Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Not Exactly Candyland

100 years ago, when our girls were in middle school, Mall Madness was the only present they wanted for Christmas.

Do you remember this cardboard tribute to capitalism? Think Monopoly, but with credit cards.

I was aghast and said absolutely not.

The very next year, it was at the top of the wish list again.

"If they've asked for it two years in a row, you have to get it," reasoned my best pal Joyce. With extreme reluctance, Santa came through.

As I recall, many girls spent many hours hovering over the game board, which has a small machine that tells you which stores have a sale, where to head next, and don't forgot to stop at the ATM. 

Frankly, I'm not sure what the goal/point/moral of the game is, exactly. But I can tell you that it is enjoying a rebirth, of sorts.



Everything is still in the box, except the credit cards.


Clearly, the economy has exacted its toll.


Each week, Naperville Now participates in Mrs. Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. See what others are writing about the letter N here.

20 comments:

Irene said...

I can see why you were reluctant to buy that game. I would not have allowed it in my house either.

Carol said...

Ugh. It seems like some sort of subversive method of brainwashing young minds to spend, spend, spend. But then again I am prone to conspiracy theory.

Candyland was the greatest game ever. I was fascinated by the world depicted in that game.

Anna said...

Oh my gosh this was simply the best game of all time! You and dad were so cool for getting it for us!!!

Some of the best quotes from the mall PA system include: "There is a sale at the Sunglasses Boutique," or "There is a clearance at the Chitchen Shop!" (the announcer inside the box had a lisp and couldn't pronounce her K's....poor dear), and of course "Try again later!"

FUN! I want to come home and play!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

I don't remember that game....

looks like your kids loved it though!

Anonymous said...

Think of all Monoply taught children or even Candy Land ~ sign of the times ~ Great post for N

Anonymous said...

I don't think I've ever heard of this game. Interesting.

Esther Joy said...

My youngest daughter had the Candyland game, ...and loved it

Unknown said...

We love Candyland. JDaniel got it for Christmas. I love the alternate way to play. JDaniel gets to pick which of two cards he wants. He has to really think through his choice.

Stacia said...

"Easy Money." Ha! I wonder if the mall has a sequestration looming, too??

Eden House News and views said...

Not sure kids need help in learning to shop . Think it comes naturally . Good post tho

VBR said...

I vaguely remember this game. I think it was popular right around the time that 'malls' were becoming the Holy Shrines of suburbia.
There are always toys or games that we as parents shudder about. But, as your Anna's post proves, the kids have shivers of delight when they get that coveted toy.

debra @ homespun said...

ha ha funny post ! :)

Peg said...

I never saw this game way back when. I suppose my girls were too busy going to the real mall to want the game?!?

st said...

wow never heard of that one how did I miss it? Now it's all wii or computer games. And yes. They ask for it enough you don't want them to be the only kids on the block who are in the dark about it...

Lola said...

Don't believe I've heard of this game either - a really interesting post!

Leovi said...

Really lovely, seem very entertained with this game.

Lmkazmierczak said...

Had not heard of this game, but my girls would have loved it♫ Anything to mimic grown ups! Here's my N effort: http://lmkazmierczak.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-years-eve.html

EG CameraGirl said...

I've never heard of the game before and I'm not a shopper...but I bet the game really IS fun to play. I don't mind spending faux money. :))

When I was a kid, my sisters and I spent faux money looking through a Sear's catalog every Christmas. I don't ever remember getting anything we wanted from the catalog but it sure was fun pretending that we would.

Unknown said...

I also haven't heard such game but it looks very interesting. Hmmm I might have a look:)

Hugs
Scudds

Jenny said...

I never heard of that one!

But I've never been a mall fan.

I think I only took my kids to the mall twice to see Santa when they were small!

What a nifty post!

I definitely learned something new today.

A+