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Oldest Toys: Archaeological evidence suggests that toys have been around for thousands of years. Some of the oldest known toys include dolls made from materials like wood, clay, and stone, dating back to ancient civilizations.
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LEGO: The popular construction toy, LEGO, was invented in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Denmark. The name "LEGO" comes from the Danish words "leg godt," which mean "play well."
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Barbie: The iconic Barbie doll was introduced by Mattel in 1959. It was created by Ruth Handler, who was inspired by watching her daughter play with paper dolls. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
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Teddy Bear's Origin: The Teddy Bear got its name from President Theodore Roosevelt, who was often referred to as "Teddy." The name came about after a cartoon depicted Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear cub during a hunting trip.
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Slinky: The Slinky, a coiled spring toy, was invented by Richard James in 1943. It became an instant hit after a demonstration at a department store. Since then, over 300 million Slinkys have been sold worldwide.
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Play-Doh: Play-Doh was initially created as a wallpaper cleaner. However, in the 1950s, it became popular as a modeling compound for children. Its unique formula was developed by Noah McVicker and Joseph McVicker.
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Rubik's Cube: The Rubik's Cube, a 3D combination puzzle, was invented by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik in 1974. It became a global phenomenon in the 1980s and remains one of the best-selling puzzles of all time.
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Etch A Sketch: The mechanical drawing toy, Etch A Sketch, was introduced in 1960 by the Ohio Art Company. It allows users to draw pictures by turning two knobs that control a stylus moving through aluminum powder.
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Furby: Furby, the interactive electronic pet toy, was first released in 1998 by Tiger Electronics. It quickly became a cultural sensation and one of the best-selling toys of the late 1990s.
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Beanie Babies: Beanie Babies were a line of plush collectible toys introduced by Ty Inc. in the early 1990s. The toys gained immense popularity among collectors, and certain rare editions became highly valuable.
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Mr. Potato Head: Mr. Potato Head was the first toy advertised on television and the first to be sold with its accessories. It was invented by George Lerner in 1949 and later acquired by Hasbro.
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Hot Wheels: Hot Wheels, the miniature toy cars with their signature orange tracks, were introduced by Mattel in 1968. They quickly became a favorite among kids and collectors alike.
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Cabbage Patch Kids: Cabbage Patch Kids, soft-sculpture dolls, were created by Xavier Roberts in 1978. Each doll came with its unique name and adoption papers, adding to the appeal for kids.
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Super Soaker: The Super Soaker, a powerful water gun, was invented by Lonnie Johnson in 1982. It revolutionized water fights and remains a popular outdoor toy.
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Playmobil: Playmobil, the iconic toy figures with various accessories and playsets, was introduced by German inventor Hans Beck in 1974. It has become one of the most successful toy brands worldwide.
