In the early 1940s, engineer Richard James made a toy out of a pre-compressed helical spring: the Slinky. The product was launched to immediate success in 1945 – and in 1952 a slinky dog, using the same principle, appeared. (From the catalogue 1978.)
The Brit Leslie Scott presented the game Jenga at a toy fair in London as late as 1983. The word means “to build” in Swahili. (From the catalogue 1997.)
Every civilization since the dawn of time has had dolls. In the 1900s, the porcelain doll was replaced by models in plastic or rubber. Some of them could, like the larger one on this picture, say “Mama” or close their eyes. (From the catalogue 1929.)
Cassette players with sing-along microphones may be the reason so many people enter talent shows these days. This gadget gave everybody the impression they were a star. (From the catalogue 1997.)
Practice makes perfect. Mastering magic and sleight of hand has long been a dream for many children. (From the catalogue 1950.)
Invented for military use the drone continues to grow in popularity as a messenger and as an amateur aerial camera crew. (From the catalogue 2017.)
If the dog is man’s best friend, then the Brio dachshund is many people’s first dog – and first friend. A classic at baby showers. (From the catalogue 2005.)
Kites were once used in China as a way for the military to communicate. (From the catalogue 1934.)
At the top of the Christmas wish list for many children over the years. The loop made the car track almost too good to be true. (From catalogue 2004.)
