When I was young, you used to get little toys and gifts in different products.
- little puzzles and toys in boxes of cereal
- little porcelain animals – Wade Whimsies in Roses Tea
- little charms in coffee (you could send away for a charm bracelet to put them on)
- different things under the caps of glass Coca Cola bottles. You would usually then stick them onto a collector’s card and send it away when it was full
There was lots of trading done in the playground at school, with everyone after the rarities.
My family still collects Wade animals and have so many different kinds. I have a couple of cats in my printer’s tray but the rest of my collection went to my cousins. Even now, when I find unusual ones at flea markets I send them photos to see who needs them for their collection. It is nice to share in the hobby with my loved ones even though we are literally half a world away from each other.
I always wanted a zebra one!
I didn’t even know there was one until I found it. I thought it was some kind of horse at first until my cousin was thrilled at the ‘rare’ find!
Yes! My mum used to buy the Whimsies for me. I have a few on the shelf in my porch. I think the rest of the collection may be in a box in the attic. They were/are rather charming.