10 Prizes Found in Cereal Boxes That Were Actually Cool

In past decades, cereal companies included physical prizes inside boxes to attract young buyers. These items were often simple but interesting enough to keep kids engaged beyond breakfast. Some even became part of childhood culture and are remembered by collectors today.

1. Mini Vinyl Records

Shushushu on Wikimedia Commons

In the 1960s and 1970s, cereal brands like Post printed thin vinyl records directly on their boxes. These records could be cut out and played on standard turntables. The songs included popular characters or music created specifically for children. They were fully functional and worked like regular records.

2. Spy Decoder Rings

Genevieve on Wikimedia Commons

Spy decoder rings were included in boxes from brands like Cheerios and allowed kids to decode secret messages. These rings were often tied into TV shows or promotional storylines from the time. The decoding system usually involved matching numbers to letters. They were simple to use and encouraged kids to create secret notes.

3. Wacky Wall Walkers

YTE Events and Balloon Decorating on Wikimedia Commons

Wacky Wall Walkers were soft, sticky toys made from a rubber-like material. When thrown against a wall, they slowly moved downward while flipping over. These toys were first included in cereal boxes in the 1980s after becoming popular in toy stores. They were inspired by a Japanese design and were mass-produced for promotional use.

4. Bike Spoke Beads

Lana Kravchenko on Pexels

Cereal companies included plastic beads that could be snapped onto the spokes of a bicycle wheel. As the bike moved, the beads made a clicking sound that changed with speed. They came in different colors and were easy to attach. These beads were especially popular among children learning to ride.

5. Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers

Sticker Mule on Wikimedia Commons

Glow-in-the-dark stickers were included in some cereal boxes during the 1990s. After exposure to light, the stickers would emit a soft glow in dark rooms. Common themes included stars, planets, and cartoon characters. Many children used them to decorate walls, notebooks, or bedroom ceilings.

6. Mini Comic Books

Diskusfisch on Wikimedia Commons

Tiny comic books were added to cereal boxes by companies like Kellogg’s in the 1970s and 1980s. These comics were often printed in color and featured superheroes or cartoon characters. They were usually short but included full stories. Some of them are now collected and sold online by fans of vintage comics.

7. Punch-Out Games

Xabi Vazquez on Wikimedia Commons

Cardboard punch-out games were designed to be removed from the box and assembled. These included small puzzles, target games, or paper dolls. They required no batteries and were simple enough for young kids to enjoy. The games added extra value to the packaging without increasing production costs.

8. Toy Race Cars

Les Chatfield on Wikimedia Commons

Small plastic race cars were included in cereal boxes during the 1980s and 1990s. They were lightweight but had real wheels that allowed them to roll. Some boxes promoted collecting different styles or colors. These toys were often used for homemade races on kitchen floors or ramps.  

9. 3D Viewers

L’Ospite Inatteso on Wikimedia Commons

Mini 3D viewers were sometimes included in cereal promotions and came with cardboard reels or slides. They used plastic lenses to create a 3D visual effect when held up to the eyes. The images showed animals, space scenes, or action characters. These were rare but remembered by those who received them.

10. Color-Changing Spoons

Judesba on Wikimedia Commons

Color-changing spoons were added to cereal boxes during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They changed color when exposed to cold milk due to a special material in the plastic. The spoons were safe to use and often themed with cartoon characters. Many children kept them as part of their daily breakfast routine.

• Tags:
• Toys
• vintage
• Kids
• Collectibles
• cereal boxes