1900-1909 Crayola Crayons
1910-1919 Raggedy Ann Dolls
1920-1929 Madame Alexander Collectible Dolls
1930-1939 View-Master 3-D Viewer
1940-1949 Candy Land
1950-1959 Mr. Potato Head
1960-1969 G.I. Joe
1970-1979 Rubik’s Cube
1980-1989 Cabbage Patch Kids
1990-1999 Beanie Babies
2000-Present Razor Scooter
Here are the details from Forbes, including other notable toys of each decade. (Article is from 2005.)
I can’t believe Barbie’s not on that list anywhere!
I’ve never thought of Madame Alexander dolls as toys. No child who’s ever been given one has been allowed to play with it.
I was given one when I was about six or so, and the last time I saw it, it was sitting in an antique glass-front curio cabinet in my parents’ house. Where it had sat untouched for 35 years or so.
When it comes to presents, toys that can’t be touched are worse than socks and underwear.
At least socks and underwear could be used. What about furniture that couldn’t be sat upon, televisions that couldn’t be watched, radios that couldn’t be listened to, and, the most insidious of all, chocolate goodies that couldn’t be eaten?
Now wonder I’m a grump at this time of year!
I’ve seen that kind of gift giving phenomenon several times over the years too. When someone gives a present designated for someone else, but it is really for themselves. Here are a few Christmas gems:
One year I was given a used chainsaw blade. Before I opened it, I wondered why the box was leaking oil. The gifter had recently cleaned out his garage.
A friend of mine once received from his wife Charlie Brown & Snoopy collector’s figurines under plexiglass. His wife collected that sort of thing, he didn’t. Oh, she also gave him a nosehair trimmer.
My niece once almost gave us something. She told us she forgot to bring it. Never did find out what it was. I suspect my brother-in-law ate it.
Another champion gifter is the one who gives everybody the same thing. They should say “Ok everybody, on the count of three, open your presents!” This particular gifter lived in a well known resort destination, and was notorious for buying presents in a local tourist shop. Everyone in the family has at least a half dozen objects with “Bermuda” on them.
My sister-in-law once told me “It just isn’t Christmas without summer sausage and rubber cheese.” In our house these items sit around until July when they finally get thrown out. Maybe that’s why it’s called “summer sausage”.