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Moms Who Think
14 Toys Boomers Loved That Would Confuse Today’s Kids
By Ashley Haugen,
2024-06-11
Before there were video games and iPads and touchscreens and VR headsets, there was a simpler time that was wildly less … electronic. Indeed, when the Boomer generation (born between 1946-1964) was growing up, they had a selection of simple toys that encouraged creativity and stretched the imagination. Hours were spent in pure play — a notion that often is lost on today’s generation. Take a walk back in time and explore these 14 classic toys that were wildly popular with Boomer kids.
Slinky
Invented in 1943 by Richard and Betty James
Released in 1945
Known for its ability to walk down stairs
Hula Hoop
Marketed by Wham-O in 1958
Patented in 1963
Inspired by a wooden hoop children played with in Australia
Barbie Dolls
Invented by Ruth Handler
Released in 1959 by Mattel
Mattel was founded by Handler and her husband, Elliot
Mr. Potato Head
Invented in 1949 by George Lerner
Distributed in 1952 by Hasbro
Claim to fame: the first toy ever advertised on TV
TONKA Trucks
Invented in 1947 by Mound Metalcraft Company in Mound, Minnesota
Mound is located near Lake Minnetonka, hence the name “Tonka”
TONKA uses 119,000 pounds of yellow paint each year
Play-Doh
Started as wallpaper cleaner
Was first used as modeling clay in 1955
Became known as Play-Doh in 1956
GI Joe
Introduced in 1964
Called an “action soldier” or “action figure” instead of a doll
Originally introduced as an Army soldier but a Navy sailor, Air Force pilot, Marine and NASA astronaut were later added
View-Master
Originally called Sawyer’s View-Master
Introduced at the World’s Fair in 1939-40
First intended to be an adult education tool
Easy-Bake Oven
Invented by Ronald Howes and introduced in 1963 by Kenner
Heat source was two 100-watt incandescent bulbs
Could bake actual edible food
Etch A Sketch
Introduced at the 1959 International Toy Fair
First called L’ecran Magique , or The Magic Screen
Aluminum powder and tiny beads are held to the screen via static charges
Chatty Cathy
Released in 1960
Pull-string on her back made Cathy “talk”
Started with 11 phrases, including “I love you”
Second most popular doll in the 1960s after Barbie
Hot Wheels
Debuted in 1968 at the International Toy Fair
Inspired by California hot rods
Original batch included 16 cars, called “The Sweet 16”
Cootie
Invented in 1948 by William H. Schaper of Minnesota
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