Blake Changnon is the president, CEO, and founder of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles. In this edition of The Friday Five, Blake shares insights into the power of play, nostalgia, and the importance of preserving children’s cultural history.

Aaron Wiley is the curator behind The Halloween Retrospect digital archives. In this edition of The Friday Five, Aaron talks about the new volume in his Halloween Artifacts book series and reflects on the traditions, toys, and imagery that continue to inspire his love of the season.

Kate Wiggs is the daughter of Polly Pocket creator Chris Wiggs. In this edition of The Friday Five, Kate reflects on her father’s creative legacy and the enduring charm of his most famous creation, Polly Pocket.

Released in 1963 by Topper Toys, Penny Brite was presented as a more wholesome alternative to Mattel’s Barbie Doll.

Beatrice Alexander elevated the craft of doll making in the United States and around the world. Crowned the “First Lady of Dolls” by FAO Schwarz, her dolls are highly valued by collectors and museums alike.

In 1968, Remco released Tippy Tumbles, an acrobatic doll operated by a hidden remote control.

“I love this place!”

In this installment from his YouTube series, Where’s the Fun From?, guest contributor Tim Walsh reveals the inspiration behind the Barbie fashion doll and how Mattel continues to evolve the Barbie brand.

In 1977, Kenner released a second-edition Jaime Somers doll in its ongoing promotion of the Bionic toy line based on The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman television shows.

Dave of the Lucky Penny Shop YouTube channel showcases the McDonaldland Happy Meal Girl released by Hasbro in 1997.

Bruce A. deArmond collects Madame Alexander dolls. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Bruce discloses the advice his mother gave him that serves as the philosophical foundation of his collection and explains why his collection rarely sees the light of day.

Mattel released the Casper the Talking Ghost doll in 1961, a toy based on the Casper the Friendly Ghost character created in the 1930s.