Pumpkin Puss - Kelloggs Rice Krispies mask (1950s) - backside

From the golden age of cereal-box promotions comes this charming Halloween-themed “Pumpkin Puss” paper mask, printed on the backside of a Kellogg’s Rice Krispies box in the 1950s. At the time, Kellogg’s was in fierce competition with Post and General Mills, and these colorful cut-out masks were one of their most creative strategies to keep children excited about breakfast cereals.

“Pumpkin Puss” was issued as part of a short-run seasonal series, tapping into the mid-century boom of Halloween marketing. Brightly lithographed with bold orange hues, this mask captures the playful, slightly mischievous spirit of 1950s Halloween design. Children were encouraged to cut out the mask, punch the perforated holes, and string it up for trick-or-treating fun—all directly from the cereal box panel.

Origin: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies (USA)

Date: 1950s

Character: “Pumpkin Puss” Jack-o’-lantern

Format: Backside of cereal box panel, uncut mask

Size: Approx. 7 x 10 inches

Condition: Vibrant colors, light age wear consistent with storage. Perforations intact.