I learned a long time ago not to brag about my collection, but for a long time I used to boast proudly that I had the world’s biggest Brady Bunch collection. OK, so it probably was never true, but I do have enough Brady-related goods that it would be hard to find a person with more. Darn, am I bragging again?

Compared to the Partridge Family or Monkees, there isn’t all that much vintage Brady stuff out there, so it’s not too hard to get a modest collection going. When The Brady Bunch debuted 40 years ago, the target audience was ripe for merchandising. Before the show even aired, there were items in the works, which are now probably the two most sought after of the Brady collectibles: The Kitty Karry-All doll and the Brady Bunch Lunch Box. The first season also spawned a series of paperback books that were sold in schools via the "Weekly Reader" program.

One of the most pricey items in the Brady milieu is a complete set of bubblegum cards. They were tested as a set of 55 in 1969 and more widely released in 1971 as a full set of 88. With a display box and wrapper, the set routinely goes for over $1,000. 1971 also saw the arrival of a pair of comic books with first-season press photos on the covers.

As The Brady Bunch grew in popularity, so did the list of items available. Afan club kit was released via Tiger Beat magazine in 1972; back then a whole slew of teen magazines featured articles on the Bradys. Some paper dolls and a View Master set appeared around that time. 1973 saw the biggest increase in Brady merch when the Larami company licensed the name and put out a dozen or so carded toys that had nothing to do with the Bunch, but had their picture on the blister card. The Fishin’ Fun Game, Chess and Checkers set and Toy Tea Set had nothing to do with the show, but were found in five-and-dimes across the country around the same time Davy Jones was singing at Marcia’s prom.

The Whitman company produced several paper doll sets and coloring books, but also manufactured a magic slate and frame tray puzzle. The eco-themed Brady Bunch Game is another highly sought-after item from this era, and has a way-before-its-time green theme that involves picking up trash as you go around the board.

Not including the Bradys' record collection, there are around 50 or so items that were sold in stores. Over the years, newer items have been added to the list, which is good to know for collectors since many of the vintage items are very difficult to find.

Lisa Sutton is co-author of Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre Story of the Brady Bunch Variety Hour. She lives minutes from the real Brady House in Southern California and has an enviable collection of Brady memorabilia and knowledge, garnering her the official title of "Bradyologist."
Photos courtesy: Getty Images

Photo courtesy: Lisa Sutton

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