Zoom-Loom Automatic Weaving Machine from Kenner (1968)
Released in 1968, the Zoom-Loom Automatic Weaving Machine from Kenner allowed children to design & make their own placemats, scarves, pot holders, and more.
Musée Mécanique – San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Musée Mécanique is a privately owned collection of vintage coin-operated arcade machines.
Link Roundup: National Toy Hall of Fame, D&D Celebration, Bratz Dolls, and more
The Strong has announced the National Toy Hall of Fame 2021 finalists and 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
Collector Spotlight: Clive Henry
Clive Henry collects Pokémon cards. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, he shares words of wisdom about the acquisition of Holographic cards and explains how to add value to a Pokémon card collection.
Matchbox Aircraft Kits (1973)
First introduced in 1973, Matchbox Aircraft Kits extended the company’s line of diecast model cars to include a set of plastic aircraft model kits.
Spirograph Animator from PlayMonster
PlayMonster’s Spirograph Animator puts a whole new spin on Spiromania with integrated light and motion.
Pokémon
The official Pokémon YouTube channel promotes and celebrates the Pokémon franchise in its many forms.
Electric Drawing Sets from Lakeside (1960s)
In the 1960s, Lakeside Toys released a variety of Electric Drawing Sets to teach children how to draw.
Busy Beaver Button Museum
The Busy Beaver Button Museum is an online collection representing the history of American-made pinback buttons.
Link Roundup: Strawberry Shortcake, Super Mario 64, Dune, and more
A new chapter in the life of Strawberry Shortcake is being written and 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
The Friday Five: Kelly Woon
Kelly Woon is vice president and general manager of Canadian operations for Funrise, a California-based toymaker. In this edition of The Friday Five, Kelly offers her observations on the booming collectibles market and imparts advice for those wanting to excel in the toy industry.
Wham-O Bird from Wham-O (1959)
“Be the first Wham-O Bird trainer in your neighbourhood.”
DanCreator / Cardboard Crafts
The DanCreator / Cardboard Crafts YouTube channel takes the versatile cardboard box and runs with its creative possibilities.
Star Trek was the first media franchise to develop a partnership with McDonald’s for themed Happy Meals (1979).
I thought it was wild we were on the back of the Cheerios box, but now to see a little action figure, it’s wonderfully absurd.
– Jonathan Frakes
Star Trek: The Original Series Glasses Set from Star Trek Shop
Get a little closer to the dream of living Starfleet life with the Star Trek: The Original Series Glasses Set from Star Trek Shop.
Thingmaker from Mattel (1964)
Low-volume manufacturing made the 1964 release of the Thingmaker from Mattel possible.
PEZ Visitor Center – Orange, Connecticut
The PEZ Visitor Center is a family-friendly space that gives fans of the candy brand an inside look at PEZ manufacturing operations and history.