Breakfast in the 1980s was not only about having a meal that would see one through the morning, but it was a sensation that was enhanced by a packet of colorful cereal boxes. These packages turned into fun and had colorful designs accompanied by nice-sounding taglines that made breakfast an event worth looking forward to. Now people value 1980s cereal boxes as a source of collectible memories of when people used to have cereal as the crowning of their breakfast.
What Made 1980s Cereal Boxes So Unique?
It seems like the golden times for cereal packaging are behind us and they date back to the 1980s. It is important to note that the simple list of ingredients and nutrition information on each box was only accompanied by cute designs, themes, and cartoon characters that one was hard to avoid. The cereal producers of the time knew that colorful shapes were capable of capturing children’s attention and making their packaging recognizable on grocery shelves.
Ever since people learned that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, cereal brands have teamed up with TV programs, flicks, as well as recognizable cartoon personalities to make it enjoyable. Well, if the cereal picture on the box represented Scooby Doo or Pac-Man the kids would pull that box quickly.
In addition to breakfast, these boxes had another purpose: they entertained people. Given, many items contained puzzles, games, or cut-out-trading cards, among other features, giving extra value beyond the food.
Why Do Collectors Love 1980s Cereal Boxes?
Cereal boxes from the decade of the eighties are a favorite with collectors for several reasons.
Some of the 80s cereal boxes Wholesale issued are considered highly important by collectors because of the value placed on this part of popular culture.
Furthermore, these boxes embody the feeling of the period which is characterized by striking visual preferences, unending activity, and popular leadership. In this way collecting different pieces of these boxes becomes a possibility to recall one’s childhood and preserve the memory of the eighties.
In the same way, Cereal box covers from the 1980s are somewhat difficult to obtain in mint condition, and this is attributed to the fact that most of them were disposed of after breakfast.
Having said that, those who do get their hands on a good looking box that is still in very good condition, generally reap hefty benefits as the demand for items like these does not seem to dwindle over time. Consumers look for certain themes, unique designs, and small-edition boxes that they know will have monetary as well as emotional value.
Iconic 1980s Cereal Boxes
When it comes to cereal boxes, the best designs were those that captured the spirit of the 1980s in the best way possible. Here are a few examples that truly defined the era:
Pac-Man Cereal
The Pac-Man cereal was introduced in 1983. It was the biggest hit of that year. They used the box with a famous yellow fellow, Pac-Man, with some colorful ghosts well known also. Included in the cereals were the tiny Pac-Man-shaped cereal as well as marshmallow shaped ghosts to complement fans of the game.
Ghostbusters Cereal
The cereal that tasted like the movie Ghostbusters of 1984 was quickly popular among fans. The box presented the fabulous team of Ghostbusters, and the cereal contained marshmallows in the form of ghosts that can be seen in the picture.
Mr. T Cereal
The cereal with the famous Television advertisement star of “The A- Team” and the box design was somewhat strange. The cereal pieces were in the form of “T,” and the box depicted Mr. T in his usual fashion. But did you know this cereal was also featured in the movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure?
Smurfberry Crunch
The Smurfs were beloved animated characters in the eighties, so, too, was Smurfberry Crunch Cereal. Laying in a blue box with the characters; the Smurfs, this cereal aimed to please the fans of the show by providing brightly colored berry flavored cereal pieces.
C-3PO’s Cereal
That was another Star Wars product novelty that Star Wars fans relished; a cereal that came in a box with C-3PO on its packaging. They could have been part of a marketing campaign of new Star Wars tie-in products that got people hyped for Engineers and brought a little sci-fi to the table in the morning.
Where to Find Cheap 1980s Cereal Boxes?
Getting ’80s cereal boxes in bulk is usually a tall order, but there are certain places where a collector or an enthusiast can go looking. On occasion, one can find online auction sites like eBay, that sell 1980s cereal boxes in lots, but the costs may differ from sell to sell depending on their condition or how rare they are. The other method is going to memorabilia shows or collector conventions because boxes from the past are usually present there.
Other collectors too specialize in visiting antique stores, flea markets or shops that deal mainly with antiques. Finding 80s cereal boxes Wholesale that are sold by the wholesaler may be quite elusive but these places sometimes come with 80s cereal packaging as a set or pack. However, as with any collectible, great care must be taken when considering the boxes. The condition will play a huge role in rankings.
The Appeal of 80s Cereal Packaging for Modern Brands
This is the modern brand idea: the packaging of cereals from the 80s becomes the basis. The particular design shown below Many firms today consider retro designs attractive because they attract individuals who were born in the 1980s.
The general color and type treatment of packaging reminiscent of the 80s is a boisterous color scheme, cartoonish fonts, and patterns to trigger memories among the aged and young, and fresh styles among the youthful customers.
Companies know that packaging styles reminiscent of the age of glamor can make their commodities more distinct and memorable. It attracts not only the aged people who are in search of the foods or beverages of the by-past but also the youthful people who are dazzled by the peculiar and bright colors of the products.
Some companies have been known to re-launch limited edition cereals with packaging dated as back as the 80s which has caused excitement amongst consumers and also given a fun side to the advertising strategy.
What Makes Vintage 80s Cereal Boxes Valuable?
The prices depend both on the ages of the cereal boxes being from the 1980s and their condition. Especially desirable are boxes that have retained their original appearance and have neither tears nor fade nor creases. Also, items in boxes carrying famous themes or designs or those manufactured in small quantities are quite costly in the market.
The only major mover besides physical condition is demand. For example, a box with animated characters like Batman or Ghostbusters will attract more attention. There seem to be some very hefty sums of money being paid for a particular set of boxes coming from successful associations with movies, cartoons, or toys and these make 80s pop culture some worthwhile collections for enthusiasts.
Remembering and Exhibiting 1980s Cereal Packaging
This is important for the preservation value of cereal boxes from the 1980s. Since these boxes are made of cardboard they are sensitive to environmental conditions such as light, moisture, and handling. Collected tires should be well maintained by putting them in cooler dry places free from sunlight exposure.
It is therefore not surprising to find many collectors keep their cereal boxes in transparent and protective containers. It is also important because it shields the boxes from dust and other forms of damage to keep them in their best condition. If stored in a small area, a row of vintage 1980s cereal boxes can bring chic to any room because it gives a mini museum of pop culture.
Conclusion
To conclude, cereal boxes are not merely packaging for breakfast cereal but are history and part of the 1980s fun. Being simply designed, yet stylish and with instantly recognizable characters, those attractive and colorful boxes are a treasure for collectors and fans. From the cereal packing point of view, it is quite interesting to follow that even if you’re just a lover of collections or just a lover of 1980s cereal boxes, then you will be impressed.
Also read Top 10 Creative Packaging Ideas For Small Business
