Back in September 1979 the Smurfs were introduced to Australia. But it wasn’t just BP Australia that was selling Smurf goodies. The Smurfs were everywhere. If you grew up in Australia in the late 1970s or early 1980s you more than likely had some kind of Smurf or Star Wars piece of merchandise.
In the beginning BP Australia promoted the Smurfs through advertisements in the Women’s Weekly, TV Week, in newspapers and also on the radio. BP Australia didn’t just sell smurf figurines, they sold colouring books/pads, barbecue aprons, placemats, plush toys, plush hand puppets, catch hand puppets, magnets, squeakers, porcelain dishes, photo albums, plastic musical instruments, door signs, stickers, pocketeers etc etc etc
The Supermarkets were also selling a variety Smurf merchandise. For example in Woolworths they were selling cotton sheet single bed sheet sets for $15.98 in December 1981. I recall receiving this for Christmas and my brother got the Star Wars sheet set. The funny thing is that I must have loved these sheets to bits, as my mum had to join the two sheets together as I had worn both sheets out in the middle. The even funnier thing is that I still have the sheet.
There are other notable pieces of Smurf merchandise that deserve a mention. Possibly the most well known is the Smurfee Ice Lollipops made by Peter’s Ice-cream. One side blue ice pole the other side white ice-cream. At New World supermarket (now known as Coles) if you were lucky you could buy a multi pack of 10 for just $1.85. Another is Decor also produced a variety of kitchenware everything from bowls, plates, cups to food storage containers.
To celebrate 40 years
I wanted to see if anyone recalls owning a ceramic smurf money bank? These were originally sold in Big W around 1980 for $4.98 each. The hand etched markings on the money bank is © Peyo SEPP BP Australia 80. I am lucky that I have been able to collect three so far but I am struggling to find out more information on the pieces. Such as who made them?
Remember when – Your say
If you would like to share any childhood memories of the Smurfs with us please add a comment to this post. It still amazes me that with all the toys and merchandise that is produced, the Smurfs are still completely unique. There is nothing like them or ever will be.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
I have one of a smurf holding a lantern, next to a lighthouse unfortunately it is damaged where the money goes in. It still looks good though.
Wow that’s really great to hear Kylie, as I have never seen this one. I like to think they are quite quirky in their own special way. I have a feeling Wallace Berrie in the US also had ceramic money banks but not as cute as the Australian ones.
Thanks for sharing this with us
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B