The Ringo Hand-Puppet

Included as a free gift with The Beatles Candy Display Box (World Candies, 1966)

These candy canes, also known as sugar cigarettes, were produced by World Candies, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY) as a promotional item tied to the Beatles’ television cartoons. The candies were distributed in six different varieties and sold in boxes measuring 1“ x 2½” x⅜".

Each box contained two candy canes and featured a cartoon image of a Beatle on the front. The “John” box was available in red and green. A “Paul” box was available in orange and pink, the ‘George’ box was available in yellow, and the “Ringo” box was available in blue. 

The back of the box advertised a “free guitar,” which allowed customers to send in empty boxes to enter a monthly drawing. Small print on the packaging indicated that the sticks were “Licensed by © 1966 NEMS Enterprises, Ltd.” The label read: “Put on your own puppet show. Hand puppet of your favorite Beatle. Full-color vinyl plastic autographed by each individual Beatle star. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, or Ringo Starr. Collect official Beatle puppets!”