VINTAGE HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREAT BAGS PT. 2

We’re back with 5 more spooky trick or treat bags! If you missed part one, feel free to click here and catch up. If you’re ready for more, continue onward!

SNUGGLE BEAR 1986

First up, we have Snuggle Bear, the fabric softener mascot who apparently moonlights as a pumpkin patch creeper. At first glance, it's adorable. At second glance, it's a portal to your deepest, darkest fears.

Let's break down this fever dream, shall we?

1. The sky: A weird dull blue, because nothing says "spooky night" like a sky that can't commit to actually being night.

2. The background: Black and white - very “Twilight Zone” of them. 

3. Snuggle's eyes: Dead and grey - probably seen some shit. 

4. The pumpkins: Orange from bottom to stem with grey leaves. Wtf?

Congratulations, Snuggle Bear! You've transformed from cuddly mascot to the harbinger of a dystopian hellscape.

PEPSICO FRITO-LAY UNIVERSAL MONSTERS 1993

The unholy alliance of junk food and classic movie monsters. There’s nothing quite like the thought of Dracula double-fisting Pepsi while the Mummy goes to town on some Doritos. I love that Wolfman here, clearly embarrassed by this corporate sellout, has opted for a Hawaiian shirt. The real MVP. 

The bag is dated “91” but I’m almost positive this was from the 93 promo judging by the similar 3D art style on the boxes of that year. Side note: The Creature from the Black Lagoon was apparently too good for this party. Probably off doing indie films or something.

ORVILLE REDENBACHER 1982

If you caught the first batch of bags from part 1, you’ll remember I mentioned having 2 different Orville Halloween bags. So, here’s the other - this time with a lot more aliens!

I’ve been low key obsessed with the idea of including aliens in Halloween lore. They’re insanely underrepresented for the season but a house decked out like an alien invasion for Halloween is nothing to scoff at. Leave it to old man Redenbacher to include our extraterrestrial buddies in the festivities. Also, where can I purchase fist sized popcorn like he’s handing out?

MCDONALDS CANADA “MCBOO” 1990

Before McBoo made his way to pail form (unintended pun), he haunted many McDonalds items including Halloween certificates and trick-or-treat bags. For example, well… this bag right here. 

Making its way all the way from Canada, you’ll notice the Canadian leaf under the golden arches. While I do own a bunch of bags from the US, for some reason, the Canadian bags, unlike the US counterparts, also include a scene of the McDonald land gang on the back. In this case, we see them happily trick-or-treating with the Fry Kids. 

Notice how they’re all trick-or-treating as themselves? Such creativity. Much wow. Ronald McDonald: "I'm going as a terrifying clown who peddles unhealthy food to children!" Everyone else: "So... yourself?"

SCRUFF MCGRUFFS SAFETY BAG

I had almost forgotten about Scruff McGruff but when I tell you I was quoting his line “Scruff…. McGruff…. Chicago Illinois…. 60652!” almost the moment I remembered, you best believe it. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since. Send help. 

Yes, the condition suggests it's been through several wars but I have my reasons for showcasing here. This one was found among the great items left behind by the previous owners in the house I now live in. This was given away here in my town, Saint Mary’s PA from the local Jaycees. What's a Jaycees, you ask? Well, after extensive research, aside from learning that it’s short for “Junior Chamber of Commerce” I can confidently say... I have no idea. But I’m still jazzed the bag came from my town.

LINGERING THOUGHTS/CONCLUSION

1. Why don't the McDonald's characters dress up for Halloween? That comes much later in Happy Meal form.

2. What did the Snuggle Bear see? Things that would change you.

3. Is “Jaycee” really short for “Junior Chamber of Commerce?” Barely.

Thanks for reading! There may be one more part to come soon! Until then, keep it spooky!

RARE HALLOWEEN MCNUGGET BUDDIES!

McDonald's and Halloween - a pairing as iconic as Big Macs and post-meal regret. We've all gushed over their festive pails - the Holy Grail of trick-or-treat receptacles, praised their spooky bags as if they're couture fashion, and analyzed their costumed McNuggets with the fervor of art critics dissecting a Renaissance masterpiece. It’s safe to say each of those Halloween offerings from the golden arches has its own metaphorical plaque in the fast-food hall of fame. Yet, there is one set that remains mostly unheard of.

Just when you thought you'd seen every McNugget, from Count McNugula to Ronald McDonald's long-lost goth cousin, there's a set that's been lurking in the shadows since 1998. While the rest of the world was doing the Macarena, Australia was busy hoarding a secret treasure - the elusive McNugget Ghouls! These guys are so rare, most people have a better chance of spotting Jaws in their bathtub than owning the four specimens in this lineup.

The fearsome foursome includes McGhost (the shy type who's always transparent about his feelings), McFrankie (assembled from leftover parts of other menu items), McWolf (who howls at the golden arches instead of the moon), and McDrac (who sucks the flavor out of your fries instead of your blood). The names may not be as clever as their US counterparts, but what they lack in birth names, they make up for with their ominous, spooky glowing skin. It's like they've been marinated in nuclear waste - a real testament to McDonald's commitment to "all-natural" ingredients.

While we did get a ghost, Frankenstein, and a Dracula variant here in the States, these Aussie aberrations are completely different sculpts. Then there's the addition of McWolf, a red/orange-haired lupine McNugget who absolutely needed to be carrying two dog bones to get the point of his costume across.

It feels good to have finally completed the Halloween McNugget sets - a quest that's been years in the making and has cost me way more than a few Big Mac meals. I've heard rumors of these legendary glow in the dark Halloween McNuggets for ages and only assumed them to be urban legends, like the mythical McPizza or the fabled always-working ice cream machine. But I finally took the plunge and snagged a few on eBay, proving that with enough determination, even the most elusive McNuggets can be caught.

LINGERING THOUGHTS

1. How does McDrac like his coffee? Weird question…. but De-coffin-ated.

2. How many Happy Meals could I have bought instead of these toys? I plead the 5th.
   

3. Why doesn’t the ice cream machine ever work? I don’t know… I only go there for Halloween stuff.

Thanks for reading!

THE LEFTOVER PIZZA 2024 HALLOWEEN SCARE PACKAGE

UPDATE: BOXES ARE SOLD OUT!!! HIT THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR THE WAX MELT BUNDLES WHILE SUPPLIES LASTS!!! Attention mortal souls! The 2024 Leftover Pizza Halloween Scare Package is available now! We have a lot of heavy hitting items in this one so if you want one, act fast - these are extremely limited and ready to ship! Once they’re gone they are gone for good!

Starting things off with this years wax melt - YARD HAUNT HANGS. Dare to melt the essence of All Hallows Eve? Transport yourself to a chilly October evening, crunch through fallen leaves and cedar boughs with an earthy whisper of patchouli rising from forgotten graves. Wisps of smoked oud curl around you like ghostly fingers, while the enigmatic essence of autumn glow dances just out of sight. Ancient spices waft from a witch's cauldron, mingling with the sweet temptation of freshly baked pumpkin treats. From the wax blend to the labels, every element is crafted by yours truly. 

Moving on, each box will contain 2 goodie bags. The first bag will be packed with a small bunch of candy. Then in the other you will find: 

• 2 packs of card by Fleer - one featuring Casper and the other featuring Real Monsters!

• 1 Leftover Pizza Podcast button

• 1 Leftover Pizza Bat sticker

• 1 complete Boo! Book

Also included, each box will contain one of four random Ghostbusters key chains with the chance of Slimer, Muncher, Stay Puft or a Terror Dog! This was a fun little last minute find. Though they are relatively new, I couldn’t pass them up!

Ok guys, I told yas there were some heavy hitters in this one - I meant it! Starting off with a light fun one - each box will contain ALL THREE of these super swank Bud Light Halloween masks along with a pop up table top ad! These things are super cool - hardly wearable but look great in a a frame!

Next up, you’ll each get 2 (1 of each design*) Orville Redenbacher Trick-or-Treat bags! If you’ve been following along, I wrote a little about both of these bags in the Halloween bag series and they are hands down among some of the best bags the 80s had to offer. I made sure to grab the best in the bunch for yous. Keep in mind, these things are super old and not competely perfect.

Then, yous will all receive one sealed Monster in my Pocket blind bag from 1992! I managed to grab these hella early in June and I’ve been so stoked for the reveal this entire time! Each blind bag comes with a mini figure and a character card. 

Finally, ending on perhaps the biggest get - each box will contain 1 sealed Simpsons Spooky Light Up from this lineup in 2001! As with all the contents, as they are boxed and picked at random, I have no control over which character you will get but rest assured - if you haven’t seen these before  each one is an absolute banger!

That is the 2024 Halloween Scare Package! UPDATE: BOXES ARE SOLD OUT! Thanks to everyone who grabbed one! If you’d like to buy the wax melt bundle for $15 shipped (which will come with the two Orville trick-or-treat bags, a pack of Ahh! Real Monsters cards, a pin and a sticker) hit the paypal button bellow while supplies lasts!

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Thanks for purchasing! Here I am modeling the Frankenstein Bud Light mask.

TMNT WITH A DASH OF MONSTERS

NOT MY PHOTO - CARRY ON

Happy October! We’re in the thick of it now! And, since we’re in the season, it feels like the perfect time to mention Turtles…. If you noticed the photo above (again, not mine) you already know we’re about to ponder the unlikely intersection of Halloween and TMNT and the series of action figures that perfectly embodies this odd pairing.

The year was 1993. Bill Clinton had just taken office, the Dallas Cowboys triumphed over Buffalo in the Super Bowl, and I, at the tender age of four, was about to encounter something that would leave an indelible mark on my young psyche: my beloved sewer-dwelling reptiles masquerading as classic movie monsters. I didn’t know shit about the Universal Monsters but it didn’t stop me from wanting to own yet another iteration of my favorite characters - a perfect-for-Halloween set at that.

For those born in later years, the concept of horror-themed TMNT figures marketed to children might seem bizarre. But trust me, in the context of the early '90s, it made a strange kind of sense. TMNT was at the height of its popularity, while Universal Monsters were experiencing a resurgence, appearing on everything from postage stamps to Pizza Hut and Pepsi promotions. A collaboration between these franchises seemed almost inevitable.

The initial wave included Leonardo as the Wolfman, Donatello as Dracula, Michelangelo as Frankenstein's Monster, and Raphael as the Mummy. True to form, Playmates Toys equipped each figure with a unique character biography and a close up weapons list on the packaging. I've taken the liberty of photographing these for posterity. They're worth a read, if only to appreciate the beautiful absurdity of concepts like "bolt-handled nunchucks" and Donatello's newfound "thirst for the blood of foolish Foot villagers." If all that wasn’t enough, these dudes GLOW IN THE DARK!

The line must have found some success because a second set was released the following year. The 1994 batch featured Invisible Man Michelangelo, Creature from the Black Lagoon Leonardo, The Mutant Raphael (a somewhat redundant concept), and April as the Bride of Frankenstein. I'll admit to feeling a twinge of disappointment that Donatello was excluded from this round, but the novelty of seeing April with that iconic white-streaked beehive somewhat makes up for it.

In recent years, we've seen similar monster-hero hybrids from Nickelodeon's 2012 series and the ongoing NECA line both bringing a fun vibe to the table in their own way. But let's be real - how can you beat the originals? You can’t.

So here's to you, Monster Turtles. You taught us that it's okay to be both hero and monster, that creativity knows no limits, and that sometimes, the best ideas are born from the craziest collisions of pop culture.

SO, MY FOLKS WERE UP IN THE ATTIC THE OTHER DAY….

You've heard those urban legends about lucky folks stumbling upon hidden treasures in their homes, right? Welp, I have officially joined that exclusive club of accidental Indiana Joneses!

For seven long years, I've been living in my cozy abode, blissfully ignoring the mysterious realm above my head - aka the attic - aka the mythical land of forgotten junk and potential serial killer lair. Fate recently made other plans.

It all started with some innocent kitchen renovations. Little did I know that updating my culinary corner would lead to a full-blown "Night at the Museum" situation. Enter my girlfriend and her father - the dynamic duo of curiosity and terrible timing. On a random Thursday night, while I'm trying to be all professional and podcast-y, in classic girlfriend and father fashion, these two decide it's the perfect moment for an attic expedition at 9pm.

So there I am, headphones on, trying to sound intelligent, when suddenly - THUMP THUMP THUMP - the ceiling starts shaking like we're in "Jumanji." Before I know it, I'm being summoned to witness the grand unveiling of our attic's secrets.

And boy, oh boy, what secrets they were! Nestled between a Barbie Dream House (slightly haunted, I suspect) and enough vintage National Geographics to wallpaper the Taj Mahal, we struck a motherload of Halloween goodies!

Imagine my shock when I realized we'd unearthed vintage die-cut decor and trick-or-treat bags (bags not pictured - saving them for later) - some of which I'd been lusting after on eBay to share this season. The attic gods heard my spooky prayers and decided to deliver - for free! Oh, and I can’t forget the sweet glow in the dark witch poster!

But wait, there's more! We also discovered the previous owner's high school diplomas. And the pièce de résistance - a collection of grade school Halloween crafts! Believe me when I say I absolutely wept with joy!

Now, being the upstanding citizen that I am (ha!), I'm returning the diplomas to their rightful owners. But those delightfully creepy kiddie crafts? Oh, they're staying put. Call me weird, call me eccentric, but those paper ghosts have found their forever home.

So, the next time you're pondering whether to explore that dusty corner of your house, remember my tale. You never know - you might just find your own personal jackpot.

Thanks so much for reading!

RANDOM THOUGHTS: 5 TIMES THE SUN WAS TOO HOT

Let’s just say I have no fucking clue what this blog entry is even about. It’s an easy-going Sunday, let’s just let it be what it is. Since it's still summer, let's explore five times when the sun was just too hot. Does that even make any sense? Probably not. Anyways, consider this a “random thoughts” type of entry with a summer theme - stuff that might not make for a good individual read, but together, they create a longer and perhaps amusing compilation (hopefully).

SUPER MARIO 3 - ANGRY SUN

You know you’re in a bad spot when you’re running through a Goomba ridden desert with quick sand, tornadoes and endless pits at every corner. But it doesn’t stop there in world 2 level 5 of Super Mario Bros. 3…. what a nightmare. 

You think, "How could this get worse?" Enter the Sun, deciding to play a game of "Whack-a-Plumber." Imagine making it through every obstacle previously mentioned then this celestial body descends from the sky to chase and try to kill you, making it one of the most insane levels in the game.

HEY ARNOLD - HEAT

In this scorching episode, the entire city of Hillwood, Washington, is desperately trying to escape the extreme heat of a summer Sunday. Arnold and Gerald's quest for coolness is thwarted at every turn - long theater lines, overcrowded pools, and the Jolly-Olly Man price-gouging once-cheap frozen treats.

The scene that lives rent-free in my head? Sid getting pissed at his buddy for taking too long using the slushy machine like a baptismal font. The magenta, sludgy frozen drink looks bizarre, but they're enjoying it in ways never intended.

WEEKEND AT BERNIES - ROOFTOP SCENE

When it comes to summer movies, Weekend at Bernies and its sequel are the two that instantly come to my mind. Larry Wilson and Richard Parker are two low-level financial employees at an insurance company in New York City. While going over reports, Richard discovers a series of payments made for the same death. He and Larry take their findings to the CEO, the wealthy and hedonistic Bernie Lomax, who commends them for discovering the insurance fraud and invites them to his beach house in the Hamptons for labor day weekend. Lucky them!

Before our heroes embark on their corpse-puppeteering adventure, we see them pathetically simulating a beach day on a scorching New York City rooftop. Complete with beach chairs and a kiddie pool, it's a sad picture of "summer in the city." The melting tar ruining shoes and papers makes me cringe every single time.

PETE AND PETE - THE GREAT BLUE TORNADO BAR PANIC

Ah, the coming of age adventures of two brothers named Pete. In the Mr. Tastee-centric episode What We Did on Our Summer Vacation, the Petes and Ellen try to befriend Mr. Tastee the friendly-yet-secretive-and-mysterious neighborhood ice-cream man. 

Mr. Tastee vanishes as the summer heat intensifies. Deprived of their beloved Blue Tornado bars, the local kids start hallucinating from ice cream withdrawal, highlighting the crucial role of frozen treats in summer survival.

BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD - DESERT

Ending on an absolute classic way-too-hot scene! Our dynamic duo proves that in extreme heat, IQ points evaporate faster than water in Death Valley. Beavis's brilliant hydration plan - eating a peyote cactus - turns their desert trek into a White Zombie music video. Because nothing says "summer adventure" quite like hallucinating your way through a sandbox of doom.

LINGERING THOUGHTS/CONCLUSION

1. Is this article generating more heat or more indifference? The only thing warming up is my laptop from the effort of writing this.

2. Could Mr. Tastee save this blog post with a Blue Tornado bar? Not even the sweetest treat could mask the flavor of desperation in these words.

3. If this article were ice cream, what flavor would it be? Unflavored ice milk - bland, unsatisfying, and leaving you wondering why you bothered.

There you have it, heat seekers - a tour through random sun-stroked moments in pop culture, wrapped up in a blog post that's about as refreshing as a hot car seat in August. Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay tuned!

VINTAGE KOOL-AID PART 1

Consider this my ode to the good old days when hydration meant sugar-shock and artificial colors that would make a rainbow jealous. A time when our biggest worry was whether we'd end up with a purple mustache or a blue tongue. I'm talking about the nectar of the gods: Kool-Aid!

To me, making Kool-Aid wasn't just mixing a drink; it was a sacred ritual that rivaled ancient alchemy. Those little packets were like vials of powdered magical elixirs for your taste buds. And the main ingredient? A mountain of sugar so vast, it needed its own zip code.

And sure, Kool-Aid was an all-season MVP in most households, but what time better to talk about Kool-Aid than summertime? On the hottest days, that icy cup of sugar water hit harder than puberty. Just to add to it, back in the day, the Kool-Aid Man wasn't only bursting through walls—he was bursting with hand-drawn charm, flanked by a menagerie of critters that looked like they stumbled out of a groovy acid trip. It was art, I tell you! Art you could drink! So, today, let’s take a trip into the technicolor world of Kool-Aid packets!

PURPLESAURUS REX

Move over, Barney! This grape-lemonade lovechild stomped onto the scene in 1989, proving dinosaurs aren't extinct - they're just hiding in your drink mix. Legend has it, you can channel your inner flavor necromancer and resurrect this discontinued delight by mixing grape and lemonade Kool-Aid.

Fun fact, Purplesaurus Rex Kool Aid comes from grape and lemon filled volcanoes - a prehistoric eruption of flavor!

SHARKLEBERRY FIN

Another fun debut in 1989, Sharkleberry Fin - Imagine Jaws with a juice sponsorship, sporting oversized novelty Dollar Tree glasses. Oh, and he’s pink!

Sharkleberry is the only mascot that survived the flavor extinction after the resurgence in 2014 and still swims in packet and bulk powder form today. He may have lost his pink skin and sunglasses, but his Kool Aid still tastes like a pool party in a cup!

ROCK-A-DILE RED

As far as I can tell, 1991 seems like the year our red friend Rock-a-dile debuted, some Kool Aid purist is out there angry at all of these dates I’m sure. Listen, I’m not perfect and I’ll take no offense at being stood corrected.

A mixed berry punch comprised of cherries, grapes and strawberries that brought new meaning to 'see you later, alligator.' Plus, Rock-a-dile is an anthropomorphic croc setting him apart from the whole crew of mascots. Part gator, part rock star, all attitude. He also plays the sax - yes, it matters!

GREAT BLUEDINI

Next, we’re off to 1992 with the Introduction of the octopus magician, Great Bluedini! Perhaps the most wild of the bunch; this eight-armed illusionist swam onto the scene, turning green powder into blue liquid faster than you can say 'abra kadabra.' But the real magic trick? It tastes like fruit punch! I’m almost surprised by the flavor but then again, it’s an octopus magician… things were bound to get weird.

PINK SWIMMINGO

And finally, my personal favorite of the bunch, PINK SWIMMINGO! Introduced in 1993, the Kool-Aid Man and a flamingo life guard teamed up for a watermelon cherry lemonade so beautiful it made angels cry sweet pink tears of joy and trade their harps for pool noodles.

There are few things I love more than flamingos in summertime - when you slap beachy lifeguard gear on them and throw them on a delicious flavor of Kool Aid - you’re speaking the only language I choose to understand. If summer had an official color and flavor, it would be this fabulous flamingo in a glass!

LINGERING THOUGHTS/CONCLUSION

1. Is Pink Swimmingo the reason flamingos are pink? That’s the story as I know it and I won’t be told otherwise.

2. What happened to all the leftover Purplesaurus Rex when it was discontinued? It fossilized into grape-flavored geodes, now sold at overpriced gift shops near you!

3. Could Great Bluedini predict the future of discontinued flavors? Only if you shook the pitcher three times and asked very nicely.

From prehistoric purple pals to saxophonist swamp dwellers, one thing's for sure: these wild Kool-Aid flavors were the real MVPs of our childhood. They may be gone, but they're certainly not forgotten! Thanks for reading!