Top 23 Iconic Toys from the 1950s to Present

Gone are the days when a child’s imagination could turn a simple cardboard box into hours of fun. In today’s world, approximately 2.6 billion toys are sold annually, fueling a $20.3 billion industry. Each decade brings a new must-have toy that sparks a buying frenzy. While some quickly fade into obscurity, others become cherished classics. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic toy trends of the 20th century.

1. Silly Putty

Silly Putty was invented in 1943 by James Wright, a researcher at General Electric, while he was experimenting with synthetic rubber alternatives. His creation, a silicone-based polymer, was stretchy, bouncy, moldable, and retained its form. Parents appreciated its non-toxic and non-irritating properties. Since its introduction as a toy in 1950, over 300 million Silly Putty eggs have been sold.

2. Slinky

In 1943, Richard James, a naval engineer, accidentally invented what would become a globally adored toy. The Slinky, crafted from 87 feet of flat wire coiled into a three-inch circle, could gracefully "walk" down stairs when positioned correctly. Its popularity soared in the 1950s, and to date, more than 300 million of these ingenious toys have been sold worldwide.

3. Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head, known for his detachable facial parts, was patented in 1952 and became the first toy to be marketed on TV. Initially, parents had to provide a real potato for the toy until a plastic body was introduced in 1960.

4. Play-Doh

Originally designed as a wallpaper cleaner by Joseph and Noah McVicker in 1955, Play-Doh started as an off-white compound sold in 1.5-pound cans. Today, it comes in a variety of vibrant colors, and despite its secret recipe, over 700 million pounds of this safe, moldable substance have been sold since its launch.

5. Hula Hoop

The hula hoop concept dates back centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1950s that Wham-O, an innovative California toy company, introduced a plastic version for kids to spin around their hips. The toy became an instant sensation, with 25 million units sold in just six months. Priced at $1.98 each, over 100 million hula hoops were sold worldwide by 1958, though they were banned in Japan and the Soviet Union, where they were criticized as a symbol of "American cultural emptiness."

6. Barbie

Barbie made her debut in 1959, created by Ruth Handler and her husband Elliot, co-founders of Mattel. Inspired by her daughter Barbara (Barbie) and her friends' preference for adult female dolls over baby dolls, Handler developed the iconic Barbie concept, forever changing the toy industry.

7. Chatty Cathy

Chatty Cathy, launched by Mattel in 1959, became the second most popular doll of the era. With a pull-string mechanism, Cathy could utter 11 phrases, including "I love you" and "Please take me with you." Though initially surprising, Chatty Cathy became a beloved classic of the 1950s.

8. Betsy Wetsy

Betsy Wetsy was another hit among children in the 1950s. Designed by the Ideal Toy Company, Betsy could drink from a bottle, and the liquid would promptly exit, providing kids with a playful way to practice diaper-changing skills.

9. Easy Bake Ovens

Since their debut in 1963, over 16 million Easy Bake Ovens have been sold. These toy ovens used a light bulb to bake small cakes, marking America's first functional toy oven. Originally available in a stylish turquoise color, they featured a carrying handle and a faux stovetop. Many famous chefs, such as Bobby Flay, credit their childhood Easy Bake Ovens for sparking their culinary passions.

10. G.I. Joe Action Figure

Hasbro deserves recognition for introducing the G.I. Joe action figure in 1964, a groundbreaking 11.5-inch doll for boys with 21 movable parts, marking the world's first action figure. In 2004, Hasbro celebrated its 40th anniversary by releasing a special collection featuring the original doll, complete with outfits, accessories, and vintage packaging, which nostalgic fans eagerly purchased.

11. Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels made a dramatic entrance in 1968, with Mattel launching 16 miniature cars, including standout models like the Python, Custom Cougar, and Hot Heap. The same year, track sets were introduced, allowing kids to recreate thrilling car races. Today, Hot Wheels boasts over 15 million collectors worldwide.

12. Weebles

"Weebles wobble but they don't fall down..." This iconic slogan defined Hasbro's egg-shaped toys, launched in 1971. Each Weeble featured a sticker on its rounded body, depicting humans or animals. At their peak, the Weeble line expanded to include a treehouse, cottage, and various characters like firefighters, playgrounds, and even a circus with a ringmaster, clown, and trapeze artist.

13. Big Wheel

The Big Wheel was a 1970s favorite, serving as the go-to ride for countless boys and girls. Its 16-inch front wheel and wide rear tires made this stylish, low-slung tricycle a hit with parents, who saw it as a safer alternative to traditional trikes.

14. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake, the most fragrant doll of the 1980s, was designed by Muriel Fahrion for American Greetings in 1977. The toy line grew in the 1980s to include Strawberry's friends and their pets, each with fruit- or dessert-scented hair. The brand expanded into accessories, clothing, bedding, and media, but its popularity faded by 1985. It was later revived in the 2000s with DVDs, video games, a TV series, and an animated film.

15. Cabbage Patch Kids

Xavier Roberts, as a teenager, established Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia, during the 1970s, where children could "adopt" a baby. In 1983, Coleco began mass-producing these dolls as Cabbage Patch Kids. Each doll had a unique name and adoption papers, leading to over three million sales in the first year due to overwhelming demand.

16. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were brought to life by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, both art history enthusiasts. Inspired by Renaissance artists, they named their characters Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Starting with a $1,200 investment in 1984, the Turtles debuted in a black-and-white comic book. Their popularity exploded, leading to animated series, toys, movies, and merchandise, proving their immense commercial success.

17. Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube, one of the 1980s' most iconic toys, was invented by Hungarian architect Erno Rubik in 1977. Between 1980 and 1982, over 100 million cubes were sold, sparking a global puzzle craze. Variations like pyramids and spheres emerged, and the Cube has recently regained popularity, remaining a staple on desks worldwide.

18. Beanie Baby

From 1996 to 1999, Beanie Babies were everywhere, becoming a massive toy-collecting phenomenon. Created by Ty Warner, these small, bean-filled plush animals came in countless styles and colors, each with a unique tag featuring a poetic description and name. Ty fueled the craze by limiting releases, driving prices for rare ones like the "Blue Elephant" into the thousands. Though the fad faded by the millennium, Beanie Babies remain a nostalgic presence in offices worldwide.

19. Pokemon

Originating from the Japanese toy "Poketto Monstaa," Pokemon are small "pocket monsters" that engage in battles under the command of their trainers. In 1996, Nintendo introduced these characters to promote its Game Boy system, sparking a craze that included trading cards and a hit TV series.

20. Tickle Me Elmo Doll

The Tickle Me Elmo doll, inspired by the beloved red Sesame Street character, was the hottest toy of 1996. When tickled or squeezed, Elmo would laugh and say, "Oh boy, that tickles." Tyco sold over a million dolls that year, and desperate parents turned to online auctions when stores sold out.

21. Furbies

Animatronic Furbies, another plush sensation, became a massive hit in late 1998 with their unique "language." Despite a $30 retail price, they often sold for over $100 online as parents scrambled to buy them. Over 27 million Furbies were sold in the first year, and a redesigned version debuted in 2005, featuring advanced voice recognition and mood-based responses.

22. Scooter

The scooter was the must-have toy of 2000, with around five million sold that year. These modern versions, inspired by 1950s models, featured lightweight aluminum frames and small, smooth wheels like those on in-line skates. Weighing about ten pounds, they were foldable and easy to store. However, they posed risks until riders mastered them, leading to over 27,000 scooter-related injuries, mostly among boys under 15, from January to October 2000.

23. Heelys

Heelys, a favorite among kids and adults in the new millennium, are sneakers with wheels embedded in the soles. Similar to in-line skates, they allow wearers to glide instead of walk. By March 2006, Heelys, Inc. had sold over two million pairs, offering a wide range of styles and colors for the entire family. For safety, they also provide helmets.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen