Toys in the Early 1900s

 

The early 1900s were very different from today. Toys, though they have evolved in many ways, were still the delight of children everywhere. Explore the history of toys, as charted by the History website.

Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency marks the beginning of the "Teddy Bear." In the year 1902, toy bears were named "Teddy" after the president's nickname. The Teddy Bear became known world wide, and is still known and loved today. It was only a few years later when the Teddy Bears were mass produced.

Crayola crayons were made for the first time ever in 1903 by Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith.

In 1913, an item called the Erector Set was invented. It was a steel, motorized toy that children could use to build models of just about anything. Its creator was A.C. Gilbert, a medical doctor.

Charles Pajeau created a similar wooden set called Tinker Toys in the year 1914. Tinker Toys was made for younger children.

Raggedy Ann dolls first came on the scene after newspaper cartoonist Johnny Gruelle reproduced the doll he made for his daughter. That was in 1915.

The following year, an architect's son named John Lloyd Wright, invented Lincoln Logs, which were interlocked to make structures.

Polystyrene was invented in 1927, and it is the kind of plastic that was used for making toys in the early days.

Two years after Mickey Mouse was created (which was in 1928), stuffed Mickey Mouse dolls were made by Charlotte Clark. This was the start of Disney merchandise.

The yo-yo became popular in the United States after Donald Duncan bought a yo-yo company in 1929.

Scrabble was developed from a game called Criss Cross, invented by Alfred M. Butts in 1931. It became known as Scrabble after James Brunot bought the rights from Butts, and trademarked the game with this new name. Now more than a million Scrabble games are purchased every year in North America.

In 1935, the Parker Brothers introduced Monopoly. This game is so popular today that there are many different clones of this game, many of which are just as popular.

The View-Master, a three dimensional viewer was developed by a camera enthusiast named William Gruber. The toy became popular when Gruber licensed Disney characters to make still, 3-D images from Disney movies and television programs.

Finally, in 1940, model airplanes were mass produced. They started out as a way for manufacturers to sell planes to the military, but later caught on as a toy.

The toys that we know and love today have had their roots from these ancient times. Isn't it interesting to know that if it weren't for all these creative people most of the games you know today, would never have been?

Toys in the Early 1900s

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

 

Video Clips. Duration : 3.93 Mins.

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

The Daylight (Playing For Change) video is part of the Playing For Change music project series which brings together musicians from around the world. All profits go to their non profit foundation which builds music schools for children around the world. All PFC performers where recorded and filmed live outside and this musical journey takes us from the streets to the stage to the hearts of the people. Playing For Change is a movement uniting people everywhere through music. Music video by Maroon 5 performing Daylight Play for Change. (C) 2012 A&M/Octone Records

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

No URL Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Teacup Pig Toys

Last years toy pet substitute was the Zhu zhu Pets hamsters without the mess. This year sees the release of new Teacup Piggy Toys as substitutes for the controversial Teacup Pig pets. Teacup Pigs off course being mini pot belly pigs bred for the purpose of serving as household pets. Despite their cute factor and obvious popularity real pet pigs do require more care than the average pet. This is however good news for parents who are looking for toys substitutes this holiday season. The new toy teacup pigs may just be the mess free alternative you have been looking for.

Made by Toyeck, the teacup pig toys are articulated with movable feet and head. Teacup Piggies also come with a vocabulary of 25 words making them nearly more interactive than real piggies. There are a total of fifteen Pig Toys to collect. Each pig, with its unique personality and matching accessories. The toys come in three litters the first batch being born on Christmas Day, 25 December 2009. These include Snowflake, High Tips Locket, Goldie, and Copper and Princess.

The second Litter of Teacup Piggies was born on New Year's Day, 1 January 2010. This litter is made up of Carat, Jade, Glitter, Ivory, Denim, and Bling. The last Litter is born 1 February 2010 and is made up of three little piggies Emmie, Oscar and Jade. Each Piggy has a cup and matching accessories. Kids can create also play dress up with their piggies from the range of outfits available. Play sets including a Teacup Piggies Electronic Lights & Sounds Showtime Limo, Lights & Sounds Beauty Spa Play Set And a Fashion Runway Play Set- all sure to have kids entertained for hours.

Teacup Pig Toys

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Video Clips. Duration : 3.93 Mins.

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

The Daylight (Playing For Change) video is part of the Playing For Change music project series which brings together musicians from around the world. All profits go to their non profit foundation which builds music schools for children around the world. All PFC performers where recorded and filmed live outside and this musical journey takes us from the streets to the stage to the hearts of the people. Playing For Change is a movement uniting people everywhere through music. Music video by Maroon 5 performing Daylight Play for Change. (C) 2012 A&M/Octone Records

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

No URL Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Ride-On Trains For Kids

 

From children to adults, the fascination with toy trains have lasted generations and show no signs of slow-down. It's fun to watch miniature trains on a table top zooming around through little toy towns and Styrofoam-cut mountains, but have you ever thought of riding one? The kids surely have! That's where ride on trains for kids come in.

While there are many toy manufacturers who make toy ride on cars and trains, Peg Perego is probably the one you should keep your eye on. This company is tops when it comes to ride on entertainment.

Peg Perego makes a great set called the "Santa Fe" which makes a gift to a child that's unforgettable. It comes with actual tracks that you can set up in the kids room or any open area in your house. It's a 76x93 round track set so make sure you have a little bit of room available.

This ride on train set allows the child to become the train conductor, with easy to learn button controls to control the train's speed. The company also made safety a top priority and limited the ride on toy's speed to only 2mph, so you won't have to worry about your children injuring themselves.

Peg Perego also makes another note-worthy ride on train for kids. The Thomas Track Rider is one that kids will adore especially because they can take their friends (or their toys) along for the train ride in the extra add on carriage. The train set also comes with foot rest as well as arm rests, allowing your child to adventure-ride in first-class comfort.

Another popular ride on train for kids is the Thomas Scootin' Sounds toy that'll be a sure fire hit with your toddlers. This is a larger ride on toy compared to the previously mentioned sets, and allows for several real passengers to join the train ride. This ride on is operated manually, which is great as it encourages motor skill development.

Priced at about 0, a ride on toy train is definitely an affordable gift that will provide fun for the kids and the whole family for years to come.

Ride-On Trains For Kids

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change

Video Clips. Duration : 3.93 Mins.

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

The Daylight (Playing For Change) video is part of the Playing For Change music project series which brings together musicians from around the world. All profits go to their non profit foundation which builds music schools for children around the world. All PFC performers where recorded and filmed live outside and this musical journey takes us from the streets to the stage to the hearts of the people. Playing For Change is a movement uniting people everywhere through music. Music video by Maroon 5 performing Daylight Play for Change. (C) 2012 A&M/Octone Records

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

 

No URL Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Kids Bed Plans - 5 Practical Kids Beds That Are Easy to Build

 

There are so many different types of beds for kids on the market today that it may be difficult to choose. When I was looking for plans for a do-it-yourself woodworking project, I found these 5 different types to be practical and creative.

1. Standard Bunk Bed with Character

Bunk beds are often found in kids rooms and are certainly practical since they save space for siblings that share a room. However, when building a bunk bed one can also get creative with a theme. A bunk bed can be turned into a princess castle for girls or race cars for boys. There are all sorts of designs that can be developed with bunk beds.

2. Bookcase Headboard

Another type of kids bed plans that can be used is a normal bed, either single, double, queen or king size, with a bookcase headboard. These beds can be made with an extended headboard to accommodate a bookcase and extra storage space. Children always need extra space for toys and books so this is ideal for any child.

3. Storage Drawers Under Bed

To create more storage space in a kids room, using plans that contain storage space under the bed is a good idea. The bed may be slightly heightened to enable more space for the drawers underneath. This is practical for any child who needs more storage room. In addition, the child can be involved in the construction process by helping decorate the drawers by adding stencil work or peel off stickers.

4. Bunk Beds - Twin on Top, Double on Bottom

The next kids' bed plan is very innovative and interesting. It takes the idea of a bunk bed with a twin mattress on top and a double mattress facing outwards from the wall on the bottom. This is a perfect bed to build if you have limited space for guests in your house. The child can still sleep on the top bunk while a visitor can sleep in the double bed on the bottom. This is a perfect compromise for a long visit.

5. Loft Bed with Desk

One innovative type of bed that is becoming more popular is the loft bed. This is similar to a bunk bed without the bottom bunk. In the space below one could place a desk, utilize as a play area or create storage space for toys, books or clothes. This is a simple way to fill up unnecessary space that kids will love!

We have now seen some simple ways to utilize kids' bed plans to build exciting and innovative beds for kids. Gone are the days where all kids' beds look the same. If you plan on building a bed for your kids, why not make it interesting, practical and fun for your kids. Build them something unique that they will be proud of.