The Super Soaker was invented by NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson. It was originally called the Power Drencher.
Link Roundup: Toy Hall of Fame Edition
The Strong National Museum of Play has named their 2015 Toy Hall of Fame finalists and 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute
Every decade has its share of toy-related consumer crazes – Pogs, Furbies, and Tamagotchis come to mind. But none were bigger and brasher than the Beanie Babies craze of the 1990s.
Link Roundup: Twister World Record Edition
Texas was the location of a new Twister world record and 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
Good Housekeeping: A Look Back at the History of Easy-Bake Ovens
Good Housekeeping, the century-old publication for all things lifestyle related, published an article on their website that takes a look at the Easy-Bake Oven throughout the years. The article pays homage to the iconic toy oven with a visual history and brief overview of featured models.
Operation from Milton Bradley
“Operate. Operate?! Where’s the dog?” Enjoy this classic commercial for Operation from Milton Bradley.
Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.
– O. Fred Donaldson, Ph.D.
Rejected Star Wars toy ideas include a Death Star basketball, a Darth Vader lava lamp, and an R2-D2 portable wet bar.
Etch A Sketch from Ohio Art Company (1960)
For more than 50 years, the Etch A Sketch from Ohio Art Company has provided a creative outlet for both children and adults. Since its release in the United States on July 12, 1960 at a price of $2.99, the toy has sold over 150 million units.
Link Roundup: Jim Rockford’s Answering Machine Edition
Download Jim Rockford’s answering machine messages along with 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
Hungry Hungry Hippos from Hasbro
“It’s a race, it’s a chase, hurry up and feed their face!” Hungry Hungry Hippos was released by Milton Bradley (a division of Hasbro) in 1978.
National Play-Doh Day – September 16
September 16th is National Play-Doh Day! Here are 10 facTOYds about the toy/modelling compound.
Link Roundup: FAO Schwarz Edition
A look back at iconic toy store FAO Schwarz along with 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
I think LEGOs are one of the best toys ever developed.
– Adam Savage (MythBusters)
Hot Wheels released its 1968 “Custom Corvette” before General Motors released the actual car.
2-XL Talking Robot from Tiger Electronics (1992)
Known as the 2-XL Type 3 to collectors, the 1992 Tiger Electronics’ version of the educational toy originally released by Mego in 1978 offered enhanced sound quality, and a technology upgrade.
Link Roundup: Lunch Box Museum Edition
A look at the Lunch Box Museum along with 7 other things we wanted to share this week.
Trivial Pursuit
A 1984 ad for Trivial Pursuit. The initial release of the Genus Edition in 1981 was followed by a series of subsidiary card sets, including the Baby Boomer Edition, Young Players Edition, and the Silver Screen Edition.