It wasn’t until 1991 that NERF released something that could actually be considered a weapon and that was the NERF Bow and Arrow. This toy used the same basic principle as the Blast A Ball but instead of shooting a ball you shot NERF arrows and instead of having to pump the air yourself you were aided by the bow action. This allowed the children of the early 90’s to shoot arrows up to a full 60 feet. Despite the amazing amount of distance, the NERF arrows were still harmless (unless they went straight into someone’s eye and even then it would just sting a while).

As the 90’s rolled on and grunge became more prevalent our children demanded something that looked more like an actual gun and NERF finally delivered with the Nerf Ballzooka. What was great about this toy wasn’t the science fiction like appearance or the fast that it could shoot balls at all, it was the speed at which this gun could put balls down the range.

No matter how angsty your big brother was back then, getting pelted with 15 NERF balls in just six seconds was more than enough to break him out of his emo stupor and have him chasing you around the house.

Today NERF funs operate pretty much the way they have for the past few decades. Compressed air or a coiled spring propels foam balls or darts at your enemies. Twenty years of design and engineering has allowed NERF to create weapons that still look childish and futuristic all the way up to some more modern and realistic designs.

The most popular NERF gun on the market at the moment is the NERF N-Strike Maverick. The Maverick is a hand held NERF six shooter that shoots darts equipped with a small suction cup on one end. The Maverick can shoot darts over 30 feet leaving little room for your sister to run and hide. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, this little gun can also be used as part of the NERF Unity System where you take three separate NERF guns and assemble them Voltron style into one big mega gun capable of striking fear into the heart of your worst enemies or best friends.

NERF guns make a safe and fun toy for kids of just about any age. Even with computers, game consoles, and cell phones trying to get their attention kids still love to run around and shoot things and the NERF N-Strike Maverick will let them do that. Give a 10 year old a NERF gun, a running water hose, and a sunny day and he will never want to come inside again.

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1995 Toys

• Fisher-Price came out with the educational Flip Up Numbers designed for children ages 3-6. The flip up toy teachers children to recognize written numbers as well as be able to relate that to a picture representing the number. Designed as a toy that can be carried around by its handle bar, it was a great on-the-road educational toy.

• Another Fisher-Price educational toy was Ernie’s Discovery Shop. This electronic learning toy helped kids to learn counting colors, letters, rhyming, and much more! This toy was unlike others in that it was extremely interactive. It incorporated a yellow coin needing to be placed into a cash register, a real life shop with a window, and various cards to create different types of shops.

• Hasbro made a huge impact on the toy industry when they brought back the much anticipated Star Wars action figures, now known to collectors as the modern action figures. With the hype surrounding the greatly admired movies, Hasbro came out with the “Power of the Force 2” series that featured a new packaging design and improved sculpts of the characters to bring them more to life for fans, collectors, and children. In terms of the packaging, what made these figures interesting was that the back packaging featured red or green laser stripes that added an extra bit of Star Wars reality to the action figures.

• Disney-Pixar made what some consider as being one of the largest impacts on the toy industry with the release of Toy Story in 1995. Since the release of the movie, a fan base was built based off of the toy competition between modern Buzz Lightyear and classic Sheriff Woody. Since then, the talking toys that utter catch phrases from the movie have been household icons. The toys were also extended into the McDonald’s Happy Meals.

These are just a few of the major toys that came out in 1995. However, they offer great examples demonstrating the changes that were made in the toy industry during this year.

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Facts about the History of Hot Wheels Cars

• Elliot Handler, Mattel co-founder, decides to create a competitive toy with the British Matchbox cars. What emerged from his idea was the Hot Wheels model-a set of car toys with innovative alterations from the Matchbox cars, including low-friction wheels made for fast track racing and current-day customizations featured on car models.
• In this first year, Mattel released 16 cars, known as the Sweet 16. The very first Hot Wheels produced was a dark blue Custom Camaro.  Other cars included a Thunder Bird, Firebird, Mustang, and Volkswagen. One prominent distinction between these cars and that of later models is that idea of cuts in the models to represent door openings. At first, they were removed due to the fact that they would be too small to notice if done to scale. However, it was introduced with future models.
• For each of the following 6 years, Mattel came out with a line of cars that surpassed the one before. The cars released in the 60s and 70s established Hot wheels as a treasured toy of America.
• In the 1980s Mattel released the Hot Ones, a faster car model with thinner axels and additional suspension. Thermal Color Change Paint was also introduced during this time. Two new models, the Speed Demons and Flip-Outs were introduced when the Real Riders models were discontinued. The first collector’s convention was held in Toledo, OH.
• Putting Hot Wheels even more on the map was its introduction of the toy into the McDonald’s children menu in the 80s.
• The 90s brought major change to Hot Wheels as this was the time when they started introducing cars in series. Two of the major series were the First Editions and Treasure Hunt Series. In 1997 Mattel signed a sponsorship with NASCAR drive Kyle Petty. This brought the NASCAR series of race cars, which were a huge hit and continue to be until today.
• Recently, Hot Wheels celebrated its 35^th anniversary in 2003, in none other than by releasing 2 New Style Wheels.

Over the years, Mattel slowly took over the toy car industry in the 60s and has since transformed the toy industry’s perspective on what toy cars should be. Mattel introduced the idea of making a car that would be raced by boys all over the world. The history of the Hot Wheels is one that is sure to continue to grow for years to come.

If you have any other information or stories about Hot Wheels cars, leave a comment below and let us know.

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Marine Toys for Tots Posters

Original Toys for Tots Poster

Toys for Tots was originally started in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles who collected over 5,000 toy donations for local children. Over the years the program has developed into a wonderful way to help needy children all over.

1990

By 1990, Marine Toys for Toys had given away countless toys, but the giving continues year after year…

1995

In 1995, the United States Secretary of Defense approved Marine Toys for Tots as an official activity of the U. S. Marine Corps and an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve.

1996

In 1996, the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve expanded Toys for Tots to cover all 50 states by authorizing selected Marine Corps League Detachments and selected local community organizations (generally veteran Marine), located in communities without a Marine Reserve Center, to conduct toy collection and distribution campaigns in their communities as part of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

1997

1998

1999

In 1999, the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve delegated authority to the President, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to approve and manage local Toys for Tots campaigns conducted in communities without a Reserve Unit.

2000

2001

2001: Despite the trauma the nation experienced as a result of the September 11th attacks in New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, the economic downturn and the anthrax scare, the 2001 U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign was the second best in the previous 554 year history of the program.  Local campaigns were conducted in 388 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  This was the most extensive coverage to date.

2002

2003

In 2003, the DMA Nonprofit Federation named the Foundation the “Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year” for 2003.  The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked the Foundation #341 in the “Philanthropy 400”.  Starburst ranked the Foundation website #9 of the “Top 100 Toy Websites”.  Reader’s Digest, in the November 2003 edition, named Marine Toys for Tots Foundation “America’s Best Children’s Charity”.  In December 2003 edition, Forbes included Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in its “Gold Star List” of charities.

2004

From 2004 to the present the Foundation has continued to receive, on an annual basis, the accolades noted above.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children.  This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas.

Over its 18 year life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million; plus has provided promotion and support materials valued at over $6.3 million.

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For book lovers, you may not know there is a 1924 first edition of Box Car Children that varies from the later (1942 and 1950) editions by Rand McNally. The book is supposedly very rare. One has to wonder if it’s because the story was so much different than later editions? Whatever the reason, if you’re in a bookstore and see a copy of a 1924 edition of Box Car Children, pick it up!

Also in 1924, the 16 pack of Crayola Crayons was introduced – much to the delight of children and the chagrin of parents who had to pay more for all the new colors. Those parents must have imagined that surely the box of crayons could get no larger than 16! Little did they know the wax crayons would be available in packs of 64 or more colors. In 1924, however, the 16 pack of Crayola Crayons was the big news.

If you know of other toys from 1924, leave a comment below and let us know.

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The idea started in 1950 with the Looky Fire Truck and cylinder-bodied and round-headed fireman. It quickly progressed to the Safety School Bus in 1959 with similar shaped “people.” What was innovative about these new toys of the 50s was that kids were able to remove the people from the bus, simulating the process of getting on and off the bus and different socialization occurring around the bus. The idea was coined the Play Family Line, however, the name did not appear on packaging until 1965, the same year they were first advertised on TV.

The first play family was brought to life in 1960. The 1970s marked the beginning of play sets sold (including houses, farms, and airports). In 1985, the toys officially became known as “The Little People.” The 80s also marked the era of Mid West, Circus, and Main Street play sets. This taught children different aspects of society.

People with “Power” was introduced in the 90s and made the toy safer for little kids with each piece having a specialized role in the play set. This allowed children to better understand roles in society. In 1997 the toys became more personalized, taking on human facial characteristics.

The new millennial brought much change, including voice, song, and speed to the toys. There was also a TV series launched on Discover Channel for both English and Spanish speakers. Sing-a-long books were introduced in 2004 enhancing learning tools for parents and kids.

Today the Little People brand continues to offer educational and imaginative toys for children and parents to engage in. Through the many years and changing products, Fisher-Price has maintained the quality so desired and appreciated by families.

If you have a fond memory of Fisher-Price Little People or have a bit of history to add to the story, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think about the precious “little people” from Fisher-Price.

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These are excellent toys not only to be used at home for fun play time, but also in the classroom or after school care facilities to create an imagination filled curriculum for students. While using Legos for science projects or just for fun is great and easy, it is important to recognize the journey these blocks underwent to become a favorite toy choice for American families.

The remarkable journey begins in 1932 with a man known as Ole Kirk Christiansen. In Denamrk, this entrepreneur opened a business to take advantage of his carpenter talent. Working with his son, the business grew to include about 7 employees in a matter of 2 years. The company decided to officially declare a name, and that name is the very same name that is now familiar to millions of families across the globe. Incidentally, the name chosen, LEGO, is Danish for “play well” and Latin for “I put together.” These two themes have held true for describing the toy and the actions of children and adults who engage in it.

The Christiansen family receives a major blow when their factory burned down in 1942. However, with dedication and a drive to make toys, production soon resumed in the same year. In 1946, wooden bricks with letters were produced, and in 1947 they invented “Monypoli.” Finally, in 1949, the company cranked out what we know as LEGO today, a binding brick with studs for connecting. Interestingly, the Automatic Binding Bricks (Legos) were sold exclusively in Denmark. The company about 200 toys that year and introduced the first packaged toy with four different colors.

In 1953, LEGO renamed Automatic Binding Bricks to LEGO Bricks. They also began printing the LEGO name inside each block sold and finally submitted an application for a registered trademark that was accepted in 1954. In an effort to expand production and sales across the globe, LEGO developed a comprehensive package, known as the LEGO System of Play, which included 28 block sets, 8 block vehicles and other supplementary items.

In 1955, with new confidence in their integrated toy package, LEGO went to a German toy fair where sadly reactions were not enthusiastic for the toy. However, the company pushed through the criticism and opened their first foreign sales company in Germany. In 1960, LEGO experienced another catastrophe due to fire. They lost their wooden toy shop and decided to not reopen their wooden toys production . International sales began first with the US and Canada in 1961. This continued to grow the following year with Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Morocco.

Through the next 5 years, the company experienced explosive growth and attention as children and parents alike became obsessed with the imaginative toy system. LEGO inspired more fame and admiration when they introduced the LEGO Train that was operated by battery for added effect. The creation of LEGOLAND in 1968 attracted a whopping 625,000 visitors during its first opening season, shortly followed by the first LEGOLAND film in 1969, which was also quite successful.

They 1970s and 1980s were busy for LEGO as well. In 1975, English became the company’s official language. In 1978, the company created the LEGO Road Show that launched in Dayton, Ohio. This later became the LEGO World Showcase. In 1988, the first LEGO World Cup, a global building competition, was established in August.

In the 1990s LEGO was declared one of the top 10 toy manufacturers in the world, the only one that was based in Europe. By this time, LEGOLAND reached a magic barrier with over one million visitors in a single year. In 1999 LEGOLAND expanded by opening up a park in the United States, known as LEGOLAND California.

LEGO has been an integral part in the lives of children across the world for many years. Not only do they supply building blocks for children to enjoy fun and inspiring play time, but they have evolved to include other educational tools such as books, building sets that engage children in science, transportation vehicles, and action figures. LEGO has released many products that are inspired from popular movies and shows, including Harry Potter, Prince of Persia, Toy Story, Star Wars, SpongeBob Square Pants, Bionicle, and Thomas and Friends.

The history of the LEGO company is an interesting journey. Starting out in a small town in Denmark and eventually growing global the company has stuck to their goals that were established and promised to costumers in 1963:

1. Unlimited play potential
2. For girls and for boys
3. Fun for every age
4. Year-round play
5. Healthy, quiet play
6. Long hours of play
7. Development, imagination, creativity
8. The more LEGO, the greater the value
9. Extra sets available
10. Quality in every detail.

What are some of your LEGO memories? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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Top Toys 1988

In fact, the demand for certain NES games, such as Super Mario Bros 2 skyrocketed so high, that the majority of video game retailers were selling out of the game as early as a month actually before Christmas.

There was some speculation as to whether or not Nintendo, the video game company that created the NES, and today is responsible for the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS, was purposely keeping supply down to get demand up. Frankly, it would have been extremely hard for any company to keep up with the level of demand that was growing for the products.

Video games weren’t the only hot toys in 1988, but most of the other toys fell under a few categories. One that did particularly well during this time period was figurines, and whether they were barbie dolls, G.I. Joe dolls, or the new “Little Miss Makeup” doll, they were selling like hotcakes in 1988. The Barbie line, produced by Mattel, found specific success with their introduction of the “Happy Holidays Barbie”, which due to high demand and low supply, were being bought out and resold on the secondary market for vast amounts of money.

Another rising trend in the toy industry was promotional toys, such as the highly successful line of Ghostbusters merchandise, based on the popular movie of the same name. These toys ranged from the normal, packs of action figures and dolls based on characters in the movies, to the rather insane, a pair of “ecto-headphones to let you listen for ghosts and then blast ‘em!”

Some of the toys were also based heavily off “The Real Ghostbusters” animated series, which was based off the original 1984 film. Almost all of the toys though were produced by the Kenner Products Toy Company, which eventually became part of Tonka in 1987, which itself was later purchased and absorbed into Hasbro in 1991.

From the Nintendo Entertainment System, to Barbies and Ghostbusters toys, 1988 had perhaps one the most contrasting collections of toys. Some could even say that this was one of the defining years for the video game industry, as the success of the Nintendo Entertainment System pushed other companies towards creating new video game devices, and eventually led to the creation of modern day video game systems, such as the Playstation 3 or XBOX 360.

Who knows, maybe if the NES hadn’t sold well that year, Nintendo wouldn’t even be around today, which would also mean no Wii’s and DS’s. Regardless of its cultural impact or influence on technological process, 1988 was a very interesting year for toys, to say the least.

Also check out the Ghostbusters Toy Archive, if you’re into older Ghostbusters toys.

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In fact, the lack of toy production was becoming such a big issue for the children that in 1942 the U.S. Department of Labor produced a publication titled, “Toys in Wartime”, which gave helpful advice to parents on making their own toys for their children, or even how to get the children to start making the toys.Even with the high demands for resources and a struggling economy, people actually still found the time and supplies to make toys in 1942, although not a copious amount. The majority of the toys had to be produced from wood and discarded items that could be found in the average household, as parents didn’t really have the money to go out and buy materials that were being made scarce by the war efforts.

One of the chapters in the “Toys in Wartime” publication even outlines how to make various toys out of gourds, a somewhat common fruit that grows on a stem. Instructions talk about making  a rattle, a dipper for playing with sand, and bowls to play with, all out of gourds.

Not all toys were made by parents or kids back in 1942 though. One of the few companies that was around back then that produced toys is actually still around today and is in fact one of the largest names in the toy industry; Fisher-Price.

Unfortunately, even the giant toy company was struggling under the burden of the war, and just like the parents trying to make their own toys, Fisher-Price found itself severely limited in the materials it could use for cost-effective production.

In the end, almost all of the Fisher-Price toys during this year were “pull-toys”, a type of toy, usually modeled after an animal or vehicle, that was made out of wood and had wheels as well as a string for pulling the entire contraption along the floor. Fisher-Price actually still sells some similar pull toys today, albeit with completely updated styles and out of synthetic plastics and ropes, instead of wood and string.

It’s sad that because of decisions that weren’t even being made by them, kids were being denied many different basic play toys, but it is one of the unfortunate truths about the period during World War II, and one that is too late to change. However, the toy industry eventually pulled through the war. Several new toys, including silly putty, were created as a direct result of the war.

Do you have more information about toys from 1942? If so, leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.

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A new toy that shipped in 1998, was “AMAZING AMY” – the first of 6 best selling dolls in the Amazing brand by Playmates Toys.

Another doll – much stranger – also made its appearance in 1998. The Furby sold nearly 2 million units the first year it was available. As many popular toys, it was hard to find one for quite a while. (Although now you can find them pretty easily if you look.)

Toys“R”Us launched Toysrus.com in June 1998, and it quickly grew to become one of the biggest sites in the toy and baby shopping categories online. Today, it’s still a pretty cool site and a popular destination for those looking for toys.

McDonalds Toys 1998

• A Bug’s Life wind-up toys – 1998
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom toys
• Disney’s Mulan toys
• Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals toys

Godzilla Returns

There was a Godzilla movie released in 1998, so as you might imagine, the toy market was flooded with various Godzilla toys and merchandise. It wasn’t as bad as some movies, however.

So, what toys are we missing from 1998? Leave your 1998 toy memories below as a comment and receive eternal thanks from all your toy collector friends! Stay tuned as the Toys Timeline time Machine bumps off to another year soon.

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