Playskool Plastic Building Bricks Value Guide

These 1970s Playskool Plastic Building Bricks represent a pivotal era of open-ended play following Milton Bradley's 1968 acquisition of the brand. Housed in iconic cylindrical cardboard containers, these sets are highly collectible for their nostalgic appeal and their role in fostering early childhood motor skills.

What affects the value of Playskool Plastic Building Bricks?

• Completeness of the set, as missing bricks significantly reduce the utility and secondary market value.
• Condition of the cardboard canister, specifically looking for water damage, fading, or structural collapse.
• Presence of the original lid, which is frequently lost or cracked over decades of storage.
• The vibrancy of the lithographed images on the container showing possible creations.

How to Identify Playskool Plastic Building Bricks?

• Check the cylindrical cardboard container for the Milton Bradley company branding, which dates the set post-1968.
• Verify the presence of the original plastic lid and the wrap-around graphics featuring example builds.
• Confirm the bricks are made of the specific lightweight, durable plastic characteristic of 1970s U.S. manufacturing.
• Look for the 'Playskool' logo embossed or printed clearly on the packaging and potentially the bricks themselves.

History of Playskool Plastic Building Bricks

Playskool, a brand synonymous with early childhood education and play, has a rich history dating back to 1928. Founded by the company Merriam Manufacturing Company, it was later acquired by Milton Bradley in 1968, which is indicated on this particular set. These plastic building bricks were a popular toy designed to foster creativity and fine motor skills in children. They represent an era of classic, open-ended play before the dominance of highly specialized toy sets.