The Garfield Phone: More than a toy, an icon of the '80s

The bright orange Garfield telephone with winking eyes: for many, a recognizable item from their childhood in the '80s. More than a toy, it was a symbol of that era. In this extensive blog article we delve deeper into the world of the Garfield telephone . We take a look at its history, its unique features, its pop culture impact and the legacy it has left behind.

The birth of an icon: The Garfield telephone in the 1980s

The Garfield phone was produced in 1982 by Tyco, an American toy company. It was one of many products to emerge from the licensing deal with Jim Davis, creator of the lazy, lasagna-devouring cat Garfield . The popularity of the Garfield comic made the telephone an instant success, especially with children. The bright orange color, the image of the famous cat and the unique feature of the winking eyes when picking up the horn made it a popular item.

More than a toy: Features that set the Garfield phone apart

The Garfield phone was more than a simple toy. It had several features that set it apart from other phones for kids:

• The Winking Eyes: When Garfield picked up the receiver, Garfield's eyes opened, adding a fun and playful effect to phone conversations.
• Orange cord: The bright orange cord was not only eye-catching, but also sturdy and durable, perfect for enthusiastic children to play.
• Different models: There were several models of the Garfield telephone available, including variants with an answering machine and even a cordless version.

The Garfield phone in pop culture

The Garfield phone was not only a popular toy, but also had a significant impact on 1980s pop culture. It appeared in various television shows, films and commercials, making it a recognizable item for that generation.

• Garfield & Friends: The telephone was a regular feature of the popular animated series Garfield & Friends, where Garfield regularly used it to call his friends Jon and Liz, or to order pizza.
• The Real Ghostbusters: In the popular series The Real Ghostbusters, Slimer, one of the ghost hunters, used a Garfield phone in his room. It's funny to see such a childish object end up in a series with ghosts.
• Commercials: The Garfield phone was frequently promoted in commercials, with slogans focusing on the fun and playful nature of the phone. The commercials often played on the humor of the Garfield comic strip.

The legacy of the Garfield telephone: More than nostalgia

The Garfield phone is more than a nostalgic item from the '80s. It represents an era of fun, creativity and the unique bond children had with their toys. The phone has had a lasting impact on pop culture and is a beloved collectible for fans of Garfield and the '80s.

The mysterious washing up of Garfield phones in Brittany

For years, hundreds of Garfield phones washed up on the beaches of Brittany, France. The origin of these phones remained a mystery for a long time. Some speculated about a ship's lost cargo, while others thought it was a prank by a local prankster.

In 2019, the truth was revealed thanks to a local farmer who recalled experiencing a storm in the early 80s that left many toys washed up on the beach. He and his brother then found a container of Garfield phones that had been washed overboard and stranded on the rocks. The container was inaccessible and was only discovered years later by environmentalists.

Despite the environmental concerns that caused the wash-up, the story of the Garfield phones is also a fascinating piece of pop culture history. It shows the lasting power of toys and the nostalgia they can evoke.

The Garfield phone is more than a toy, it's an icon that connects generations, both through nostalgia and its urgent message about plastic pollution.