Unless the movie Jaws permanently altered your image of what a beach vacation is all about, your memories of childhood trips to the beach are probably fond ones. One glance at a display of sand pails, shovels and sieves and those carefree fun-filled days seem like only yesterday.

Photo by Barbara Jacksier

Like many other metal kiddy products from the 40s and 50s, sand toys were frequently lithographed with pictures of Mickey Mouse and other Walt Disney characters or themes borrowed from children’s stories or poems. Today, these nostalgic  gems are priced in the $25 to $100 range with rare examples and those in mint condition selling for even more.

Photo by Dan Mayers

The 1960s marked the end of an era, when tin sand pails were replaced with plastic ones that didn’t rust or have sharp edges.

Photo by Barbara Jacksier

As summer approaches, every toy store, supermarket and drugstore will line there shelves with colorful sand toys. Stock up on your favorites and create a colorful display for under $20.