Who can forget the joy of getting a new toy? Whether it was the must-have toy of the year or a simple one from the local store, there was always something magical about it. Kids have always loved to play, but the toys we grew up with have certainly evolved over the years. Let’s take a nostalgic trip through 50 years of toys from 1930 to 1980.
1930: Charlotte Clark Mickey Mouse Doll
These small stuffed Mickey Mouse dolls, created by Charlotte Clark, came out after the success of the Walt Disney short “Steamboat Willie”. They were so popular that when demand skyrocketed, Clark released patterns for moms to make their own Mickey dolls. From there, Mickey Mouse merchandise exploded onto everything from watches to notepads.
1931: Finger Paint
Kids loved to get messy with finger paints, which became well-known around 1931. Look at those charming polka dot smocks used to keep the paint off their clothes!
1932: Rockford Sock Monkey
This beloved toy got its start thanks to the Nelson Knitting Company in Rockford, which produced no-seam socks. In 1932, the distinctive red heel was added, and mothers crafted sock monkeys from old socks during the Great Depression. The company didn’t patent the design until the 1950s, even though they’d included making instructions for years.
1933: Kewpie Doll
1934: Buck Rogers Pocket Pistol
1935: Shirley Temple Doll
1936: Balsa Wood Model Sets
Balsa wood model kits were a hit since they were inexpensive. While later models were made of plastic or metal, early kits combined both materials, making them an affordable and delightful hobby for many families.
1937: Pedal Cars
Pedal cars were a significant investment, costing around $15 back then, roughly $250 in today’s money. They were seen as luxury items during the Great Depression but remained popular until WWII, when metal shortages impacted their production.
1938: Red Ryder BB Gun
1939: Beach Ball
The 1930s and WWII saw many new toy innovations, though materials like metals and plastics were reserved for the war effort. This period saw simpler toys and a return to homemade playthings, including colorful beach balls and wooden pull toys.
1940: Bubble Wand
1941: Tinkertoys
1942: Little Golden Books
1943: Pull Toy
Much like during the Great Depression, WWII saw a rise in the popularity of affordable, often homemade, toys. Wooden pull toys were among the favorites, consistently available from retailers despite the war’s material restrictions.
1944: Army Toys
1945: Slinky
1946: Pennytoys
These inexpensive metal toys, often featuring bright paint and wind-up mechanisms, flooded the market post-war. Made in Germany and Japan, Pennytoys became instant hits for children everywhere.
1947: Toy Instruments
1948: Tinymite Radio
Crystal radio sets went from niche hobby items to popular playthings. Tinymite radios became especially beloved in 1948, allowing kids to explore the airwaves.
1949: Cootie
Post-WWII, toy manufacturers had a wealth of materials to work with again. An explosion in the birth rate meant more toys were needed, including military-themed ones, though cowboys started stealing the show on TV and in stores.
1950: Chatter Teeth
1951: View Master
Originally invented in 1939, the View Master found its stride in the 1950s. Using it for entertainment exploded when Walt Disney characters were added to the viewing slides.
1952: Mr. Potato Head
Initially, kids would stick plastic facial features into real potatoes. This quirky toy took the country by storm until the plastic model was introduced in 1964, solving the issue of rotting veggies with faces!
1953: Whiffle Ball
1956: Play-Doh
This childhood staple was invented by accident! Initially meant to clean wallpaper, its repurposed magical molding properties made Play-Doh beloved by kids everywhere.
1957: Silly Putty
Another accidental invention, Silly Putty, became a hit when it was marketed to kids. The first TV commercial aired in 1957, making it a household name.
1958: Colorforms
1959: Barbie
Barbie dolls debuted and became one of the most iconic toys ever. These dolls allowed girls to experiment with different fashions and careers, inspiring imaginations worldwide.
The 1960s were an exciting time for kids with new toys constantly being introduced. TV played a big role in showcasing the latest gadgets and playthings, from pocket-sized Hot Wheels to the illuminating Lite Brite.
1960: Legos
Though invented in the 1930s, Legos gained massive popularity in the 1960s when plastic became readily available. Today, it’s hard to imagine a child’s room without these colorful building blocks.
1961: Etch-a-Sketch
1962: Lincoln Logs
1964: G.I. Joe
1965: Tonka Truck
Tonka trucks have been around since 1955, but it was the dump truck model introduced in 1965 that became one of the best-selling toys of the century.
1967: Little People
1968: Lite Brite
1969: Hot Wheels
In the 1970s, we saw an even greater variety of toys thanks to new technologies. Some toys had a homemade charm, like Holly Hobbie and Shrinky Dinks, while others were high-tech marvels for the time.
1970: NERF Ball
The Non-Expanding Recreational Foam (NERF) ball was first introduced in 1970, allowing safe indoor play without the risk of breaking anything—or anyone.
1971: Weebles
1972: Dawn Dolls
1973: Shrinky Dinks
1974: Holly Hobbie
Starting as a character drawing for American Greetings, Holly Hobbie became a popular doll and toy line. Her adorable image could be found on everything from Easy Bake Ovens to piggy banks, making her a favorite amongst American girls.
1976: Stretch Armstrong
1977: Paddington Bear
1978: Hungry Hungry Hippos
1979: Atari
This game console revolutionized how kids and teens spent their free time. Though it was a pricey item not found in every household, it marked the beginning of the video game era, forever changing leisure activities.
1980: Rubik’s Cube
One more nostalgic item for good measure. Who can forget the challenge and satisfaction of solving a Rubik’s Cube, a puzzle that became a worldwide sensation in 1980 and remains popular to this day?
