Today, for some reason we can’t quite figure out, is National Play-Doh Day. Our only hunch is that today may be the 54th anniversary of the invention of the product by Joseph McVicker, although we’ve had a hard time pinning down an exact date. Regardless, in its time on the market it’s become a staple of childhood on par with Lego. Weirdly, then, the company has recently taken to some unusual advertising practices (something edgy to connect with a new generation no doubt), as you’ll note while perusing these 12 Creepy Play-Doh Ads.

You can microwave Play-Doh? Cool!

You’d almost get the impression that Play-Doh has some kind of reverse psychology thing against cats.

Also dogs.

Weirdly, the clay clown may be creepier.

Play-Doh kids are destined for the air force.

Playing with Play-Doh will blow your mind.

And not just your head, all your friends’ brains will explode with Play-Doh.

Apparently in Europe anything goes, even when advertising a kids’ product.

Well, if an invading army of rabbits creeps you out, this would be pretty terrifying.

Sniffing Play-Doh to get high had never occurred to us. Until now.

Play-Doh killed Uncle Ben, and injured Spider Man.

Play-Doh is for thinkers. (This is not a real Play-Doh ad.)