Holiday Vintage Toys Advent Calendar

The Etch A Sketch was introduced in the United States by the Ohio Art Company for the 1960 holiday season, selling for about $2.99. Originally invented in France as L’Écran Magique (“The Magic Screen”), it was renamed and heavily promoted through national television advertising—a bold move at the time. The campaign paid off: the Etch A Sketch became an overnight sensation and one of the top-selling toys of Christmas 1960, quickly establishing itself as a staple of American toy culture. Its popularity endured for decades, eventually earning it a place in the National Toy Hall of Fame and solidifying its reputation as one of the most iconic drawing toys ever made.

The Schwinn Sting Ray Lemon Peeler, produced from 1968 through 1973, was part of Schwinn’s popular Krate Series, a lineup of brightly colored muscle bikes that included the Apple Krate in red, Orange Krate in orange, Pea Picker in green, Cotton Picker in white, and the later Gray Ghost in silver. All shared the same standout features that made the series legendary: a springer front fork, ape hanger handlebars, banana seat with tall sissy bar, small 16 inch front wheel, larger 20 inch rear wheel, and a 5 speed Stik Shift that gave kids the feel of riding a mini chopper. The Lemon Peeler, with its vivid yellow frame, was one of the most memorable models, and when new these bikes sold in the $75 to $80 range.