A walk through any toy store will reveal an endless parade of diverting objects to delight a child’s mind. While there seems to be no end to the innovative toys available each year, few truly attain the status of classic children's toys. These choice objects pass the test of time, and survive to be introduced and enjoyed by more and more generations.
Young or old, cynical or idealistic, few people can truly have an objection to bubbles. Nothing seems to signify summer laziness as much as a brightly colored bottle of suds and its curiously slippery wand. Bubbles are easy to play with, attractive and leisurely. They exemplify the simplicity of classic children's toys, with few bells and whistles attached. Although technology has made available advanced versions that create huge bubbles and even colored bubbles, the classic version still remains a nostalgic and beloved toy. Playing with bubbles is also an age old activity, with drawings depicting children blowing bubbles surviving from more than four centuries ago.
One of the most fantastic classic children's toys can walk down stairs itself and holds a special place in many hearts. The Slinky® debuted in 1945 and has remained popular ever since. Slinky® toys could not be simpler; a metal or plastic coil operates on basic physics principles and has entertained generations with its ability to move without batteries or electronics. Slinky toys® are a toy store staple and can usually be purchased for less than $5 US dollars (USD.)
For slightly more complex classic children's toys, there is always the tuber with freakishly alterable body parts. Mr. Potato Head and his loving spud wife have been entertaining children with their Picasso-like properties since 1952. With appearances in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the incredibly popular Toy Story films, Mr. Potato Head doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon, perhaps in part because he quit smoking in 1987. Prior to that date, a standard accessory with the toy was a pipe.
Allowing children interactive creativity seems to be a mainstay of most classic children's toys, and classic blocks are no exception. These geometric and often colorful shapes allow imaginations to soar, giving kids the ability to build skyscrapers, cities and stages. Blocks and similar building toys will likely never go out of style. They are a great tool for emerging architects and designers, and of course can lead to spectacularly noisy collapses.
Classic children's toys give adults a way to connect to their own child, as well as bond with kids experiencing the toys for the first time. They can be a source of great emotional connection between parents and kids, and can help forge relationships between siblings and friends as well. Most classic children's toys are simple, inexpensive and durable in both material and in lasting effect.
