History's Best Selling Toys of 1940

Extra! Extra! Step right up to inspect the definitive collection of first-rate toys releases from 1940. Discover the genuine articles of American ingenuity that captured the public's fancy and won nationwide acclaim during this historic era.

1. Bubble Solution

   Released in 1940 by Chemtoy

   While children had been making their own bubble mixtures for centuries, June 1, 1940, marks a pivotal moment when this simple pastime was transformed into a commercial phenomenon. It was around this time that the Chicago-based company Chemtoy began mass-producing and bottling its own bubble solution. In a world on the brink of widespread conflict, this launch offered an accessible and affordable form of joy. By packaging a pre-mixed soap solution with a simple wand, Chemtoy democratized the magic of bubble-blowing, making it readily available to any child, regardless of their family's ability to concoct the perfect homemade formula. This simple act of bottling a classic activity established a brand-new category in the toy industry and solidified the bubble as a universal symbol of childhood wonder.