This is the complete set of Peanuts Skediddlers that was sold
by Mattel.
 This is the complete
set of Peanuts Skediddlers, sold by Mattel. Linus is extremely difficult to find,
and when you do, he typically sells for $200 or more. If you find a Linus Skediddler
with the original box, expect to pay $400. Over time, our (Melanie and me) Peanuts
collection of memorabilia has grow from the few items she had left over from her
girlhood to complete sets. Everything was gotten via eBay auctions. It took a lot
of patience to be able to get good quality items at an affordable price. The "Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz"
book was very helpful in identifying which Peanuts memorabilia items were made.
Here is a bit of history I gathered on the Skediddlers.
Phenomenon:
In the mid-to-late 1960s, Mattel capitalized on the explosive popularity of Charles
M. Schulz's Peanuts comic strip by releasing the Skediddler - a line of friction-powered
toys. Unlike wind-up mechanisms, these toys relied on a simple push-and-go design:
sliding them across a surface activated internal gears, causing the characters'
limbs and heads to jerk in a whimsical "skedaddling" motion. This playful action,
combined with the enduring appeal of Peanuts, made them a hit with children and
collectors alike. Key
Features & Design:
- Mechanism: Friction-driven gears (no batteries or wind-up keys).
- Materials: Durable hard plastic with hand-painted details.
- Characters: Featured Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy in signature poses.
- Size: Compact (3–4 inches), ideal for small hands or displays.
The Skediddlers arrived during a golden age for Peanuts merchandise, alongside
dolls, board games, and TV-themed toys. Their charm lay in their simplicity - no
complicated parts, just immediate, kinetic fun. Mattel's packaging leaned into the
era's vibrant aesthetics, with bold colors and dynamic artwork showcasing the characters
mid-"skedaddle."
Legacy & Collectibility:
- Decline: By the early 1970s, Mattel shifted focus to newer Peanuts products
tied to animated specials.
- Rarity Today: Mint-condition Skediddlers (especially boxed) are prized by collectors.
- Market Value: Ranges from $50 for loose toys to $150+ for sealed specimens.
Though overshadowed by later Peanuts toys, the Skediddlers remain a testament
to 1960s toy design—where clever mechanics and beloved licenses created enduring
nostalgia.
Peanuts Memorabilia:
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