Asahi 1989 Toy Catalogue

Japanese toy company catalogs from the 1980s are in many ways the pinnacle of the hobby for fans of a certain age like myself, and it is always delightful to see what was on tap in a given year. Check out this book from Asahi at the tail end of the Greatest Decade for some excellent offerings from the land of the rising fun.




Posted by charlie on August 28th 2025, 08:17 PM
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1980 Tonka Toys Catalog

Tonka was responsible for some of the greatest lines of the 1980s, in particular a Preserve favorite Go Bots! This catalog kicks off the decade with offerings that are still centered around the die cast vehicle format, but don't be fooled because they have some great options as always! I would have been solidly in their core demographic for just about everything in this catalog in 1980, so of course I have a fondness for everything there.




Posted by charlie on August 27th 2025, 07:08 AM
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Hasbro Is Cabbage Patch Kids - 1992 Catalog

Hasbro's Cabbage Patch dolls were a full-blown phenom right at the tail end of the '80s, releasing in 1989 and running through about 1994. My father recalled harrowing trips to the toy aisle around that time to get cool stuff for the Preserve, and being mobbed by desperate doll seekers, the likes of which would boggle the mind!

By 1992 you can tell some of the heat had come off the franchise, but Hasbro of course was still pushing it since it was one of their big winners of all time. Here is their 1992 Cabbage Patch catalog, for your education and entertainment!




Posted by charlie on August 26th 2025, 12:53 PM
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Kusan 1979 Toy Fair Catalog

Here is a fun one, full of 1979 goodness. The Kusan catalog from the last gasp of the 70s features stuff that I was getting as a wee toddler, and some of these items actually ring a bell. Keep an eye out for the "Sonic Fazer" and NOT HAN SOLO on the display!




Posted by charlie on July 26th 2025, 11:02 PM
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Hi-Ho Products Brand 1982 Catalog

There are so many toy catalogs here at the Preserve, still waiting to see the light of day, and many of them probably are lost forever unless they get posted here! I will re-double my efforts to Preserve these to keep the archive growing. Here is a 1982 catalog from Hi-Ho Products Brand, a division of ISB Industrial Safety Belt! I think I even recognize a few of the items in there, but it's pretty obscure for sure.




Posted by charlie on July 24th 2025, 07:54 AM
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Playthings Magazine Archive

You know what's exciting? Starting an archive of Playthings Magazine. These old issues from the 1980s are simply incredible. Each month has amazing data and insight into the companies that were busy making our favorite toys at the time, and I am thrilled to start to make available that content. The Strong Museum has a full collection, and hopefully they will one day do the same!




Posted by charlie on July 10th 2025, 10:09 PM
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1980 Pressman Toy Fair Catalog

So it's a little bashed up, but the 1980 Pressman toy fair catalog has joined the Preserve! I think that Pressman is, for some reason, the largest gallery I have of company catalogs, so I am always excited to continue to expand that coverage. Be sure to check out what Family Game Night looked like at the very start of The Greatest Decade!




Posted by charlie on July 4th 2025, 12:02 AM
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Press Release: The Dogs Are Barking at Douglas

KEENE, NH March 2024

Press Release: KEENE, NH March 2024 The kennels are bursting with new puppies at Douglas Company this time of year. Lots of new breed specific pups are looking for a home, and they will be scooped up quickly, so don’t wait! There are 15 new Dogs in all. Click through for the full press release!  Read More
Posted by charlie on March 15th 2024, 05:04 PM
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Press Release: It’s Raining Minis at Douglas

KEENE, NH February 2024

Press Release: It's not quite spring, but it is raining Mini Cats and Dogs at Douglas Company. The plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator has six all new Minis to introduce for 2024. There are three new kittens and three new dogs. Each stands 6" tall!  Read More
Posted by charlie on February 23rd 2024, 08:42 AM
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Toy & Hobby World Magazine March/April 1994

Do you know what is excellent? Toy & Hobby World magazine, that is what! I only recently became familiar with this informative publication, and encourage you to enjoy the March/April 1994 issue, while I search for additional copies to post!




Posted by charlie on July 22nd 2023, 06:15 PM
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