Kids Toys of the 1950s

Fun Facts About Kids Toys from the 1950s

• Mr. Potato Head was the first toy advertised directly to kids on television in 1952, starting a revolution in marketing. Originally, the plastic facial features (eyes, nose, ears, hat, etc.) were the only things sold. Parents had to supply an actual potato. But they complained about rotting spuds, so the company added a plastic body in the 1960s.
• Barbie debuted in 1959 at the New York Toy Fair. The creator named it after her daughter Barbara. Over 300,000 were sold in the first year, partly thanks to sponsorship on the Mickey Mouse Club TV show. Barbie's companion Ken arrived two years later.
• The Slinky was invented accidentally in 1943 when a naval engineer knocked a tension spring off a shelf, watched it "walk" and realized its toy potential. It became a massive hit in the 1950s. Since then, over 300 million have sold worldwide.
• Hula Hoops sparked a massive toy craze when the plastic version was first introduced in 1958 (after being inspired by Australian kids twirling bamboo hoops). Over 25 million sold in the first four months, and more than 100 million in two years. At peak craze, one manufacturer produced 50,000 per day!
• Play-Doh actually started as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s. But it was repurposed as a modeling compound toy in 1956 after a nursery school teacher realized its potential. Its non-toxic and non-staining formula made it a hit for creative play.
• Colorforms were invented by two art students in 1951. Originally aimed at their fellow artists, these reusable vinyl shapes stuck to shiny surfaces like magic and allowed them to create abstract art. But they quickly became a beloved toy for kids who could rearrange the shapes endlessly to create mess-free, fun scenes.