kits were sold for 98 cents. Interestingly, Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on television.
• Plastic potatoes were introduced in 1964 because safety regulations required the parts to be less sharp, making them harder to insert into a real potato.
• In the 1970s, the toy sets began including more accessories and components to allow for more creative and unique Mr. Potato Head characters.

How to Celebrate

Buy a Mr. Potato Head toy for yourself or your children. Look up old advertisements to see how the toy has evolved over the years.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask your followers if they have fond memories of playing with Mr. Potato Head.

When is National Mr. Potato Head Day in 2025?

National Mr. Potato Head Day is observed on April 30 each year.

Observations