Mental Floss

TOYS

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What if a company created a toy that was so psychologically addictive that when it stopped working, the kid started crying? That's Tamagotchi.

Jake Rossen
A crew of cozy Calico Critters.

Calico Critters—or Sylvanian Families, as they're known outside North America—took the toy market by storm in the 1980s.

Zoë Randolph




The kid in you is getting excited just looking at this picture.

That famous Toys "R" Us jingle that you can hum from memory? One of the world's most successful authors helped write it.

Anne Taylor






NeONBRAND, Unsplash

We spoke with three LEGO designers about the ins and outs of the job, including the rigorous quality control process, their all-time favorite sets, and their unique workspace.

Michele Debczak


What kid wouldn't want an Alien toy?

After 'Star Wars,' toy company Kenner thought they had another sci-fi hit with 'Alien.' No one seemed to consider the problem of selling toys for a film that could have gotten an X rating.

Jake Rossen












Patch Products

Iron filings don’t seem like obvious playthings. They’re extremely unpleasant if swallowed, can cause great harm to the eyes, and are best not inhaled. Yet they are at the core of one of the world’s best-loved toys: Wooly Willy.

Mike Rampton