1967 Wacky Packs Stickers Vs Die Cuts: Which One’s Best?

Many of you reading this article would likely have already been familiar with the “Wacky Packs.” Wacky Packs are also known as Wacky Packages. Wacky Packs stickers are a series of trading cards created in 1967 that parodied various brands of consumer products. This sticker collection was launched by Tipps.

Wacky Packages had hit their peak back in the 70s, but they are still very popular to date. These cards are trending with bringing back the vintage charm.

Been a fan of wacky packs or thinking about buying them but don’t know the difference between 1967 wacky packages vs die cuts? This blog will help you out. Keep reading till the end to learn which option is the best for you!

Brief History of Wacky Packages

The Wacky Packs series comprised a peculiar and quirky collection of comic cards. These humorous cards consisted of sarcastic imitations of everyday consumer products, which were very high in demand during that time. This series of eccentric cards displayed the creativity of various cartoonists and comic artists. 

What makes these cards cooler and unique is that they also act as stickers. You can peel them off and stick them on your collectible memory frame or scrapbook. Or you can paste these peculiar stickers on your favorite spot on your room wall. Simply adding them to the treasured possessions of your valued collectibles is another great option. 

These cards are also commonly called punchout cards or pullout cards. All these stickers primarily spoofed all major brands and labels of that time. Several cards from the sticker series, which were released between the period of 1973 to 1977, have been redone multiple times till now. 

There are two main types of sticker series, which were launched by the Tipps company. These different versions of the sticker series are mainly die cuts and stickers. Both types of stickers vary slightly in some aspects. To know more about and to refresh your memory, keep reading the blog.

Wacky Packs Die Cut Stickers

The first-ever wacky packs series, produced by Topps, came out in 1967. This initial sticker collection included 44 die-cut stickers. These original die-cut cards were glued to a plain paperboard. These stickers were simply designed to be stuck onto the specified surface after being licked once they were punched out. 

This sticker collection had an element of innovation and creativity in it, as it displayed dry humor. Which was all the creation of Art Spiegelman and was brilliantly illustrated by Norm Saunders. 

Despite all the novelty value it had added, 14 stickers of this wacky pack series were discontinued. Topps had to remove some cards because of the registered complaints by the companies of which the parody was done. Some of the parodied brands got offended and issued legal notices against the Topps. 

Then, in 1969, a slightly different series was introduced to the market, named; “Wacky Ads.” This series displayed satirical humor in parody form by the artists Jay Lynch and Kim Deitch. It was illustrated by Tom Sutton. 

The Ads collection had 36 cards in total, of which 30 cards were designed as mini versions of the billboards. This miniature series was of the dimension 3*5 inches, which had die cut around the parodied product. To make them easy to take out and paste on the destined surface. 

Original Run Wacky Pack Stickers

The die-cut stickers did not do very well. Where one reason was that they had legal notices issued, while another reason was the rough attaching mechanism. This is why wacky pack stickers were introduced to the world later. 

Wacky pack stickers were released in 1973 and were used till 1977. These sticker series were the best-selling products of Topps from 1973 to 1975. A total of 16 series were produced within this period. All these series consisted of several new creations, while some pieces from the previous collections were also reused. 

How are 1967 Stickers and Die Cuts Different?

Both die cuts and stickers have a similar appeal but however they do differ in a few aspects. These aspects are briefly discussed below:

Extract/Detaching Mechanism

The die cut stickers are glued to the cardboard paper surface, and have a die cut around the parodied sticker. These stickers are very easy to use. Die cut stickers are simply punched out, licked and then stuck to whichever surface you want to. 

Whereas the Wacky Pack stickers series worked with a smooth and advanced peel off mechanism. This series consisted of peeling off stickers. This functionality makes the peel off sticker series different from the previously designed die cut series. 

Checklist or No Checklist/Pack and price

Another feature differentiating die cut stickers from the peel off stickers is the overall packaging particulars of the both types of sticker series. That is how both kinds of sticker types were made available to the customers back then. 

The die cut stickers series came in a pack of 5 stickers along with a piece of gum. The pack did not contain any of the checklist. Whereas, the wacky pack stickers were found in packs containing 2 to 3 stickers and had cost around 5 to 10 cents back in those times. The pack included a bubble gum stick and a puzzle piece, along with a sticker checklist at its back.

Difference in Design and Finishing

Although both kinds of sticker series gave the same visual appeal, and even most of the cards had the same art design repeated. Still, there are some tiny miny factors which can help you easily identify a die cut from a peel off sticker. 

Both sticker types are pocket sized, rectangular or squared shaped cards. The die cut stickers series basically had the cutouts around the main satirical sticker. While the peel off stickers had a pulling out sticker on all their card surfaces. 

The specific cards from the Wacky stickers series were also easily identifiable from die cuts due to the serial number specified. The serial numbers were specified on each sticker's front. All these cards had mostly white or tan backs. 

Materials Used for Die Cuts and Peel Offs

Die cut stickers were made of a hard cardboard paper with a visible die cut around the sticker. While the peel off stickers were made of a comparatively thin cardboard paper material. Both these materials were stick-friendly and could last longer. Their sticky properties made both die cut and peel off stickers a favorite for the collectibles hoarders.

If you want your brand to become synonymous with amazing styles, you can get personalized die cut boxes as per your needs. Getting boxes in the shapes you like will ensure that you stand out from your competitors

Sticker Styles People Loved

Wacky Pack stickers, both in die-cuts and peel-off forms, work as attention-getters. The eccentric sticker series of Wacky Pack cards had been popping fun of almost all well known and commonly used consumer products. As a result of which you cannot help but laugh every time you see them to this day. 

All these creative and innovative cards had featured the innovative satirical spoof having very quirky titles. Some of which are listed below:

1. Boredom’s
2. Fearstone
3. Duzn’t Detergent
4. Vicejoy Cigarettes
5. Camels
6. Campy
7. Chock Full O Bolts
8. Slum Maid
9. Grave Train
10. Spray Nit
11. Paul Maul
12. Dopey Cream
13. Crack Jerk
14. Crust Tooth Paste
15. Kook Aid

And the list goes on. 

If you run a business and want your customers to link with the funky styles of wacky packages, you can consider mylar packaging. Getting branded die cut mylar bags designed in the styles mentioned above can ensure you win more sales easily and make your products easily recognizable.

Conclusion

Wacky Pack stickers, both in die-cuts and peel-off forms, mostly consisted of some kind of peculiar illustration. Which is always in the form of some kind of dry humor and satirical parody of the popular and essential products. 

These trading punch out cards are till date very much in demand. These are still frequently used by the collectible enthusiasts who passionately work to bring back the vintage back and relive nostalgia. Considering the wacky packages style for your brand? Choose Custom Boxes Lane to get any type of stickers and mylars that can fit your specific branding needs.