80s 90s Creepy Crawlers Toy Kit

The Creepy Crawlers Toy Kit was a popular creative toy set manufactured by Mattel and released in 1964, which allowed children to create rubbery, bug-like creatures using molds and a special heating element.

Background

In the early 1960s, Mattel, a key player in the toy industry, came up with an idea that was both simple and innovative. They presented the Creepy Crawlers Toy Kit, initially marketed as the “Thingmaker.” The concept was straightforward: a toy set that allowed kids to make their own rubbery, bug-like toys, and this was accomplished using metal molds and a fluid plastic compound known as Plastigoop, which would solidify into rubbery shapes when heated.

The toy emerged during a time when DIY kits were gaining popularity, much like the Easy-Bake Oven, which was released around the same era—a tool capitalized on the excitement of creating something tangible from scratch. The difference here was that instead of cakes and confections, kids were producing creepy, colorful creatures. The 60s were an era that endorsed hands-on creativity, and Mattel utilized this perfectly.

Initially, safety was not a primary concern in toy design, as the original kits comprised a small electric hot plate that could reach high temperatures, sufficiently enough to cause burns if mishandled. Despite this, the kits were a hit, leading to a variety of themed sets, such as Fright Factory and Fun Flowers, expanding the creative possibilities for children.

Features

The Creepy Crawlers Toy Kit contained several key components, at its core was the thermal component—an electric hot plate that could reach temperatures necessary to convert the Plastigoop into rubbery creatures. The kit also included various metal molds, each imprinted with bug-themed designs, allowing for the creation of spiders, scorpions, worms, and other creepy critters.

The liquid Plastigoop came in squeeze bottles and was available in a range of colors. Kids could blend colors to create unique designs, adding a layer of personalization to their creations. Once the Plastigoop was poured into the molds, the entire assembly was placed on the hot plate, transforming the liquid into a solid rubbery form – after cooling, the newly formed creatures could be removed and played with.

Over time, the kits evolved. The 1990s saw the introduction of more secure versions by ToyMax, who acquired the rights and made alterations to reduce the risk of burns. Instead of using an open hot plate, the heating element was enclosed, and the molds were inserted into an oven-like chamber—a design which diminished direct contact with hot surfaces, providing a more secure experience for children.

Popularity and Legacy

The Creepy Crawlers kits were a commercial success in the 60s and 70s, partly due to their innovative concept and the hands-on experience they offered—they penetrated into a niche market of horror-themed toys, facilitating the way for other similar products. The kits became a staple of childhood creativity, much like the Easy-Bake Oven for young bakers.

In the 1990s, Creepy Crawlers experienced a revival under ToyMax. The updated kits were favorably received, introducing a new generation to the delight of creating their own creepy critters. This era also saw the introduction of additional themes and molds, expanding the possibilities even further – the toy’s prevalence even led to a transient animated TV show produced by Saban Entertainment, which was known for hits like Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.

While the Creepy Crawlers kits never reached the iconic status of some other toys, they hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them, exemplifying a blend of creativity and science, allowing kids to engage with basic manufacturing processes in a fun and safe way.

Advertisements / Commercials

Check out this vintage TV commercial for the 1964 Generic Creepy Crawlers Toy Kit, where children use the kit to make colorful rubbery insects. They pour “plastic goop” into molds shaped like bugs. After heating, the molds open to reveal flexible creatures. The kit includes four colors of the goop and paints. Kids are shown creating lizard pins and spider rings, with the option to connect them or scatter them around for fun.

Availability and Collectability

Today, vintage Creepy Crawlers kits are considered collectible items, especially the original Mattel versions, collectors often pursue complete sets or singular components like molds and bottles of Plastigoop. Prices vary depending on the condition and completeness of the set, with some rare molds fetching higher prices on the secondary market.

Modern versions of Creepy Crawlers kits are occasionally re-released, usually with updated safety standards and new themes—these versions are more reachable and can sometimes be located in toy stores or online retailers. However, they often lack the nostalgic charm of the original sets, making the vintage kits more desirable to collectors.

Overall, the Creepy Crawlers Toy Kit remains an interesting chapter in the history of toys, reflecting broader changes in toy manufacturing and safety standards over the decades—and for those interested in toy history or collecting, they represent a fascinating blend of innovation and nostalgia.