Whatever Sells

You know how it is. If something is going to sell, someone is going to make or manufacture it (or them, in this case). The "them" I am referring to is the new Ty Beanie Babie Dolls named after the First Children, Sasha and Malia (photo above). To be more precise, the dolls are named, "Marvelous Malia" and "Sweet Sasha." The Chicago Sun Times reported today that First Lady Michele Obama is not thrilled about the items, to say the least. Mrs. Obama's spokeswoman had this to say: We believe it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes. Now Ty Inc. is trying to repackage their intentions a little bit, saying that, Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia -- were chosen because they are beautiful names, not because of any resemblance to first kids Malia and Sasha Obama."

Although as the mother of Sasha and Malia - Mrs. Obama has the right to be upset - this is not the first time that such attempts at making some cash at the expense of a child of a United State's President has taken place. Here are some older, although not any less gimmicky, retail attempts (see below):

There were the Bush Twin Sisters Bowling Bags:

In 1999, Tyson Chelsea Chicken Fingers were very popular:

In 1979, Whitman Chocolates offered the Special Amy Carter Edition Whitman Sampler (all peanut centers):

Nixon's presidency brought with it the 1968 Tricia Edition of the Westinghouse Range:

In 1962, Pez offered the Caroline Kennedy Candy Dispenser:

Lastly, just in case you thought that manufacturers only thought of cashing in like this during the 20th and 21st centuries, let me remind you of the Tad Lincoln Brass Bleeding Bowl:

I guess some things never change...