In 1949, George Lerner had the idea of taking facial features and body parts and inserting them into vegetables and fruits to make a face. Lerner would make dolls for his little sisters by picking vegetables from his mothers garden.

After some time, Lerner managed to convince a cereal company to include his toy as the prize in their products. He sold the rights to the idea for $5000.

In 1951, Lerner showed his creation to Henry and Merrill Hassenfeld, who were operating a business selling school supplies and toys ( Hasbro today). The brothers paid the cereal company $2000 to stop putting it in their products. They also paid $5000 for the rights to it. Lerner was paid $500 in advance and received 5% of sales.

On May 1, 1952, Mr. Potato Head became official.

The original version contained:

  • Ears
  • Eyes (two pairs)
  • Facial hair (eight pieces of felt)
  • Feet
  • Hands
  • Hats (three)
  • Mouths (two)
  • Noses (four)
  • Pipe

The first version did not come with a body, the customer would have to provide the potato.

Mr. Potato Head gets married:

In 1953, Mr. Potato Head got a family. Mrs. Potato Head was added to the collection, the Potato Head family expanded to include Brother Spud and Sister Yam shortly afterward.

In the 1950's customers could purchase accessories for their potato family. Available items were;

  • Boat trailer
  • Car
  • Kitchen set
  • Stroller
  • Trailer

Pets, known as "Spud-ettes" were also available. A plastic potato for children to stick the facial features into was added to the kit in 1964.

In 1975, the potato part of Mr. Potato Head was made bigger. The facial features and accessories increased in size to correspond with the change. This step made the toy safe for younger children to play with, in compliance with safety regulations introduced by the government at that time.

The next major development of Mr. Potato Head took place in the 1980's. Hasbro reduced the number of accessories, and round holes once again.