Homies Vending Machine Toys: How to Use (Step-by-Step Guide)
A homies vending machine is a type of vending machine that dispenses collectible figurines known as “Homies.”
Homies are small, detailed figurines representing characters from various urban and Latino cultures.
They are typically depicted as colorful and stylized figures with exaggerated features and expressions.
It gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s and became associated with urban and hip-hop subcultures.
Products in Homies Vending Machine
Here’s an example of a table for a Homies vending machine:
| Item ID | Homies Figurine | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lil’ Loco | A small figurine of a character with a bandana |
| 2 | Smiley | Figurine of a character with a big smile |
| 3 | Big Loco | Figurine of a tough-looking character with tattoos |
| 4 | Miss Chola | Female character with a stylish chola-inspired outfit |
| 5 | OG | A female character with a sassy attitude |
| 6 | Mija | A female character with a stylish chola-inspired outfit |
| 7 | Chico | Figurine of a young character with a baseball cap |
| 8 | Joker | Colorful figurine with a mischievous expression |
| 9 | Baby J | Cute figurine of a baby character |
| 10 | Trouble | Figurine of a character with a rebellious look |
How to Use a Homies Vending Machine
To use a Homies vending machine, follow these steps:
- Locate the Homies vending machine: Homies were initially sold in grocery store vending machines. Look for a machine that displays the Homies logo or images of the collectible figurines.
- Insert the correct amount of money: Homies vending machines usually require coins or bills. Check the price indicated on the machine and insert the appropriate amount of money to purchase the desired item.
- Select your desired figurine: Once you have inserted the money, the vending machine will typically have a selection mechanism, such as a button or a dial. Use this mechanism to choose the specific Homies figurine you want to purchase.
- Retrieve your figurine: After making your selection, the vending machine will dispense the Homies figurine. It may drop down into a retrieval compartment at the bottom of the machine or be dispensed through a small opening.
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How Many Cans Does a Vending Machine Hold? Size Examples 2023
The average capacity of a vending machine is around 300 cans. Smaller models can fit as few as 48 to 250 cans, medium models can hold between 300 to 400 cans, and larger machines can carry 500 to more than 700 cans.
Where can I find Homies Vending Machine?
Here are different locations where you might find Homies vending machines:
- Arcades
- Shopping Malls
- Amusement Parks
- Family Entertainment Centers
- Movie Theaters
- Bowling Alleys
- Community Centers
- Fun Fairs and Carnivals
- Recreation Centers
- Game Rooms
Are Homies still available in vending machines?
Homies vending machines were popular in the past, but availability may vary. It’s recommended to check local grocery stores, toy stores, or online marketplaces to see if Homie’s vending machines are still present.
What Happened to the Homies (Brief Timeline)
- Homies were a popular vending machine toy in the late 90s and early 2000s, replacing the old green army men’s toys with parachutes.
- 🎨 David Gonzalez, the creator of Homies, started by drawing his own comic strip called “The Adventures of Chico Loco” based on himself and his friends. It later became a monthly feature in Lowrider magazine.
- 👕 Gonzalez and his wife started selling t-shirts featuring his comic characters at swap meets and local stores.
- 📦 A manufacturer approached Gonzalez to turn his comic characters into figurines, leading to the creation of the Homies toys.
- 🚫 The success of Homies caught the attention of the LAPD, who claimed they were promoting street gangs, resulting in many stores stopping their sale.
- 🌍 Gonzalez defended his creation, stating that Homies depicted real-life situations and not all characters were role models.
- 🌐 Gonzalez set up a website for Homies figures, providing bios for each character and expanding the line to include diverse professions like nurses, police officers, and teachers.
- 📚 Gonzalez responded to criticism by creating a children’s book line called “Me Hoes” and also developed a line of Italian characters called the Palermo’s.
- 📺 Homies appeared in various media, including a stop-motion show called “The Homies Hip-Hop Show” and a video game for the Nintendo DS.
- 💯 Over 150 million Homies were sold by 2015, with 175 unique characters created by Gonzalez.
- 🎯 Today, Gonzalez continues to sell t-shirts with his brand DGA online and at events across the country, while his son collaborates on new lines of Homies.
Who created Homies?
Homies were created by artist David Gonzales. He designed two-inch plastic collectible figurines that represent various Chicano characters.
How many Homies are in each series?
The number of Homies figurines in each series may vary. Different Homies series have been released over the years, each featuring a unique set of characters. The exact count of figurines in a series depends on the specific release.
Where can I buy Homie’s collectible figurines?
Homies collectible figurines can be found in various places, including online marketplaces, toy stores, and specialty collectible shops.
It’s recommended to search online or visit local stores to find the best options for purchasing Homies figurines.
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