Toys and Christmas are inseparable. Well, since the early nineteenth century England. That would have been the industrial revolution. Toys didn't exist as they do today - a small object such as a hairpin, a fancy snuff box or a bauble was something given to children as a gift. It was in the 1800s that toys came about - toys that we would recognize - chemistry sets, kaleidoscopes, toy theatres.
In U.S. Colonial times, children received books, fruit and nuts. These are described as "small tokens of affection as parents showed children that they were remembered during the season." That's from this site HERE.
Things got better for children as time went on. Christmas evolved into a family event compared to earlier rowdy times. Toy(s) were given as gifts. Mostly, singular, a toy was given.
After WW2 there was a period of prosperity and Christmas became lavish. This is when things really happened for children at Christmas. The top toys by decade since the 1950s tell the story:
1950s – Barbie makes her debut.
1960s – G.I Joe, Play Cookers and Etch a Sketch.
1970s – Star Wars is released.
1980s – The Rubik Cube craze hits!
1990s – Furby, Game Boy and Power Rangers.
2000s – Nintendo Wii and Bratz Dolls.
2010s – Playstation and Xbox.
What are the toys this year? You have to decide a category and age, But Barbie and her dream house is back, LEGO is still here and Hot Wheels probably never left.
Here's the miniature village at the Museum last year, it has gone to another location to raise money for charity.
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