Peanuts Record Tote by Mattel

Deep Dive into Peanuts Record Tote by Mattel

I’ve been searching for this Peanuts record tote for a long time, and I was excited to finally add one to the collection. This record tote was made by Mattel in 1967 and was designed to hold vinyl records. Like many vintage Peanuts collectibles, the copyright dates can sometimes be confusing. The 1950 copyright date seen on many Peanuts items refers to when the comic strip began, not when the item itself was produced. The Mattel copyright date on the tote helps identify this piece as a late 1960s collectible.

The Peanuts record tote features a fun Snoopy music design on the outside, with Snoopy playing guitar, Charlie Brown conducting, and Lucy enjoying the music. There is also a cheerful sun graphic that adds to the playful artwork. Inside, the tote was designed to hold up to 12 records, with sections that fold out to provide additional storage space. The tote came with vintage records still inside, although some of the vinyl has caused discoloration over time. Because the vinyl material on the tote is starting to separate in places, I plan to be careful with it and avoid storing records inside to help prevent further damage.

One of the things that makes this Mattel Peanuts record tote special is the artwork. The graphics are unique compared to many other Peanuts collectibles, making it a standout piece for Snoopy and vintage Peanuts collectors. Details like the intact handle, the Mattel logo, and the original record storage design help show how this collectible was used when it was new. It’s a great example of the creative Peanuts merchandise produced during the 1960s.