Hasbro Mr. Potato Head gets a makeover as the creators transform the iconic children's toy to be more 'inclusive'
Here are some of the changes to the iconic Hasbro Mr. Potato Head toy as it relaunches...
Hasbro Mr. Potato Head has been given a makeover as the toy manufacturers take steps to make the iconic figure gender-neutral and 'inclusive.'
The plastic potato-shaped play toy was launched almost 70 years ago in the early 1950s by the American toy line Hasbro and featured Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head characters. The aim of the play was to allow children to decorate their toy with a variety of plastic parts, including ears, eyes, shoes, a hat, nose, pants, and a mouth.
But in a bid to bring the toy up to date with modern society and equal treatment without discrimination, Hasbro has announced plans for a relaunch of the toy, and there are some distinct changes.
First up, the toy will be going gender-neutral, which means that in the future, it will simply be known as Potato Head, removing the toy's titles from its main branding.
The company confirmed that this was to make sure "all feel welcome in the Potato Head world."
More from woman&home:
- best jewelry making kits - for crafting intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces for yourself or as a special gift
- best sewing machines for beginners - 5 machines to get you started with the hobby
- best eReaders - offer you a whole universe of enthralling reading material at your fingertips, without having to lug around a hefty hardback
A post shared by Hasbro (@hasbro)
A photo posted by on
"The new branding and logo bring a fresh look with a whimsical color palette and will introduce a new product, including creating your own potato head family, to appeal to the modern consumer," a spokesperson for the brand said.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
While the company's overall branding will change simply to "Potato Head," the company confirmed that it will still be releasing both Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head toys.
'I am proud to confirm that MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD aren't going anywhere and will remain MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD,' Hasbro tweeted.
Hold that Tot – your main spud, MR. POTATO HEAD isn’t going anywhere! While it was announced today that the POTATO HEAD brand name & logo are dropping the ‘MR.’ I yam proud to confirm that MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD aren’t going anywhere and will remain MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD pic.twitter.com/6I84KrxOLQFebruary 25, 2021
Speaking about the new features, which will see the new Potato Head family toy launching this fall, includes two large potato bodies, one small potato body, and 42 accessories, Hasbro said it's "a celebration of the many faces of families, allowing kids to imagine and create their own Potato Head family."
The potato family can have up to two parents and a baby, and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has welcomed the gender-neutral move on toy shelves.
"Hasbro's decision to introduce Potato Head as a gender-neutral toy is the latest move in a larger movement towards greater diversity and inclusion in toys and media aimed at kids," Rich Ferraro, GLAAD's chief communications officer, said in a statement. "By offering a toy that exists outside of the binary of male and female, Hasbro is helping kids to simply see toys as toys, which encourages them to be their authentic selves outside of the pressures of traditional gender norms."
Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 15 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She has covered all things Entertainment for GoodtoKnow, Woman&Home and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand.
-
Recent weeks 'precious' for Kate Middleton with 'country walks and snuggles in front of the TV' with George, Charlotte and Louis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been able to relish in precious family time over the Easter break, according to a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
I put the EcoAir DC12 MK3 dehumidifier to the test – and found it's perfect for bedrooms
This quiet dehumidifier punches above its weight when it comes to performance and usability, and won't break the bank.
By Amy Cutmore Published