10 times kids weren't really selling it in vintage advertisements

Sometimes your first big break is a pretty boring gig.

Nothing sells like a smile. Advertisers want people to look happy using products. 

The follow brands are great products, and brilliant creative brains from Madison Avenue were behind the concepts. But sometimes, as we all know (and remember), kids don't always play along. This is why the school photographer always had a "little birdie" for yearbook day. It's tough getting child actors to cooperate! Especially when they have to sit around in a studio all day. Modeling is not as glamorous as it seems.

At least, that's our theory behind these rather blase vintage ads.


1. Trix

 

Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids! And malfunctioning androids.

Image: General Mills

2. Breck

 

Have yourself a meh…lancholy Christmas? Young Brooke Shields was emo before emo kids came along.

Image: Breck

3. Ivory

 

She seems a bit miffed that mom is stealing her look.

Image: Ivory

4. Wards

 

Looks like someone just wanted a pair of jeans, not striped clown bellbottoms.

Image: Wards / Classic Film via Flickr

5. Nestlé Toll House

 

It seems like someone doesn't like sharing. We can relate to that when it comes to cookies.

Image: Nestlé

6. Log Cabin

 

These two are more "Jaded New York Times Pancake Critic" than "Pancake Experts."

Image: Log Cabin

7. Wheaties

 

"You see here, mister! You can take your Breakfast of Champions, buster, and stick it right here, pal!"

Image: General Mills

8. Kellogg's Corn Flakes

 

Either the artist misinterpreted the "try not to make the smile looked forced" direction or he was painting an origin story for Captain America's nemesis, the Red Skull.

Image: Kellogg's

9. Borden's Dutch Chocolate Drink

 

This young fellow put the "bored" in "Borden's." If he looks a little sleepy-eyed, remember that he probably had to sit around drinking warm milk all day, take after take.

Image: Borden's

10. Fisher Price

 

Oh, they can totally tell that's not a real TV.

Image: Fisher Price

SEE MORE: 14 vintage ads with creepy children that will make you laugh out loud

 

You may also have nightmares, too. READ MORE

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12 Comments

JeffPaul76 15 months ago
That's great to know, MeTV! I never saw any of those ads before. Brooke Shields doesn't look like herself, the way she looks now. I wouldn't have known it was her if you hadn't put her name in there.
RobChapman 52 months ago
Brooke Shields looks like she's been airbrushed into a mannequin.
RobCertSDSCascap 57 months ago
#4-Poor little guy never went to Wards again, not even when
Electric Avenue was introduced.
I wonder if that was Montgomery Wards in that ad. I never heard of just Wards before.
SheriHeffner 72 months ago
I work in a grocery store and there's a picture of a little boy who is supposed to be enjoying a bowl of Ravioli and he looks like he's about to get sick in the photo. Maybe they made him put a lot of Ravioli into his mouth?
Martin 72 months ago
#8 "No No Johnny! You're enjoying corn flakes, not plotting to kill Batman."
Barry22 Martin 72 months ago
That's what I was thinking. He looks like The Joker's son.
RobCertSDSCascap Martin 57 months ago
Little Johnny JUST DISCOVERED you can put sugar on them!
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
MrsPhilHarris 72 months ago
I'm surprised the anyone would want their product represented by these kids.
Pacificsun MrsPhilHarris 72 months ago
I'm surprised any parent would let their kid appear in an ad like that. Should didn't do anything for their stage presence.
Dicazi 72 months ago
Chocolate flavored drink.
Ick.
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