Here's a look back at some of the popular Christmas toys from past years. These toys have all stood the test of time and are still popular children's gifts for Christmas and many other occasions today.
|
Crayola Crayons
- In 1903, the first box of 8 crayons was introduced to the public by Binney & Smith, an industrial pigment supply company. The company's most famous innovation was named by the company founder's wife - a former school teacher - using "craie", the French word for chalk, and "ola" for oily. Originally available in only black, brown, blue, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green, Crayola now makes over one hundred different types of crayons. You can pick up the latest ultra-deluxe Crayola collection at Target.com.
|
|
Raggedy Ann
- In the early 1900s, cartoonist Johnny Gruelle gave his daughter a faceless little rag doll found in his attic. Gruelle drew a face on the doll and named her Raggedy Ann. Gruelle's daughter loved her doll so much, Gruelle created a series of children's books which featured Raggedy Ann as the main character. Today, the popular collectible "Madame Alexander" doll celebrates a little girl's love for Raggedy with this doll available at Betty's Attic.
|
|
Candy Land
- Created by Eleanor Abbot during her recovery from polio, this "sweet" little board game was purchased and published by the Milton Bradley Company in 1949. Complete with characters like Princess Lolly, Queen Frostine and Lord Licorice, Candy Land has continued to be just as popular among today's pre-school set. Your family can satisfy your sweet game tooth through CandyWarehouse.com.
|
|
Mr. Potato Head
- In 1949 George Lerner developed this popular toy which consists of a plastic potato on which you can attach parts to make a face. Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV, and is considered an iconic American toy. Dozens of new versions have since been introduced. You can find this one at Office Playground.
|
|
Hotwheels
- A small, die-cast toy car. In hundreds of styles. Inexpensive. Fun, fun and more fun! Hotwheels were first introduced by the Mattel corporation in 1968. Certainly every boy and even most girls played with these popular little toys and their accompanying racing tracks. Just as popular today, you can get your hot little hands on this vintage-style "Batmobile" car at Betty's Attic. What more could a little boy (or even a big one)ask for?
|
|
Rubik's Cube
- This 3-D mechanical puzzle was invented in 1974 by the Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture, Ernő Rubik. The toy took on nearly a cult status when it was introduced to the public in 1980. Since the toys' inception, over 350 million of the brightly colored cubes have been sold worldwide - making it the world's top selling puzzle game. Amateurs, competitive cubers, the young, and the old alike can pick up their cube from AreYouGame.com.
|
|
Colorforms
- If you're a child of the '60s or '70s, these little vinyl stickers were a playtime favorite. Available in all kinds of themes and images, different scenes and outfits could be created and re-created to your heart's content. Today's children can experience the same creative delight with this "Miss Weather Set" available through AreYouGame.com
|
|
The Red Wagon
- Toy wagons have been around since the late 1800s, but it was the Radio Flyer company that made them a classic. Loved by kids and their parents, the Radio Flyer wagon is still just as popular as the original from 1923. Dollarrite.com is a great place to look for this popular piece of nostalgia.
|
|
Sock Monkeys
- A product of the Great Depression, the nostalgic Sock Monkey originated when mother's began sewing old work socks together as an inexpensive toy for their children. Gaining in popularity, the sock company, Nelson Knitting, patented a sock monkey design, and included it with the sale of their socks during the 1950s. We're not monkeying around when we say that kids of all ages still love this little ape. Find your monkey at Uncommon Goods.
|
|
The Kewpie Doll
- She's cute. She's Kewpie. Based on an illustration for Ladies' Home Journal, this little doll became a mega-hit for little girls in 1909 and lasted through the 1950s. Betty's Attic can connect you with your own kewpie. This one's circa 1949 and she's as cute as could be.
|
|
Lincoln Logs
- John Lloyd Wright, son of noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright, invented the Lincoln Logs in 1916. Introduce this classic toy to a new generation. This all-wood 115-piece set packaged in a vintage style wood case is offered by Are You Game.
|
|
The View-Master
- The history of the View-Master dates back to the 1930's when William Gruber and Harold Graves created a device for viewing 3-D images. Initially marketed as an alternative to the scenic postcard, the View-Master became a popular children's toy in the '50s when it began using Disney images on the disks. Miles Kimball will take you back in time with their retro-style View-Master and choice of reels.
|
[edit] Related Links
Printer Friendly
