What's in the Box? April 2007

This product helped children of the ’40s wipe their runny noses, cuddle up with a friend and write a thank you note, all in a single item. “Something Really New in Children’s Stationery”, T.M. Freund & Co. Inc. said in an ad.

ANSWER: Russel Wright dinnerware

Before Kleenex conquered the cloth hankie once and for all, this rag doll was made of children’s handkerchiefs. Kids of the ’40s could first play with the doll, then wipe their noses, then write a thank you note for this unusual combination gift on the accompanying children’s notepaper. “Something Really New in Children’s Stationery”, T.M. Freund & Co. Inc. said in its ad. — The Gift and Art Buyer, 1947