Libbyland
Forget those adult TV dinners. Back in the 70s, youngsters had their very own line of frozen meals. Libbyland dinners may not have lasted long, but they made quite an impression on millions of former kids who fondly remember these kid-friendly meals to this day.
Debuting in 1971, Libbyland dinners were full of all the things kids like to eat, like hot dogs, hamburgers, fish sticks, etc. Each was given an adventurous name, such as “Pirate Picnic,” “Sea Diver’s Dinner,” “Sundown Supper” and “Safari Supper.”
Tater tots were a regular inclusion, as was chocolate pudding. Many a kid learned the hard way just how hot pudding could get after sitting in an oven for an hour. Thankfully, a handy packet of chocolate milk mix was part of every meal, helping to soothe your scorched mouth. There was more fun to be had on the back of each box, which was filled with puzzles, mazes, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqqhJql-2Pg
Of course, every kid’s product needs a jovial mascot and Libbyland dinners were no exception. Dressed in a white suit and cowboy hat, Libby the Kid (that’s Billy the Kid spelled sideways, sort of) battled his nemesis, Mean Jean, at every opportunity to ensure that the villain couldn’t make off with Billy’s tasty TV dinner loot.
Libbyland dinners may not have been the easiest thing to talk your parents into buying, but many eventually caved to the perpetual frowns of their children each time a commercial aired. Sadly, they were only on the market until 1976, but to those of us who had the pleasure, Libbyland dinners were mighty good eats – even if our adult palettes might not concur.
Do you have fond memories of Libby the Kid and his tasty Libbyland dinners? Or, were they something you always wanted but never got? Either way, I hope you’ll share your memories with us in our comments section below.
I remember these. I havent seen a box in years. Thank you, Great Page. Mineola NY
I was a kid growing up on long island in the 70’s and for decades I have been haunted by the memory of a tv dinner with a pirate on the box…
OMG. This brought back SO many memories! Although it was 45 years ago, I instantly recalled smells and flavors (and memories ) that I hadn’t thought about for over four decades.! Mom bought these all the time and I LOVED them. Thank you!
I absolutely Loved Libbyland dinners! So exciting as a child going to the store with mom and “picking out” my favorite Lobby dinners, then enjoying my little mini burger or hotdog, don’t forget the delicious hot pudding. Mom would fold the box so I could eat my dinner while reading the back, So much fun, Really! Kids just don’t have it as good now and they don’t even know it, sad, lol.
I actually searched for “evidence” of these today on a whim, and sure enough, there was “evidence” (Colombo has NOTHING on me!)… I did not read thoroughly because I was so struck with this venture down “Amnesia Lane” I went to Safeway and checked the frozen food section hoping they’d be there… Alas, they were not… Upon further “Colomboing” I learned they left us around 1976… Have I lived so long because of all the “preservatives” I consumed in my Pirate Picnics, Sundown Suppers, and Sea Diver’s Dinners?
The main thing I remember about these dinners is the corn ending up in the hot pudding a lot and the Nestle Quick mix from the packet tasting not-quite-like Nestle Quick mix from the can
Loved these dinners! Thanks for the post!
I LOVED these! And before learning about the manufacturer’s name only recently featured in the Food Network magazine, I would always reminisce them as “those tv dinners that had a pirate!”
Wow!!,I remember these tv dinners when I was a kid in Los Angeles (woodland hills)in the 70’s. My sister and I would beg my mother to buy them for us. I loved the sundown supper. Great memories, seems so long ago.
How about the GREAT silver aluminum trays embossed with characters you discovered after eating the delicious food.
I sent away for my own Libbyland mug to stir my magic milk mix in. Still have it along with great memories!!!
The Box sure does bring back a lot of memories! This was a treat in our house, not a staple. Thanks for the memory!
Libbyland Dinners were a staple at my house every Christmas eve,it was a splurge for my parents but other than the christmas presents it’s what I remember most.Wish the would come back,bet alot of my generation would love them even updated for today!
I remember they had this very distinct taste not bad for a kid growing up pure joy THANKEE MOM
they were awful. i can still smell the red goop that was included in one of the meals. (don’t remember which one).
the chocolate milk was such a big deal for some reason?! always looked forward to eating this treat with the tv tray