Everyone Owned These In The '60s — The Quirky Table Decor That Collectors Dream Of Finding

Say what you want about people who display a wealth of weird collectibles in their homes — it's one of the many hilariously creative home decor ideas to liven up your space. University of Texas professor Andrew Dillon explains this innate human behavior most aptly in his piece for Art Basel: "A collection can offer life support over time ... and a mechanism of self-identity." And speaking of mechanisms (beyond self-identity), a vintage figurine collection popular in the 1960s evoked novelty and excitement similar to the modern-day lure of figurines sold in blind boxes. They were called Popsies — a series of wooden, cylindrical figures that displayed a cheeky little message when you pushed their heads down.   

These cartoonish figurines were produced by Pride Creations Inc. and manufactured in Japan for the U.S. market. Around 175 designs were made. A Popsie looks innocent enough if you leave it untouched, but one push of its head reveals a written message that might make you say "aww," or gasp and clutch your pearls. Sentiments range from cutesy, like a child figurine saying, "I wuv you," to snarky: a red devil Popsie whose spring-activated text reads, "Go to hell." If devilish dispatches aren't your thing, you might be fortunate to find Popsies that bring more wholesome, joyful notes in your local thrift store or online. On eBay, one figurine sells for anywhere between $35 and $150, depending on its rarity.

Since Popsies' production dwindled sometime in the '70s, collectors hunt for pre-owned figurines. Despite Popsies being a rarer find than other collectibles, their distinct qualities stand out on a crowded shelf. Apart from their block-like appearance, it's also worth noting that these figurines are about 5 inches tall — though designs vary. Popsies' signature bold colors and expressive faces are a design style some collectors believe was inspired by, or even created by, Disney artist Rolly Crump. Authentic Popsies should have the maker's tag on the underside of the figurine's feet, indicating that it is the work of Pride Creations Inc.

If you've successfully brought one home, a Popsie figurine can look great on a coffee table or entryway console where guests who feel curious enough can tinker with it and have a laugh. On the other hand, placing a Popsie in unlikely spots like a countertop or open-shelf cupboards is one of the stylish ways to bring a little kitsch to your kitchen. If you intend to expand your Popsie collection but don't want them to look like an unsettled crowd of wooden minions, you can experiment with arranging them together on a shelf or in a glass-front cabinet, both of which are strategies for keeping pop culture collectibles in your home while feeling organized.