Looking back at the past 10 years of running this site, it’s occurred to me that a lot has changed since those early days. One of the things that really stands out to me is that I found it incredibly important to rigorously categorize the pieces I was writing into columns for the first few years. At first this really helped me focus on topics and to keep a regular posting schedule. But as time went on I really started to feel like I was boxing myself in a bit and that a lot of what I was writing became formulaic. I don’t remember if it was a conscious decision on my part, but I know that I broke free of that and started letting my current passions and collections steer the content that I write about. Though at the end of the day I much happier with where Branded is today, I do kind of miss some of the columns that I started way back when. So I figured it would be fun to resurrect a few of them from time to time.
So today I’m dipping back into my Peel Here column by sharing some more of my favorite scratch and sniff stickers. This time it’s a first series of Ganz Brothers Smurfs scratch and sniff stickers from 1983. Though I know that these were released in both the US and Canada, when I was seeking these out for my collection I could only find packaging that was originally released in Canada…
There were 12 different sets of stickers in the first series, each with a unique scent and three different designs related designs. Each pack as contained 12 stickers, 4 of each design…
I always loved these kind of branded and themed stickers as a kid. I think a lot of it had to do with the idea that the characters on the stickers were also experiencing the same scent sensation, but it was also fun to see how the artists would work in the different smells into the artwork. So of course Grumpy’s strawberry scented ice cream fell off his cone…
On the other hand, I never would have guess that the Smurfs turned mint leaves into skateboards, but it’s pretty rad.
It’s also interesting that Papa Smurf ends up very prominently it all the stickers that had red colored scents (strawberry, peppermint, cherry and rose.) Granted, he’s also in a couple of the other sets, but I think it’s neat that the designers were probably thinking about the red ink and Papa Smurfs outfit. If you’re going to keep these stickers three-color, you might as well capitalize on that…
Similarly, in all the sets that feature Smurfette other designs would sometimes work in yellow since her hair color was already included. There are exceptions of course like this peanut butter sticker set below. Speaking of which, is that Grumpy or Handy about to massacre that peanut?!
As an adult it’s kind of fun to find the missed opportunities, like in this chocolate scented set below. Why not have Chef Smurf carrying that cake?
Or the fact that this cherry set below could have been branded Smurf Berry scented!
And come on. How can you not work Jokey into this banana set?!
I think one of my favorite designs from this first series of stickers is the Grumpy Smurf with the popped bubblegum bubble (heck, anything that points to my online handle, Smurfwreck…)
I think it’s surprising that Brainy only ends up on a single sticker design in the first series. Just this below root beer sticker…
Lastly, Even though the packaging says there are only 12 scents, there must have been a second series because I’ve been able to track down other scents like Pickle…
I’m not positive how many series of these were made, but I know that I’ve seen a handful of other scents over the years including pizza, lemon, and fruit punch. So I’d have to guess that there are at least two series. Anyone know of any other scratch and sniff Smurf sticker scents?
I love the suggestions on the back of the packaging as to where to stick your new Smurfy stickers. Stick ’em on your books (nope, nope, nope)! Stick ’em on your pirate puffy shirts (wha?!)
