12 Catalog Toys You Could Only Get by Mailing a Check
Before websites and apps, the best toys sometimes came from catalogs, and getting them meant mailing in a check and waiting weeks.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In the ’70s, ’80s, and even into the ’90s, mail-order catalogs were a magical part of growing up. They sold toys you rarely saw in stores, and ordering one felt like sending a wish into the world. You picked it, filled out the form, mailed your check — and hoped it arrived before summer ended.
1. Sea-Monkeys
DaMongMan from Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Sea-Monkeys were tiny brine shrimp sold through captivating comic book ads. To acquire them, one had to mail an order form and a check or money order. Upon arrival, the kit included eggs and a nutrient packet to hatch the creatures. These kits were not typically available in retail stores.
2. Kenner Star Wars Mail-Away Figures
Timothy Brown
Kenner offered exclusive Star Wars action figures through mail-in promotions. Fans would collect proofs of purchase from other Star Wars toys and send them, along with a check or money order, to receive figures like the “Rocket-Firing Boba Fett.” These figures were not sold in stores.
3. GI Joe Mail-Away Exclusives
Original logo minted by Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro’s GI Joe line featured special figures and accessories available only through mail order. Collectors would send in Flag Points (included with GI Joe products) and a check or money order to receive items like the “Starduster” figure. These exclusives were not available in retail outlets.
4. Hot Wheels Sizzlers and Juice Machine
Shelby Asistio from Los Angeles, United States on Wikimedia Commons
Mattel’s Hot Wheels Sizzlers were battery-powered cars that required a “Juice Machine” charger. Certain Sizzlers sets and the Juice Machine were offered exclusively through mail-order catalogs. Purchasers had to send a check or money order to obtain these items, which were not sold in stores.
5. LEGO Direct-to-Consumer Sets
InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA
In the 1980s, LEGO offered certain sets exclusively through its mail-order catalogs. Customers would fill out an order form and send it, along with a check or money order, to receive sets that were not available in retail stores. This direct-to-consumer approach allowed LEGO to offer specialized products to dedicated fans.
6. American Science & Surplus Catalog Toys
Marcin Wichary from San Francisco, U.S.A. on Wikimedia Commons
The American Science & Surplus catalog featured a variety of quirky and educational toys. To purchase, customers would mail in an order form with a check or money order. These unique items were not typically found in traditional retail stores.
7. Mighty Max Mail-Away Figures
mark6mauno on Wikimedia Commons
Some exclusive Mighty Max figures were available only through mail-order promotions. Fans would send in proofs of purchase and a check or money order to receive these special editions. These figures were not sold in retail stores.
8. Starcom Mail-Away Figures
F1fans on Wikimedia Commons
Starcom, a line of action figures and vehicles, offered certain figures exclusively through mail-order. Collectors would send in order forms with a check or money order to obtain these items, which were not available in stores.
9. Action Man Mail-Away Exclusives
Alacoolwiki on Wikimedia Commons
In the UK, Action Man fans could acquire exclusive figures through mail-order offers. By sending in tokens from product packaging along with a check or money order, customers received figures not sold in retail outlets.
10. Transformers Mail-Away Figures
LostplanetKD73 on Wikimedia Commons
Hasbro’s Transformers line included special figures available only through mail-order. Fans would collect Robot Points from packaging and send them with a check or money order to receive exclusive characters like “Reflector.” These were not available in stores.
11. He-Man Mail-Away Figures
Filmation on Wikimedia Commons
Mattel offered exclusive He-Man figures through mail-order promotions. Customers would send in proofs of purchase and a check or money order to obtain figures like “Wun-Dar,” which were not sold in retail stores.
12. Barbie Mail-Away Accessories
DPLA on Wikimedia Commons
Mattel provided Barbie enthusiasts with exclusive accessories and outfits through mail-order offers. By mailing in order forms with a check or money order, customers received items not available in retail outlets.