Toys are the epitome of childhood joy, shaping our early memories and the broader cultural landscape. Today, we present a ranking of the 11 most influential toys, starting with the least and ending with the most impactful.
11. Pet Rock: A Fleeting Fad
Pet Rock, a brainchild of ad executive Larry Dahl, sold over 5 million units in the 1975 holiday season, catapulting Dahl into millionaire status. This quirky product, however, was a passing fad. Its popularity was fleeting due to its novelty factor, making it number 11 on our list.
Despite its short-lived fame, Pet Rock’s success story highlighted how even unconventional ideas could hit the jackpot in the toy industry, opening the gates for more inventive and offbeat creations.
10. Zhu Zhu Pets: The Power of Viral Trends
Next up at number 10 are Zhu Zhu Pets. Inspired by a series of entertaining hamster-themed YouTube videos, Russell Hornsby conceptualized these robotic pets. Over 10 million units were sold in the 2009 Christmas season, showcasing the power of the internet in defining toy trends.
Though Zhu Zhu Pets were a hit, their popularity couldn’t maintain momentum over time. However, their innovation in blending technology and internet trends set a benchmark for future toy designs.
9. Mr. Potato Head: A Pioneering Media Star
Introduced in 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to star in its own television commercial. Despite achieving initial fame with sales reaching $4 million in its debut year, its appeal did not reach the same widespread, generational appeal as others on the list, placing it at number 9.
Nonetheless, Mr. Potato Head was a pioneer, showing the power of television advertising in the toy industry and setting a precedent for future toy marketing strategies.
8. Nerf Balls: A Safe Indoor Play Revolution
At number 8, Nerf Balls were introduced as “the world’s first indoor ball” in 1969. Selling over 300 million units globally, they revolutionized indoor play but lacked the iconic status held by the others on our list.
Even so, the Nerf Ball’s design catered to indoor play, addressing parental concerns about indoor games. It set a standard for safe and parent-friendly toys.
7. Slinky: An Enduring Simple Joy
A seemingly mundane incident at a shipyard during World War II led to the inception of our number 7 pick, the Slinky. This simple toy, which has sold over 300 million units worldwide, fascinated users with its motion but didn’t match the cultural impact of our top picks.
Still, the Slinky stands as a testament to the appeal of simplicity in toy design, a principle that continues to guide toy manufacturers today.
6. View-Master: A Window to a Bigger World
Our number 6 pick, the View-Master, was initially designed in the 1930s as a military training tool. However, it was reimagined into a beloved toy, opening a window to a world of imagination for children, with over a billion units sold worldwide.
The View-Master’s popularity may have waned with advancing technology, but its legacy lies in its innovative use of visuals to inspire children’s imaginations.
5. Hula Hoop: A Whirlwind of Fun
At the halfway point in our list, the hula hoop made a significant impact as an exercise accessory turned plaything. Its popularity surged in the late ’50s, with over 100 million sold in two years.
While its craze has cooled over time, the hula hoop’s impact remains in how it promoted physical activity through play, influencing many active toys that followed.
4. Cabbage Patch Dolls: A New Dimension in Doll Play
Cabbage Patch Dolls, introduced in 1983, added a unique “adoption” process that revolutionized the doll industry. Despite the impressive sale of over 5 million units in the first year, they rank at number 4.
However, these dolls added a new dimension to imaginative play, setting a high bar for future doll designs.
3. Gameboy: A Game Changer
Nintendo’s Game Boy launched in 1991, takes our number 3 spot for transforming the video gaming landscape with its portability. With 118.7 million units sold worldwide, the Game Boy has had a massive impact on the industry.
The Game Boy exemplifies how technology can revolutionize toys and games, setting the stage for the current era of portable gaming devices.
2. Star Wars Action Figures: Harnessing the Force of a Franchise
At number 2, Star Wars action figures debuted in 1978 and soon became a sensation. Over 300 million units were sold within a decade, showcasing the power of film franchises in the toy industry.
These figures brought the fantasy world of Star Wars to children’s playrooms, cementing the role of media franchises in shaping toy trends.
1. Barbie: The Ultimate Toy Icon
Topping our list at number 1, Barbie has had an unrivaled cultural impact since her introduction in 1959. With two dolls sold every second, Barbie’s influence goes beyond just sales.
Barbie’s adaptability to changing times and continuous relevance have made her the most iconic figure in the toy industry, influencing generations of children and setting the gold standard for doll design.
