Since the premiere of Star Trek in 1966, collectibles based on the characters and vehicles have remained consistently popular with fans. While some increased in value over the years and still remain in high demand, others didn’t perform as well in the collectible market and sank into obscurity. From your parents’ attic to the convention merchandise floor, let’s take a look at 4 weird (but wonderful) Star Trek toys you won’t believe exist!
1. Spud-date, 2011: The Mr. Potato Head toys
One of the most popular and oldest toy lines that remains in production, Mr. Potato Head first hit toy shelves in 1952 and if you didn’t own one, you probably played with a friend’s or in daycare. A variety of Mr. Potato Head toys appeared on store shelves over the years, and in 2011, Hasbro introduced Star Trek Mr. Potato Heads that came in sets of 2. Spock, Mirror Spock, Captain Kirk, and even Uhura got the spud treatment, and they’re still available on sites like eBay.
2. A camping must-have: The Star Trek marshmallow dispenser
This collectible, released by Kraft in conjunction with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989,) is one of those collectibles that will have you muttering, “What on Earth?” when and if you come across it. The dispenser fits several marshmallows inside and comes with its own oversized spoon and fork. I suppose this is a great item if you ever plan to LARP that campfire scene from the movie.
3. To kowabunga is not logical: Star Trek characters as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
In 1994, this toy line combined Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with beloved Star Trek characters to create a product like something out of a fever dream. Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy, and Chief Engineer Scott all got the terrapin treatment. Playmates owned the licensing rights for both toy lines and with so many TMNJ products out already, someone must have said, “Why not?” These are some of the oddest-looking franchise toys ever produced!
Fascinating? The Light-up “Spock” helmet
If you’re a fan of Star Trek: Lower Decks or know your franchise history, then you know all about this inexplicable toy. Released by Remco in 1976, the helmet included a partial face shield, a red police car-style flashing light, two black antennas, and a siren sound effect. The most bizarre feature, though, is the stick-on decal that simply says, “Spock.” Ethan Peck, who played Spock in Star Trek: Discovery in season 2, unboxed one of these helmets online in April 2020, introducing this toy to a whole new generation of fans.
Whether you collect Star Trek merchandise to sell or trade or to fill your collectibles room, these 4 toys are guaranteed conversation pieces! Now, slap on that Spock helmet and start hunting!