Wishniks were all the rage in the 60's. They were available in all sorts of sizes, from plastic dolls nearly a foot tall to mini-wishniks that fit inside a plastic container that was dispensed by vending machines that took quarters. They were utterly worthless and totally irresistible.
Supposedly, they brought good luck. Whatever. I just know that I used to have a few of them sitting on various shelves in my bedroom. I don't recall my fortunes as being particularly provident.
The troll doll was first produced by a danish woodcutter named Thomas Dam the same year I was born, 1959. Genuine Dam trolls from the period are quite valuable.
It wasn't long before cheap knockoffs appeared, the most prolific of which was the Wishnik.
Even wishniks found themselves cloned, by toymaker Mattel.
One of the Thingmaker series of toys was Creeple People, which let kids make trolls that fit on the end of a pencil out of Plastigoop. Hey, you could tell they were just Wishniks with orifices that allowed a pencil to be, ahem, inserted.
Trolls never really died out. They have had various comebacks over the years. But the early-to-mid 60's was the time when the Wishniks ruled the toy stores.
Comments (2)
So that is the official name for them. I never knew that! I only knew them as a troll doll! And I do remember these things way back in the day. Some were pretty big with long flowing colored hair! I do remember the tiny ones that were in the gumball machines. I remember that you were to rub it's belly for goodluck. I wish I still had these from way back, I know they are collectable!
Posted by Rivers End | May 25, 2009 11:50 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 23:50
Here’s a very small piece of trivia. Wishniks were originally made by Ideal. Mattel bought them out, I presume since I do remember seeing them in late 70s or early 80s with mattel on them. My aunts had trolls and wishniks. I remember trolls come in various sizes as well. Wishniks had all sorts of different suits and clothes. A fisherman, fireman, skier, etc.
AS I think about it, one could get quite funny with creative suits. Homeless wishnik. KKK wishnik. Skinhead wishnik? Thong wishnik. Gang banger wishnik. DarthVader wishnik. Paramilitary wishnik? Could be lots of fun for a sort of MAD magazine parody. Where are the humorists when you need them?
Notice how so much of the boomer culture is now collector items. Isn’t it clear we were and are so great? Oh, and conceited and self absorbed, too. But not me, I’m perfect. And collectible, too. Now I gotta go take my meds. See ya tomorrow, gang.
Posted by Scott Irv | May 26, 2009 1:27 AM
Posted on May 26, 2009 01:27