When you think of opening things to get trading cards, packs are a no-brainer. Cereal boxes might also come to mind. Sandwich bags? Probably not. But it’s not unheard of. That’s how 1988 Ziploc Willow trading cards made their way into collections. It’s probably also why they’re so difficult to find today.
1988 Ziploc Willow Checklist Details
The set has just six cards with one included in each specially marked box of Ziploc sandwich bags. It’s a character-driven checklist that includes Willow, Madmartigan and more. Measuring 2.5″ by 5″, they’re not traditionally sized cards. Rather, they’re noticeably taller than normal.
The design is simple with a photo on the front along with the movie’s logo and character’s name. There’s plenty of white space left over. Backs have a character bio plus a nudge to go out and buy more sandwich bags to get all six cards.
Even if you took a sandwich to school or work every day, one box could last months. Small families might still require a few weeks to go through a box. Now imagine needing six boxes—without hitting any duplicates—to come the simple set. Not an easy task unless your parents were okay with several opened boxes of sandwich bags stacked in the pantry.
The Ziploc Willow cards are extremely hard to find today. You might be able to find one or two online at a time but it’s a seller’s market so prices are likely to seem high. Further compounding things is the fact that the movie never got a broader set of trading cards. Panini did a sticker collection, but this is it for cards.
More common are another promotion Ziploc did for the movie. People could also mail away for movie-themed school portfolios. They’re not fancy, but they do come with gorgeous artwork. The folders actually easier to find today.
1988 Ziploc Willow Checklist
6 cards.
Brownies
General Kael
Madmartigan
Queen Bavmorda
Sorsha
Willow Ufgood
