The 1950s was a much simpler time. Indeed, the rough-and-tumble youngsters of the ‘50s would have little in common with today's youtube-crazed toddlers. Without the wonders of technology to keep them entertained, ‘50s kids had to get by with the beauty of nature, their own imaginations, and a few rudimentary toys.
The '50s was a marvelous time for toymakers as kids from all around the globe showed much appreciation for the craftsmanship and thought they poured into their products. The hottest toys of the time were Matchbox cars, Barbies, and Hula Hoops. These simple toys were enough to make any kid from that era happy.
Allow us to take you on a trip back in time as we present six of the hottest toys every ‘50s kid hoped they'd get for Christmas!
The 1950s kicked off with a bang with a Fisher-Price Little People toy release. The toy initially came with a fire truck and three little figures. Following its massive success, the toy company created a version that contained the whole Play Family, released right before the decade ended.
Mr. Potato Head is probably one of the most popular '50s toys on this list. The doll was popularized, if not immortalized by the Disney film, Toy Story. Upon its release in 1952, Mr. Potato Head was all the rage with his interchangeable features.
Play-Doh was first sold as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s. Then, in the mid-1950s, Cincinnati schools started using the stuff as a toy for kids. From then on, the brand quickly expanded across the country. By the end of the decade, the brand was at an all-time high thanks to the company's efforts on television advertisements.
Pogo stick already existed by the time the 1950s rolled around. However, the decade saw the toy’s modern transformation (which began in 1957). From kids to adults, everyone in the 50s fell in love with bouncing on a pogo stick.
Now here's a 1950s toy that is still used by many modern kids and adults. The Hula Hoop isn't just a fun way to pass time; it's also a form of waist slimming exercise! Released in 1958, the Hula Hoop immediately skyrocketed to household name status.
Probably the most popular toy from the '50s is the infamous Ms. Barbie herself. She was first introduced to the world in March of 1959, and everyone fell head over heels for her go-getter personality and beautiful appearance! Barbie became so famous that today, men and women are getting plastic surgery to look like her or her boyfriend, Ken!