Toys From the 1950s: History's Best Sellers

From coast to coast, 1950s saw a swell surge of mid-century craze and suburban optimism in the world of toys! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Silly Putty and Water Balloon, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Peter Hodgson and Edgar Ellington proved their mettle with Schleich, delivering craftsmanship that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Silly Putty

   Released in 1950 by Peter Hodgson

   On February 1, 1950, the world of toys was introduced to a bizarre and fascinating substance at the American International Toy Fair in New York. Marketing consultant Peter Hodgson presented a peculiar bouncing putty, an accidental byproduct of World War II research, as a novelty toy. Initially met with skepticism by most buyers, its debut on this date marks the pivotal moment when a scientific curiosity officially entered the consumer market. Hodgson, who saw potential where others saw a useless material, packaged the goo in plastic eggs and branded it 'Silly Putty.' This launch represented a gamble on the appeal of open-ended, non-traditional play in the booming post-war American economy, setting the stage for an unexpected cultural phenomenon.

2. Water Balloon

   Released in 1950 by Edgar Ellington

   On August 29, 1950, a simple yet revolutionary idea was formally submitted to the U.S. Patent Office, forever changing the landscape of summer fun. On this day, inventor Edgar Ellington filed his patent for a 'water grenade,' a concept that would become universally known as the water balloon. Ellington's invention wasn't a complex toy with intricate mechanics; it was a brilliantly simple solution for creating a sealable, water-filled projectile designed for pure, unadulterated fun. This patent filing marks the official birth of a backyard staple, transforming a moment of inventive inspiration into a low-cost, high-excitement activity for generations of children and adults enjoying a hot summer day.

3. Schleich

   Released in 1950 by Schleich GmbH, Friedrich Schleich

   Schleich, a name synonymous with exquisitely crafted figurines, has been a beloved fixture in toy boxes for decades. While the company's roots trace back to 1935, it truly began its journey into children's imaginations with the introduction of its first toy figurines in the 1950s. Initially diversifying with popular comic characters, Schleich gradually evolved into the iconic brand recognized today for its realistic animal and fantasy figures. This pivot to detailed, hand-painted models captured the hearts of countless children worldwide, establishing Schleich not just as a toy maker, but as a purveyor of miniature worlds waiting to be explored, encouraging boundless creativity and a connection to nature.

4. Paint-by-Numbers Kit

   Released in 1951 by Palmer Paint Company

   On February 1, 1951, at the bustling New York Toy Fair, a new form of creative expression was introduced to the world: the Craft Master Paint-by-Numbers kit. This debut marked the national launch of a product that would define a decade's approach to hobby and leisure. In the post-war 1950s, a time of economic prosperity and burgeoning suburban life, there was a growing desire for accessible creative outlets. The Paint-by-Numbers kit perfectly met this need, promising anyone the ability to create a frame-worthy masterpiece. Its presentation on this date to toy and hobby buyers was the crucial first step in transforming a simple concept into a multi-million dollar cultural phenomenon that would soon hang on the walls of homes across America.

5. Colorforms

   Released in 1951 by Colorforms

   On January 1, 1951, the world of children's play was quietly revolutionized with the commercial debut of Colorforms. Launched by art students Harry and Patricia Kislevitz, this new toy entered a post-war American market hungry for innovation and new forms of creative expression for its booming population of children. Colorforms was unlike anything else available; it wasn't a doll, a model car, or a construction set. It was a simple, yet ingenious, system of colorful vinyl shapes that could be stuck and re-stuck onto a glossy surface, offering endless possibilities for imaginative play without glue, scissors, or mess. This date marks the beginning of a brand that would become a household name and a staple of childhood for generations.

6. Mr. Potato Head

   Released in 1952 by Hasbro

   On April 30, 1952, inventor George Lerner was granted U.S. Patent 2,639,545 for his "Toy Face for a Vegetable," officially paving the way for one of history's most iconic toys. This date marks the genesis of Mr. Potato Head's commercial journey with Hasbro. The company, then known as Hassenfeld Brothers, launched a revolutionary marketing campaign that would change the industry forever. For the first time, a toy was advertised directly to children on the new and powerful medium of television. This groundbreaking strategy, debuting the very same year, created an immediate sensation, leveraging 'pester power' and transforming a simple kit of plastic parts into a national phenomenon and a must-have item.

7. PEZ Dispenser

   Released in 1952 by PEZ Candy Inc.

   On December 2, 1952, the trajectory of a simple Austrian breath mint changed forever. This date marks the official granting of U.S. Design Patent D168,235 to inventor Oskar Uxa for his 'dispenser for a confection'. While PEZ candy had existed for decades, this patent protected the ingenious idea of placing a character head atop the dispenser. This pivotal innovation transformed PEZ from a functional adult product into a whimsical candy toy for children. The patent paved the way for the first character dispensers, like Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse, which would soon turn PEZ into a pop culture phenomenon and a staple in American candy aisles and toy chests.

8. Matchbox Car

   Released in 1953 by Lesney Products

   On May 19, 1953, the toy world changed forever, though few knew it at the time. This was the date that British die-casting company Lesney Products officially registered the trademark for the name 'Matchbox'. This legal filing was the formal christening of a brand born from a simple, practical need. Co-founder Jack Odell had scaled down a model of an Aveling-Barford road roller to be small enough for his daughter to take to school, as their policy stated toys must fit inside a matchbox. This single act of fatherly ingenuity, officially protected on this date, laid the foundation for a global phenomenon in miniature vehicles, turning a simple descriptive name into an iconic brand synonymous with pocket-sized play.

9. Wiffle Ball

   Released in 1953 by David N. Mullany

   The story of the Wiffle Ball begins in the summer of 1953, a period defined by backyard Americana. On a day around July 1st in Fairfield, Connecticut, David N. Mullany watched his 12-year-old son and friends try to throw curveballs using a perforated plastic golf ball, a common practice that often led to sore arms. Mullany, a former semi-pro pitcher, was inspired to create a safer ball that could curve on its own. This moment wasn't a product launch in the modern sense but the conception of an idea born from parental concern and ingenuity. The July timeframe captures this origin, tying the toy not to a corporate release schedule but to the very season of backyard baseball it would come to define.

10. Matchbox

    Released in 1953 by Lesney Products, Jack Odell and Leslie Smith

    Matchbox cars, first introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, burst onto the toy scene as an immediate sensation, revolutionizing how children played with miniature vehicles. Conceived from a simple yet brilliant idea – to create affordable, highly detailed die-cast models that could fit inside a matchbox – they quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Their launch marked a significant shift from larger, less detailed toy cars to a new era of realism and collectibility. Children worldwide were captivated by these tiny replicas of everyday vehicles, from road rollers to buses, making Matchbox a staple in toy chests and a testament to clever design and accessible engineering. The initial reception was overwhelmingly positive, setting the stage for decades of unparalleled success.

11. Tonka Truck

    Released in 1955 by Tonka Toys Incorporated

    On November 23, 1955, a pivotal moment in toy history occurred not with the launch of a new product, but with the christening of a brand. On this day, Mound Metalcraft, a small Minnesota company that had found unexpected success with its line of durable steel construction toys, officially changed its corporate name to Tonka Toys Incorporated. This strategic rebranding aligned the company's identity with its star product, the mighty Tonka Truck. The name 'Tonka,' meaning 'great' or 'big' in the Sioux language, perfectly captured the essence of their oversized, indestructible vehicles. This formal name change marked the company's full commitment to the toy industry, cementing a legacy that would dominate sandboxes for generations to come.

12. Wooly Willy

    Released in 1955 by Smethport Specialty Co., Donald and James Herzog

    Wooly Willy burst onto the toy scene in 1955, quickly becoming a quiet sensation that captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. Far from the complex electronic toys of later eras, this unassuming magnetic drawing game offered a uniquely simple yet endlessly entertaining experience. Its immediate appeal lay in its innovative play mechanism and the delightful challenge of creating humorous facial hair and hairstyles for its bald character. Without requiring batteries or special equipment, Wooly Willy became an instant classic, often found in doctor's waiting rooms, car rides, and toy boxes across America, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas yield the greatest and most enduring success.

13. Gumby

    Released in 1956 by Art Clokey

    On March 16, 1956, American television audiences were introduced to a character unlike any other. During a segment on the immensely popular children's program 'The Howdy Doody Show', a short, stop-motion animated film featuring a malleable green clay boy named Gumby was aired. This debut was the brainchild of creator Art Clokey, whose experimental film techniques caught the eye of television producers. In the 1950s, variety shows like Howdy Doody were the ultimate launchpad for new talent and ideas. Gumby's appearance was a test, one that he passed with flying colors, charming children and producers alike. This single television appearance was the pivotal moment that transformed Gumby from a student film concept into a national phenomenon, paving the way for his own television series and a merchandising empire built on bendable toys.

14. Corgi

    Released in 1956 by Mettoy Playcraft Ltd.

    Launched in 1956 by Mettoy Playcraft Ltd., Corgi Toys swiftly drove into the hearts of children and collectors alike, becoming an instant cultural phenomenon in the die-cast toy vehicle market. Arriving at a time when its primary competitor, Dinky Toys, dominated the scene, Corgi set itself apart with a revolutionary approach to realism and intricate detailing. Its introduction marked a significant shift in toy car design, offering features previously unseen in mass-produced models. This innovation, coupled with clever marketing and licensing deals, rapidly established Corgi as a premium brand, sparking immense popularity and ushering in a golden age for miniature vehicles that transcended mere playtime to become cherished collector's items. The brand quickly became synonymous with quality and innovation in the toy world.

15. Cymbal-banging monkey toy

    Released in 1956 by Louis Marx & Co.

    The cymbal-banging monkey toy, a seemingly simple automaton, clapped its way into the hearts and sometimes nightmares of generations, becoming a true cultural phenomenon. While its exact origins are diffuse, its widespread popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, particularly after World War II. It was a common sight in toy stores and homes, captivating children with its repetitive, almost hypnotic motion. This mechanical marvel embodied a playful, if slightly eerie, charm that cemented its status as an iconic piece of toy history, frequently revisited in films, television, and literature as a symbol of childhood, kitsch, or even uncanny terror.

16. Play-Doh

    Released in 1956 by Rainbow Crafts

    On January 1, 1956, a product once used to clean soot from wallpaper began its new life as one of the world's most iconic toys. This date marks the official launch of Play-Doh as a children's modeling compound by the newly formed Rainbow Crafts Company. Initially tested in educational settings, its formal debut in select department stores, like Woodward & Lothrop in Washington D.C., signaled a pivotal moment. The product's transition from a utilitarian household cleaner to a creative plaything captured the post-war boom's spirit of innovation and focus on child-centric activities, setting the stage for its eventual domination of playrooms and classrooms globally.

17. Yahtzee

    Released in 1956 by Milton Bradley, Edwin S. Lowe

    When Yahtzee officially rolled out in 1956 under the marketing genius of Edwin S. Lowe, it quickly captured the hearts of families and party-goers across North America. What began as a simple dice game played on yachts swiftly transformed into a cultural phenomenon, becoming a household staple that defined casual gaming for generations. Its immediate appeal lay in its straightforward rules and the thrilling anticipation of each dice roll, making it an instant commercial success and a must-have for social gatherings. The game’s ingenious blend of luck and strategic decision-making provided endless entertainment, establishing Yahtzee as a timeless classic right from its debut.

18. Frisbee

    Released in 1957 by Wham-O

    On January 23, 1957, the toy world saw a pivotal shift as Wham-O founders Richard Knerr and Arthur 'Spud' Melin acquired the rights to the 'Pluto Platter,' a flying disc invented by Fred Morrison. This date marks the official beginning of the journey for what would become a global cultural icon. Morrison's invention, inspired by the UFO craze of the 1950s, was clever but lacked marketing muscle. The acquisition by Wham-O provided just that, setting the stage to transform the simple plastic disc into the 'Frisbee,' a name that would soon become synonymous with outdoor fun and a staple of parks, beaches, and backyards for generations to come.

19. Two-Handed Pogo Stick

    Released in 1957 by George B. Hansburg

    On May 21, 1957, the world of outdoor play was legally and literally propelled forward with the granting of U.S. Patent No. 2,793,036 to toy inventor George B. Hansburg. This patent wasn't for a new concept, but for the perfection of an existing one: the two-handled, all-steel pogo stick. While earlier versions existed, Hansburg's 'Master Pogo' design solved issues of durability and performance that had kept the toy a mere novelty. This patent protected his robust, enclosed-spring mechanism, effectively launching the pogo stick's golden age. It became a symbol of the energetic, post-war baby boomer childhood, providing a new and exciting way for kids across America to bounce their way through the atomic age.

20. Corn Popper

    Released in 1957 by Fisher-Price

    On January 1, 1957, as families embraced the post-war boom, Fisher-Price introduced a toy that would become a household symphony for generations: the Corn Popper. Released at the height of the baby boom, this push toy was not just a new product for the new year; it was a perfect encapsulation of the era's focus on child development and wholesome play. The Corn Popper arrived as a durable, engaging, and colorful companion for toddlers taking their first tentative steps, its distinctive popping sound becoming the soundtrack of countless childhoods and a symbol of early motor skill development in the American home.

21. Risk

    Released in 1957 by Hasbro Winning Moves Games USA, Albert Lamorisse

    The year 1957 marked the debut of a revolutionary game concept in France, initially known as 'La Conquête du Monde' (The Conquest of the World). This creation by French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse would soon captivate players globally, becoming a cultural phenomenon under its re-branded name, 'Risk!' Upon its introduction, it quickly distinguished itself from simpler board games of its era by offering a grand strategic experience centered on world domination. Risk became synonymous with intense family gatherings, elaborate tactical planning, and the dramatic thrill of geopolitical conflict, laying the groundwork for a new generation of strategy games and forever changing how people perceived the depth and engagement a board game could offer.

22. Hula Hoop

    Released in 1958 by Wham-O

    On May 13, 1958, Wham-O founders Richard Knerr and Arthur 'Spud' Melin took a crucial step in transforming a simple playground activity into a global phenomenon: they filed for the trademark on the name 'Hula Hoop.' While the concept of hoop rolling was ancient, this legal move secured their brand's identity at the precipice of a cultural explosion. The late 1950s was a time of post-war prosperity and burgeoning suburban youth culture, creating the perfect environment for a novel, active, and affordable fad. This trademark filing wasn't just paperwork; it was the starting gun for one of the most astonishing toy crazes in history, ensuring that the plastic ring sweeping the nation would be forever known as the Wham-O Hula Hoop.

23. Chatty Cathy

    Released in 1958 by Mattel

    On December 22, 1958, the future of play was legally protected when Mattel filed a U.S. patent for a revolutionary pull-string talking mechanism. While the Chatty Cathy doll herself would not hit toy shelves until 1960, this date marks the official genesis of the technology that gave her a voice. This invention was not just a new feature; it was a paradigm shift, transforming the doll from a silent companion into an interactive friend. In the context of the late 1950s, an era captivated by technological optimism and innovation, securing the rights to a miniaturized, self-contained phonograph for a child's toy was a monumental step, setting the stage for one of the most iconic and beloved dolls of the 20th century.

24. Fisher-Price Little People

    Released in 1959 by Fisher-Price

    On February 1, 1959, the landscape of preschool play was forever changed not with a grand announcement, but with the quiet roll-out of a simple wooden school bus. This was the Fisher-Price #952 Safety School Bus, a toy that perfectly captured the post-war suburban zeitgeist. More importantly, riding inside were the very first passengers of what would become one of the most beloved toy lines in history: the Little People. While not yet known by that name, these simple, peg-like figures represented a revolutionary concept—creating an entire universe of characters for children to populate their imaginative worlds, starting with the familiar daily ritual of riding the school bus.

25. Barbie

    Released in 1959 by Mattel

    On March 9, 1959, the toy world was irrevocably changed. At the American International Toy Fair in New York City, a skeptical, male-dominated audience of toy buyers was introduced to a doll unlike any other. In an era where baby dolls reigned supreme, encouraging girls to play at being mothers, Mattel unveiled a curvaceous, 11.5-inch "Teen-age Fashion Model" named Barbie. This date marks the official birth of an icon. The brainchild of Ruth Handler, Barbie was not a baby to be cared for, but a canvas for aspiration, allowing young girls to imagine their future selves. Her debut was a gamble that challenged every convention of the 1950s toy industry.

26. Fake Vomit

    Released in 1959 by S.S. Adams Company

    On April 1, 1959, the world of practical jokes was forever changed with the release of a disgustingly brilliant novelty. The S.S. Adams Company, already titans of the prank industry, chose April Fools' Day to strategically unleash 'Whoops,' more commonly known as fake vomit. In the relatively conservative and wholesome cultural landscape of the late 1950s, this item represented a new level of gross-out humor. The launch on this specific day was a masterstroke of marketing, immediately associating the product with the one day a year dedicated to hoaxes and gags, ensuring its place as an essential tool for any aspiring prankster for generations to come.

27. Plarail Toy Train

    Released in 1959 by Tomy

    On October 1, 1959, Japanese toy company Tomy released a product that would become a cultural icon: the 'Plastic Train and Rail Set'. Launched into the post-war Japanese market, this simple, battery-powered train system was a revolutionary concept. It stood in stark contrast to the expensive, intricate metal model trains that were the standard for hobbyists. Tomy’s creation was designed specifically for children, emphasizing safety, durability, and imaginative play. Its debut on this date marked the beginning of a new era in toy trains, offering an affordable and accessible way for a generation of children to build their own miniature worlds, mirroring the rapid modernization and railway expansion happening in Japan at the time.

28. Diplomacy

    Released in 1959 by Allan B. Calhamer

    First introduced in 1959, 'Diplomacy' quickly carved out a unique niche in the nascent board gaming world. Unlike its contemporaries, this grand strategy game eschewed luck-based mechanics in favor of pure negotiation, cunning, and strategic thinking. It wasn't a commercial sensation in the way a children's toy might be, but it garnered a fervent following among intellectuals, academics, and serious strategy gamers who appreciated its deep psychological warfare and complex inter-player dynamics. Its debut marked a pivotal moment, showcasing how board games could be a platform for intense human interaction and strategic depth, captivating a dedicated audience for decades.

29. Troll Doll

    Released in 1959 by Thomas Dam

    The story of the Troll Doll begins not in a corporate boardroom, but in a humble workshop in Gjøl, Denmark. In 1959, woodcutter Thomas Dam was too poor to afford a Christmas gift for his young daughter, Lila. Drawing upon local Scandinavian folklore and his own imagination, he carved a small figure from wood with a charmingly pugnacious face and a tuft of woolly hair. This first creation, a simple act of fatherly love, marked the birth of the 'Good Luck Troll.' While the exact date is steeped in family lore, its conception in 1959 represents the origin point for a toy that would unexpectedly charm the world, proving that the most resonant ideas often come from the heart, not the factory.