The History of the Toy: from the Past to the Present

Beautiful people, good morning!

Today I decided that it's a bit like being a kid again, and we'll do it through a fascinating journey through the history of toys.

Don't worry, it won't be a boring history lesson, but I promise you that you will discover many anecdotes and curiosities that I didn't even know.

So ready, set and go!

The toy has always been a playmate and an important source of entertainment for children and adults of all ages. Since ancient times, man has created objects and games to entertain, educate and stimulate the imagination.

• Games in Antiquity:

Let's start from the beginning. The toy's roots go back to antiquity, when early civilizations developed games and entertainment items for their children. In ancient Egypt, young people dabbled in stone dolls, miniature chariots, and board games like Senet.

               > Curiosity: What is Senet?

It was a game board made up of a rectangle of 30 boxes divided into three rows of ten. The checkers used were usually conical in shape and the players had to move their checkers along the squares according to the rules of the game. The precise rules of Senet have not been handed down, but it is thought that it involved the movement of checkers on the board based on the roll of the dice or some other means of determining the number of squares that could be advanced. Senet was more than just a fun game; it also had a spiritual dimension. The game was believed to represent the struggle of the soul through the realm of the dead to the afterlife. Some versions of the game had special boxes that represented key moments in the soul's journey to the afterlife.

Roman children enjoyed themselves with dice, construction games and spinning tops. In other parts of the world, such as ancient China and India, toys such as carved wooden dolls and traditional board games were also made. Contrary to what one might think, the yo-yo dates back to antiquity, more precisely it has Chinese or Greek origins.

              > Curiosity: did you know that the yo-yo was originally used as a hunting and war weapon by the ancient Greeks? The yo-yo has become a popular toy all over the world. In 1928, Filipino inventor Pedro Flores opened the first yo-yo factory in the United States, and the yo-yo has gone through several stages of popularity since then.

Questi primi giochi non solo intrattenevano i bambini, ma avevano anche uno scopo educativo, insegnando loro abilità motorie, sociali e cognitive.

• The Evolution During the Renaissance:

With the advent of the Renaissance, the art of toy making began to develop. Dolls were made from softer materials such as cloth and leather, while carved wooden toys, such as rocking horses, became popular across Europe. In the 18th century, metal and porcelain toys appeared on the market, aimed at families better off.

• The Industrial Age and the Explosion of Toys:

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century radically changed toy manufacturing. Mechanization allowed mass production, making toys more accessible to families of all social classes. Toys such as model trains, mechanical dolls and puzzles became very popular, as well as increasingly a symbol of social status, reflecting the ability of families to afford them.

              > Curiosity: The Teddy Bear, the teddy bear, takes its name from the president of the United States Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. In 1902, Roosevelt was on a hunting trip and refused to kill a bear tied to a tree. This event was reported in the media, inspiring the creation of the first teddy bear called "Teddy Bear"

• Le Innovazioni del XX Secolo

                  > Curiosity: The original Play-Doh compound was invented by Noah McVicker and his sister-in-law, Josephine McVicker, in 1956. It was originally developed as a paste for cleaning walls, but kids started using it as a creative modeling material. In 1957, it was marketed as a toy and has since become a must-have in schools and homes around the world.

The 20th century brought an explosion of innovation to the toy world. The introduction of plastic made toys lighter, more colorful and safer. Plug-and-play games and modular constructions became increasingly popular. Characters from comics, cartoons and movies came to life in the form of action figures and collectible dolls. Board games became increasingly sophisticated, involving whole families in evenings of fun and competition.

               > Curiosity: The famous Barbie doll, created by the Mattel company, was introduced to the market in 1959. It was inspired by the German doll "Bild Lilli" and was named Barbie in honor of the creator's daughter Barbara. Over the years, Barbie has become a pop culture icon and has undergone numerous transformations, representing different professions, ethnicities and lifestyles. With over one billion copies, it is also the best-selling doll in the world since its launch.

• The Digital Age and the Toys of the Future:

In recent decades, the toy industry has undergone a digital transformation. Electronic and digital toys, such as video games, game consoles, drones and interactive robots, have taken over the market. Toys are no longer just physical objects, but interactive tools that involve children in virtual adventures.

Yet, yet the great classics such as puzzles, robots and dolls continue to be a must among both children and adults in the form of gifts for the little ones.

• Conclusions:

The story of the toy is a testament to infinite human creativity and imagination.

Each toy carries a story, a link to the past and a universal connection with the imagination of children of all ages. Each toy plays a fundamental role in the growth of each child. Just think how much these stimulate learning, socialization and creativity.

Whether made of wood, plastic or digital codes, toys remain a precious treasure in every child's life, providing an unforgettable experience of play and fun.

But do you want to know which is the best-selling toy in the world?

This answer is easy to understand. They are all colored bricks which, assembled together, form 3D figures.

You guessed it!

The best-selling toy in the world is LEGO!

Ole Kirk Christiansen's Invention Bricks first hit store shelves in 1947. In 2020, the company had revenues of nearly $44 billion!

Finally, let me give you two tips:

1. Continue to give children games and toys, even simple surprise bags; in the end it takes very little to make a child happy.
2. Toy Story teaches: NEVER throw away toys, rather give them away! Maybe he will be able to give more smiles to less fortunate children!

Nice people, I hope these few minutes spent in the world of toys have been interesting.

For today, over and out.

Until next time!