Collectiblog

Imagine, if you will, a pineapple. Not just any pineapple, but one that is located under the sea. Alright, if you've read this far, you've already know where I'm going: right to the sub-aquatic town of Bikini Bottom and the home of the world's most famous sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants.

It's hard to believe the ubiquitous sponge is celebrating his 10th year on the air. That not only represents a lifetime in kid years, but a hefty challenge for a collector with an appreciation for TV-inspired kitsch.

I first became interested in the effervescent yellow rectangle while seated in my dentist's chair. He has (and for the past decade HAS had) a shelf of SpongeBob SquarePants tchotchkes to give to the little ones for enduring their teeth cleanings. For years I've wanted to ask for the SpongeBob sippy cup, but have continually settled for the hopelessly generic floss samples saved for adults. Not surprisingly, saving face with my dentist lead me to the local toy store where a virtual tidal wave of SpongeBob products can be purchased for far less than the price of a hygienic cleaning.

SpongeBob was a hit with kids and adults alike from the time the series premiered on July 17, 1999. By 2000, kids (and less mature adults like myself) could start picking up plush SpongeBobs, T-shirts, key chains and a barnacle load of other trinkets. Today, a simple search turns up more than 350 separate items.

Since I am a lover of vintage items, some of my must-haves are boxed games and toys based on things I also loved as a kid; SpongeBob Ants in the Pants, SpongeBob Lego and the SpongeBob Plastigoop kits that remind me of my Mattel Fun Flowers with all the goofy faces and bright colors. SpongeBob Monopoly is a hoot whether it be the board game or the electronic version. And who can resist playing "Operation" with a SpongeBob theme?

I think the ultimate in all SpongBob tie-ins has to be the  SpongeBob roller coaster at the Mall of America. For those who can't make it out to the world's biggest indoor mall, SpongeBob bounce houses are available for your next party. Had I been asked to design it, I may have opted for a giant pineapple, shape but for pure bouncy fun, the rectangle shape will do.

After a decade of SpongeBob, there's a long list of items I'd like to add to my collection: camera, bedding, pajamas, costume and sno cone maker and, of course, the 10th Anniversary Play-Doh Playset.  I look forward to the challenge as   the list continues to grow, right along with the phenomenon of SpongeBob SquarePants.