Mr Frosty Ice Crunchie Machine Top 10 Christmas Toys 1990

Mr Frosty Ice Crunchie Machine Top 10 Christmas Toys 1990

The Mr Frosty Ice Crunchie Machine of 1990 was a toy that brought frosty fun to the festive season. With its snowman-shaped design, colourful levers, and promise of homemade icy treats, it gave kids the thrill of creating slushies and desserts in their own kitchen. For children who unwrapped one at Christmas, Mr Frosty wasn’t just a toy—it was an experience, combining creativity, food, and play in one magical package.

1990: A Year in Context

1990 in the UK was a year filled with bright toys and colourful fads. Food-themed toys were especially popular, and Mr Frosty fit perfectly into that trend. In a time when icy treats were a luxury reserved for hot summer days, the idea of making your own slushie at home—even in the middle of winter—was irresistible to children.

The Snowman Machine

Mr Frosty was a cheerful plastic snowman with a big smile, a removable hat, and a crank handle. Children placed ice cubes inside, turned the crank, and watched as crushed ice spilled out, ready to be flavoured with sugary syrups. Accessory packs included small cups, spoons, and moulds to shape icy treats into stars and animals (see Mr Frosty history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

Parents remember kids squealing with excitement as they opened Mr Frosty, often demanding to use it right away. Kitchens echoed with the sound of cranking as children made their first homemade slushies—sometimes with varying success. While the syrups were often too sweet and the ice tricky to crush, the joy of creating something edible made it unforgettable.

Adverts and Popularity

Television adverts for Mr Frosty became legendary. The catchy jingle and brightly coloured imagery made it one of the most memorable commercials of the era. The promise of “cool treats” that kids could make themselves was an irresistible pitch, and by Christmas 1990, Mr Frosty had become one of the most in-demand toys on the shelves.

Price Then and Now

In 1990, the Mr Frosty Ice Crunchie Machine retailed for around £12.99, or about £31 today. Its relatively low price and big “wow factor” made it an appealing choice for parents looking to impress without breaking the bank. Today, original Mr Frosty machines are highly nostalgic collectables, while modern versions continue to be sold to new generations.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved Mr Frosty because it felt magical. Unlike traditional toys, it gave them the power to create real, edible treats. The combination of colourful design, hands-on play, and tasty results made it more than a toy—it was an activity. Even when the results were messy, the process was fun, and the sense of independence was empowering for children.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the nineties, Mr Frosty is remembered as one of the most exciting and unique toys of childhood. Adults today recall sticky hands, sugar highs, and the occasional frustration when the crank got stuck. Despite its quirks, it has endured as a cultural icon, with modern reissues keeping the frosty fun alive.

1990 Christmas Memories

Families remember Christmas mornings filled with eager requests to “make a slushie.” Parents recall the mess in kitchens, while kids delighted in the novelty of creating icy treats indoors during winter. For many, Mr Frosty was the standout gift of Christmas 1990, combining festive magic with frosty fun.

Conclusion

The Mr Frosty Ice Crunchie Machine of 1990 was more than just a toy—it was an experience of creativity and fun. With its cheerful snowman design and promise of icy treats, it became one of the most iconic gifts of the decade. If you remember cranking out ice on Christmas morning, relive the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1990 archive. See how it compares with the most popular Christmas toys, and discover its lasting frosty charm in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. Decades later, Mr Frosty still brings back memories of sweet, icy fun.

Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. 🎄