Mail away
"Mail Away"!
"Mail Away" is a popular phrase that originated in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the context of toy marketing. It refers to a promotion where a company would offer a free gift or a special item with the purchase of a product, and customers would have to mail in a proof of purchase or a specific code to receive the freebie.
The phrase "Mail Away" became synonymous with excitement and anticipation, as kids would eagerly await the arrival of their free gift in the mail. It was a way for companies to generate buzz and drive sales, and it often worked like a charm!
Some notable examples of "Mail Away" promotions include:
- Kenner's Star Wars action figures, which came with a free gift, such as a lightsaber or a Millennium Falcon, if you mailed in a proof of purchase.
- Mattel's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toys, which offered a free gift, like a sword or a shield, with the purchase of a specific figure.
- Hasbro's Transformers toys, which had a "Mail Away" promotion where you could get a free gift, like a bonus figure or a vehicle, by mailing in a proof of purchase.
The "Mail Away" phenomenon has largely faded away with the rise of online shopping and digital promotions, but it remains a nostalgic reminder of the excitement and anticipation of childhood toy collecting.