Accidental Toy Creations: Toys that weren't meant to be toys
Since the dawn of time children and adults have been creating toys and games to keep the kids entertained. The oldest known toy, the doll, was originally created using wood and stone. Since then, people have been designing better and better toys. We can now design a doll that needs you to feed it, burp it, hold it, even change its diapers. Throughout that time, we’ve had some major hits, and major misses. Some toys were even invented accidentally.
Two of these accidental inventions occurred in 1943. The first was designed by Richard James, and was originally a spring system created to support delicate machinery on ships. After having no luck supporting these machines, he noticed that watching the springs bounce around the floor can be very entertaining. He and his wife began creating these slinky springs later that year. Soon enough, James had a second invention that could turn 80 ft of wire into a slinky in less than 10 seconds.
The second of these inventions was created by a general electric scientist, James Wright. He was trying to create synthesized rubber, and in the process came up with a stretchy, gooey and bouncy substance. He did not know what to do with it, and turned to a General Electric marketer for advice. The marketer, Peter Hodgson, suggested putting it in a plastic egg and calling it silly putty. It has been selling that way since then.
Another invention, originally intended as wallpaper cleaner has made a strong name for itself in the toy industry. Play-doh, created in 1956 was developed by brothers Noah & Joseph McVicker. They originally made the product in only an off-white colour, however later added other colours to the palette. The product is now owned by the American toy company Hasbro, and recently celebrated its 50th birthday by having its distinguishing fragrance added to the Demeter Fragrance Library.
You can make almost anything into a toy. Whether it be a compound like the play-doh scientists created, or a piece of material that suddenly becomes fun and exciting, if you enjoy it, and it’s safe, GO NUTS!