Toys Which Have Shaped The Past and Future

Kids and toys are inseparable. Regardless of the age and gender of a kid, there will always be a toy which they will grow up and have fond memories with. This toy will be played with most often, even to the point where the kid will actually take it to sleep. Toys can also become great tools for parenting as well. Parents can leave their kids with toys, allowing them to accomplish other tasks. In addition, toys can also contribute to the development of kids. With the variety of toys available today, you’ll be able to find one which can improve a kid’s motor skills, communication skills, and even their relationships with peers.

Toys have been around for decades. Their styles and classifications might have changed through time, but, undeniably, they continue to serve their purpose. To paint a clearer picture of the different toys which have shaped the past and future, consider the list below:

1. Lego Minifigures 

A kid’s mind can be very creative. They can think of anything and everything under the sun. Lego Minifigures and Lego pieces can be great avenues for kids to express and showcase their creativity. Several people—adults included—have been collecting different Lego Minifigures for years. This toy comes in a wide variety of models, allowing collectors to have something to look forward to. First produced in 1978, the popularity of Lego Minifigures continues to skyrocket over time.

2. Barbie Dolls

Barbie dolls have been around since 1959, and it still continues to be one of the recognizable and best-selling toys in the world today. You can basically purchase Barbie dolls dressed in different professions—from a businesswoman to a dentist, astronaut, and even a rock star! You can also buy Barbie dolls with families, houses, and cars. And with the number of people continually patronizing the product, you can be sure that Barbie dolls will still be around in the years to come.

3. Yo-yo

Unlike high-tech toys, yo-yos have been used since ancient times. It has been around for at least 2,500 years, and it continues to gain the recommendation of parents from around the world. Yo-yos aren’t complicated toys as they are actually very simple to play with. Its simplicity is probably one of the reasons why it has been popular for years since it allows kids to do whatever they want with the toy, from mastering existing tricks to creating one of their own. Additionally, playing yo-yos can be beneficial for the young mind because it helps develop excellent motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and relieve mental stress.

4. Transformers 

If girls had dolls, boys usually had robots. Because of this status quo, a lot of kids have preferred playing with Transformers. These shape-shifting toys can be played as toy cars or robots, and kids can have the liberty to choose! Kids are fascinated with these toys because it has actually allowed them to make something out of another object. The popularity of this toy can be attributed to its nature and films. 

5. The Leap Pad

Before iPads and tablets, there was the Leap Pad. The Leap Pad was the first talking book introduced in 1999, making learning fun and easy for kids. With the Leap Pad, learning seemed like merely playtime for them—and kids can use it even without their parents around! This gadget was not only educational, but it was convenient to use and portable for kids.

6. Easy-Bake Oven

Several kids already know what they want to be when they grow up. For kids who are aspiring bakers, the Easy-Bake Oven was a godsend. This toy comes with different mixes, allowing kids to come up with their own creations through an oven. Introduced in 1963, this toy has paved the way for kids to fulfill their dream of being a baker.

7. Doc McStuffins Figurines

Of course, not all kids would want to be a baker when they grow up; some of them want to work in the medical field as a doctor. Because several kids love to play “pretend,” Doc Mcstuffins figurines made waves with kids of all nationalities. This toy line was based on a TV show featuring an African-American doctor who helped toys with their medical needs.

8. The Rubik’s Cube

For older kids who aren’t entertained by mere dolls or toy cars anymore, they can play with a Rubik’s Cube. This toy is designed to improve the memory and problem-solving skills of a child. It can also keep a kid’s mind active, improve patience, and make their reflexes faster. The Rubik’s Cube is compact and can be carried around anywhere, making it one of the most convenient toys available today.

9. Radio Flyer

Kids are very imaginative: one moment, they’re driving a car in a race and the next minute, they’re pilots of their own airplane. Because of this, Radio Flyer created a name in the toy industry. This brand is the number one producer of red toy wagons across the world. These toys are usually played by kids who imagine being behind the wheel of their cars or planes. The company has continued to offer different toys such as bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and ride-ons.

10. The View-Master

Originally created as a platform to view photos of different tourist attractions in 3D, the View-Master gained its first break when it signed a contract with Disney. Since then, this toy has enabled kids to see attractions which they couldn’t visit in person. It gradually expanded its products by creating storybooks through different 3D pictures.

Foster Parental Guidance

Toys can provide a lot of benefits to a child. It can teach them lessons which they can use throughout their entire life. But as a parent or guardian, you should be keen on the kind of toys you give to kids. You should also supervise them to ensure that they’re actually utilizing these toys in the best way possible. Toys can be helpful in a kid’s life but using these should always be in moderation.