14 Toys Boomers Loved That Would Confuse Today's Kids

Before there were video games and iPads and touchscreens and VR headsets, there was a simpler time that was wildly less ... electronic. Indeed, when the Boomer generation (born between 1946-1964) was growing up, they had a selection of simple toys that encouraged creativity and stretched the imagination. Hours were spent in pure play — a notion that often is lost on today's generation. Take a walk back in time and explore these 14 classic toys that were wildly popular with Boomer kids.

Slinky

Invented in 1943 by Richard and Betty James
Released in 1945
Known for its ability to walk down stairs

Hula Hoop

Marketed by Wham-O in 1958
Patented in 1963
Inspired by a wooden hoop children played with in Australia

Barbie Dolls

Invented by Ruth Handler
Released in 1959 by Mattel
Mattel was founded by Handler and her husband, Elliot

Mr. Potato Head

Invented in 1949 by George Lerner
Distributed in 1952 by Hasbro
Claim to fame: the first toy ever advertised on TV

TONKA Trucks

Invented in 1947 by Mound Metalcraft Company in Mound, Minnesota
Mound is located near Lake Minnetonka, hence the name “Tonka”
TONKA uses 119,000 pounds of yellow paint each year

Play-Doh

Started as wallpaper cleaner
Was first used as modeling clay in 1955
Became known as Play-Doh in 1956

GI Joe

Introduced in 1964
Called an “action soldier” or “action figure” instead of a doll
Originally introduced as an Army soldier but a Navy sailor, Air Force pilot, Marine and NASA astronaut were later added