Avon Along the Yellow Brick Road

Avon's extensive line of make-up, lotions, and perfumes has enhanced the natural beauty of American women for decades. As time passed, Avon sought to add beauty to all aspects of our lives and expanded into clothing, colletibles, and home decor. Over the years Oz merchandise has occasionally slipped onto the Avon catalog pages.
The earliest of these were children's toiletries from a 1967 catalog. We all know that cleanliness is next to Ozliness. Okay, well, maybe not. For some children bathtime is a struggle. Perhaps this set of bubble bath, shampoo, and lotion made bath time a little easier after the annual showing of The Wizard of Oz on television. Children could follow the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow along the yellow brick road right into the bathtub. To the best of my knowledge, these toiletries have not been shown in any Oz or toy guides. I am very pleased to be showing them here, possibly for the first time.

In 1985, a lovely Judy Garland as Dorothy porcelain figurine was offered as part of the Images of Hollywood series.



In 2003, Avon carried six Enesco Wizard of Oz figurines. The four main characters were widely available since 1999 wherever Oz collectibles were sold, but Glinda and the Wicked Witch were exclusive to Avon.



 Avon carried a "To Oz" afghan by Goodwin Weavers in 2003. Toto is noticeably absent from the 1999 mass market "Yellow Brick Road" afghan sold through other outlets.



Last year Avon brought us The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Cherished Teddies by Enesco. For photo please refer to my April 13th entry.
For 2006 we have salt and pepper shakers of Glinda's crown and the Wicked Witch's hat by Vandor. The Warner Brothers Studio Stores sold a similar set some years ago, but many people may have missed out. This is a great little item for the Oz and Wicked fans.

Oz collectors will want to keep a watchful eye on Avon for more exclusives to add to our collections.