The 1998 PEZ Petz Series 2 Gum Dispenser Is the Adorable Animal Collectible Every Nostalgic Candy Hunter Seeks
When PEZ Made Bubble Gum Dispensers
The PEZ Petz Series 2 from 1998 represents a fascinating spin-off moment in PEZ history. While most collectors know PEZ for their classic hard candy dispensers, PEZ Petz were a unique licensed venture that dispensed bubble gum from adorable animal-faced characters. Released by Amurol Confections with PEZ branding, these whimsical dispensers brought an entirely new experience to the PEZ universe - one that delighted collectors seeking novelty and variety beyond the traditional candy format.
Meet Series 2's Crew
Series 2 introduced four charming characters: Purrl the Cat, Cheeky the Chipmunk, Sidney the Kangaroo, and Blubbers the Whale. Each character featured expressive sculpting and vibrant colors designed to appeal to younger collectors, though their unconventional bubble gum mechanism made them genuinely fun novelties for everyone. Unlike standard PEZ dispensers where a spring mechanism delivers candy, these gum dispensers worked differently, making them a true departure from the classic PEZ experience while maintaining the brand's playful spirit.
A Brief Window of Whimsy
PEZ Petz lasted for several series before discontinuation, making the late-1990s releases increasingly scarce as collectors seek to complete their collections. Series 2 came in its original packaging with mint-in-package examples becoming harder to find. The novelty of combining PEZ branding with bubble gum and animal characters made them a unique entry point for collectors who wanted something decidedly different from the standard dispenser lineup.
PEZ Petz remind us that sometimes the greatest collectibles come from moments when brands take creative risks and try something entirely new.
Hunting for Petz Today
Finding PEZ Petz Series 2 examples requires searching vintage candy and collectible markets, as these specialty dispensers didn't achieve the same mainstream recognition as traditional PEZ releases. Serious collectors know these represent a unique window in late-1990s novelty toy manufacturing - a moment when licensed brands experimented boldly with their product lines. I've been hunting for a complete Series 2 set, so I added them to my needs list in the Collectiblz app. Whether you're building a comprehensive PEZ collection, hunting novelty gum dispensers, or celebrating the weird and wonderful side of 1990s candy culture, PEZ Petz Series 2 delivers genuine charm and nostalgia.
