what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
#1
what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
They were transfer rub ons, a sheet full of different action heroes, or robots, or vehicles, and explosions and a background set piece where you would rub them on with a pencil and then peel them off leaving them on the background creating little action scenes, etc...
not colorforms as once they were rubbed on they couldn't be peeled off again...
not colorforms as once they were rubbed on they couldn't be peeled off again...
#3
Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Yeah, that was what I was thinking too. I don't remember which ones I had though.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presto_Magix

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presto_Magix
#8
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Great memories.These were very cool, simpler pleasures in the '70s to '80s! I think the smartphone has corrupted kids of today, they'd see these and put their noses up, but man, they required imagination and fostered creativity. Not just spoon-fed crap that kids hook into on their phones today.
#9
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Great memories.These were very cool, simpler pleasures in the '70s to '80s! I think the smartphone has corrupted kids of today, they'd see these and put their noses up, but man, they required imagination and fostered creativity. Not just spoon-fed crap that kids hook into on their phones today.
#10
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Great memories.These were very cool, simpler pleasures in the '70s to '80s! I think the smartphone has corrupted kids of today, they'd see these and put their noses up, but man, they required imagination and fostered creativity. Not just spoon-fed crap that kids hook into on their phones today.
If you take the tablet away, my kids are good with just drawing on a blank piece of paper, which is probably even better from a creativity standpoint, so older generations probably lamented these presto magic as corrupting the creativity of kids back in the day too. And don't get me started on the corruption that comics do to young minds.

#12
Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
The ones I knew were called Letraset Action Transfers. I used to love these things! My favorite was El Cid, which was part of their large Super Action Transfers line.
The funny thing is that I almost started a thread about these last year but wasn't sure anyone would remember them. I was inspired because I was on a trip to the UK, and I ran across a similar line in the gift shop at Cardiff Castle.

This one seemed especially grim.
It wasn't in the general gift shop but downstairs in the historical section.
Spoiler:
The funny thing is that I almost started a thread about these last year but wasn't sure anyone would remember them. I was inspired because I was on a trip to the UK, and I ran across a similar line in the gift shop at Cardiff Castle.

This one seemed especially grim.


#13
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Colorforms > Presto Magix
Zaxxon = best game
My 7 year old loves sticker books and iPad bullshit.
Zaxxon = best game
My 7 year old loves sticker books and iPad bullshit.
#14
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
I loved these things as a kid. I used to transfer them onto other shit though and get yelled at.
Was also a fan of Shrinky Dinks and I believe they still make those.
Was also a fan of Shrinky Dinks and I believe they still make those.
#15
Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Wow. I totally forgot about these things. I remember the Zaxxon one was a blast. Too bad these are no longer made today, as I'm pretty sure my kids would enjoy them (with updated themes, of course).
#16
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Hey, some smart and rapacious capitalist should re-release these! They'd make millions and maybe convince some kids to throw away their smartphones. Win-win.
#17
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#18
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
#19
Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
Lo and behold, Colorforms are still around (and there's an app).
#20
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Re: what was it called... (old "toy" / "activity book")
