Classic Toys
Toy Timeline: 110 Years of Kids’ Toys
From the simplicity of teddy bears and lego to videogames and online toys, we’ve looked at each decade from the last 110 years and chosen one toy from each that truly changed the game.
1900s
While one may assume the teddy bear has been around for centuries, it actually first appeared in 1902. When former US president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot an injured bear on a hunting trip, the incident was the subject of a political cartoon in The Washington Post. Inspired by this, a fellow named Morris Michtom created a stuffed bear toy and put it in his shop window with a sign that read “Teddy’s Bear”. As more of these bears were introduced, the name stuck.
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The Classic Toys
When it comes to toys, there’s a lot to be said for the appeal of the classics. Most of us have fond memories of playing with a train set, pounding out chaotic melodies on a xylophone, or pulling one of those telephone-on-wheels with the rolling eyes. We have fond memories of those toys because they were a heck of a lot of fun. Sooner or later, most kids develop an interest in whatever the Big Toy is this year. Most parents have not-so-fond memories of shelling out loads of cash for whatever the hit baby dolls toys or super cool action figures are this year, only to have the kids wind up forgetting all about those Christmas presents in a month or two. The classic children’s wooden toys, the old school train sets and doll house toys, they all have a sort of timeless appeal, which is why toy companies keep making them. Here’s some info on a few of the more iconic classics:
A Brief History of the Xylophone
The xylophone is actually based on an ancient design which originated in Africa and Asia. Interestingly, the instrument was developed independently in both countries, rather than being based on a design by just one person. In Africa, the instrument still carries cultural significance.
