The definitive book on toys through the decades!
I hate to admit it, but I am 54. when I picked up this book that talks about toys from the “olden days,” it was hard to admit that I am from the olden days, but alas I am. I am grateful that Chris included toys from the 1950’s, at least they are older than me! Well, actually, Barbie and Chatty Cathy share my birth year. Oh well!
The author is well known in the toy world for being the content director for TimetoPlayMag.com, the leading US website covering toys and everything else kids play with! He is an expert in the toy field, and someone who’s work I have been following for years. I am thrilled that he shares his vast toy knowledge in this new book!
I remember all of these commercials from the 60’s and 70’s advertising these various toys. These days we can fast forward through commercials, but when I was growing up you didn’t even have a remote to change the channel! You had to sit and watch the commercials, and listen to the jingles that went along with the story board. Seeing some of those toys in the pages of this book really brings back those days of sitting in front of the TV!
And the crazes! I of course had no interest in cabbage patch dolls, but you could not live in America and not know it was a crazy obsession with people lining up for hours, even days, and then the outcry when they sold out! That is a reminder of the luck some manufacturers can stumble upon when an idea hits! And the the myriad of copy cats and inventors who pray to stumble upon the next toy craze.
From the simplicity of the Hula-Hoop to the fun of Twister, it has also been fun sharing this book with my 10 year old son and talking about the toys I had growing up. As many toys as he has, that industry has to compete with the on-line world. Hence the various old board games that show up on your Xbox and Wii! It is also funny to see how some series, along with their toys, keep getting recycled back into our culture. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a favorite of my nephews now in their 20’s, and also my 10 year old son, as the toys follow the recycling of the show. We even have an updated version of that old favorite, the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots! While this book is showing you toys from bygone days, you might be seeing some of them show up in new incarnations within the next few years, manufacturers would be wise to study this book to work on the next generation of toys!
Lastly, the nostalgia this book brings to mind really hit home when I saw the chapter on Major Matt Mason, my favorite toy growing up. I had the space station, I can still picture it in my bedroom in the Bronx. This toy was such a favorite that I saved the space backpack for years, well into adulthood. I wish it had made the last apartment move with me, that would have been a fun picture to include here, but I have those memories locked up in this book that I can now refer to!
Disclosure: I received this book for review, and I have worked with the author on a professional level. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.
And here is the author, Chris Byrne, with me, and surrounded by toys!
Teresa Young says
If you are ever in Rochester NY you should stop at The Strong Museum of Play – http://www.thestrong.org/ But it is kind of weird to see your childhood toys listed as ‘antiques’ LOL!
Emily says
How neat. I’m only 22 but its so neat when occasionally images pop up on pinterest or facebook of toys that existed for short periods when I was a kid that I already had forgotten about. It’s funny how emotional kids are about toys. Sooo much nostalgia 🙂
Jennifer Medeiros says
LOL Mitch I followed along a lot of the crazes 🙂 had the cabbage patch, furby etc 🙂
Jenny says
This sounds like a super fun book! I’m 42yo and I have a 7yo son! I bet he’d love to go back to “old school” games!!
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
I have to laugh when I see toys that my kids went nuts over and then disappeared.
Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) says
Very cool! I love meeting authors!!! Looks like a cool event!
Angela says
I love vintage toys, so this would probably be a good book for me. How cool that you got to meet the author!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Old toys were fun! I know it’ll sound cliche, but they really don’t make em like they used to any more.
I had a Cabbage Patch and a Furby and a few other of the craze toys.
Cinny says
I don’t think they make toys with quite the quality they used to be now
NYCSingleMom says
This looks like a fun and informative book.
Kerri says
I love Toys through the years. I bet there are a lot of memories as you read the book of toy favorites. will have to check out!
shari says
My father-in-law would love this book. Will have to get it for him for the holidays. Thank you.