12 Bizarre Toy Commercials That Somehow Worked
These off-the-wall toy ads defied logic, but kids couldn’t resist them — and neither could parents.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Sometimes, it wasn’t the toy that sold itself. It was the wild, over-the-top commercial that made it irresistible. Whether through creepy puppets, chaotic jingles, or downright surreal imagery, these ads made a lasting impression. Here are 12 strange toy commercials that should have failed, but somehow became marketing gold.
1. Baby Laugh-a-Lot (1971)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This ad featured a doll with an unsettling, high-pitched laugh that played on a loop. The eerie soundtrack combined with close-ups of kids laughing maniacally made it feel more like a horror trailer.
2. GAK by Nickelodeon (1992)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
With gooey sound effects and kids making fart noises, this slime-focused spot was as loud and gross as it gets. The commercial leaned into bodily humor with zero shame.
3. My Buddy Doll (1985)
Kendrick Shackleford on Flickr
Catchy jingle? Check. Slightly creepy adult-sized child-doll with an unblinking stare? Also check. The song alone got stuck in every parent’s head, which pretty much guaranteed kids would get one.
4. Crossfire Board Game (1990)
2H Media on Unsplash
The high-octane, post-apocalyptic visuals made this commercial feel more like an action movie trailer than a toy ad. Kids screaming, “You’ll get caught up in the CROSSFIRE!” was pure adrenaline.
5. Moon Shoes (1990s)
Crystal Calderon on Flickr
This commercial showed kids bouncing like astronauts in slow-mo while synth music blasted in the background. The reality was more “ankle sprain” than zero gravity, but it looked like the future.
6. Puppy Surprise (1991)
Barb Hoyer on Flickr
Nothing says “fun” like a stuffed dog that gives birth on command. The ad was bright and cheerful, glossing over how weird it is to unzip your toy’s belly.
7. Boglins (1987)
Matty C. on Flickr
These rubbery, hand-puppet monsters were marketed with a spooky, swampy tone. The ad was dimly lit, with growling voices and fog.
8. Skip-It (1988)
Tiger Electronics on Wikimedia Commons
This commercial featured nonstop spinning legs and upbeat synth-pop, set to a jingle that looped in your brain for days. The narrator’s excitement made it sound like the greatest invention since the wheel.
9. Creepy Crawlers (1992)
Toho Scope on Flickr
“Creepy Crawlers!” the narrator shouted like a monster truck announcer, while kids cooked rubber bugs in ovens. The commercial felt more like a mad scientist experiment than playtime.
10. The Wacky WallWalker (1983)
Jeffliebig on Wikimedia Commons
This ad showed squishy, octopus-like toys slowly climbing walls in silence — oddly hypnotic. Set to cheesy music and awkward reactions, it somehow captivated kids.
11. Dollhouse Telephone (1980s)
diepuppenstubensammlerin on Flickr
It featured a plastic phone that “talked” back with robotic sweetness. Kids treated it like a real friend while sparkles flashed and music played.
12. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids (1996)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
These dolls actually chewed on plastic snacks — and sometimes kids’ fingers. The commercial was all giggles and fun, masking the slight terror of a toy with moving jaws.