Mr. Potato Head

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Who

George Lerner, an American Jewish toy designer, produced by Hasbro under Merrill Hassenfeld

When

1952

Where

United States

George Lerner's set of pin-on faces was designed to be stuck into a real potato, and food companies gave it away in cereal boxes before Hasbro bought it. Launched in 1952, it became the first toy ever advertised on television — which changed how toys are sold as much as what children play with.

Sources

Part of “The Gifts of the Jews” — verified Jewish contributions to the world, with sources.