I have to admit, I have never actually brought OMO washing powder/laundry detergent. However if they were sell them again with the offer of a free smurf I surely would be tempted.

In one promotion by OMO 16 mini light blue smurfs were produced with the markings OMO © Peyo 1983. It is thought that these were given away with a box of washing powder. Each mini blue smurf measuring about 2.5 cm to 3 cm represents an actual smurf figurine. These included #20023 Guitarist, 20031 Postman, 20039 Mallet, 20041 Hiker, 20044 Lover, 20049 Tennis, 20050 Pointing, 20059 Teacher, 20062 Telephone, 20068 Football Player, 20095 Oboist, 20123 Policeman, 20126 Rollerskater, 20140 Secretary, 20141 Papa Captain and 20142 Mermaid.

OMO also sold smurfs that displayed the word OMO in black text on the smurf’s shirt. These were typically sold in a plastic sealed bag. These included #20065 Rugby, #20068 Football Player, #20093 Tennis Player. There was also one released holding a box  of OMO washing powder and one holding an OMO box with the words ‘Have a Heart’ on it. It appears that the figurine used for these two are the same one as #20160 Apple smurf. The ‘Have a Heart’ one is also an interesting one as it appears to be the same heart used for #20125 Heart. 

It is a little unclear exactly when this promotion occurred and in which countries. As the mini smurfs have the year 1983 on them it is thought that the promotion was around 1984 and possibly only in France. Though as yet I have not been able to confirm this for sure. 

It has not only been OMO that has sold mini smurfs. Others include may Kinder Surprise, JouJoux, Chupa Chumps to just name a few. 

In 1998 the JouJoux/Zwiefel promotion sold 10 mini Christmas smurfs representing Christmas smurf figurines. These were originally sold in Switzerland, upon where a mini smurf was included with a packet of potato chips. This sounds like my kind of promotion, that would have costed me dearly.

In 2008 the Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn sold 15 minismurfs to coincide with the smurfs 50th anniversary. There was also a nice simple display cardboard box that cames with these smurfs. 

Like any promotional smurfs, it always help to have some idea  of what to look out for. Whether this be any markings, colour variations or just the actual company using a smurf as a promotion. For example OMO smurfs should be found with their whites keeping white and colours vibrant. 

Keep on Smurfin

Kath

P.S I would love to your thoughts on today's post by leaving us with a comment.