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Some fan-favourites never lose their appeal. For more than 40 years, Etch A Sketch has been challenging kids to twist and turn their way to a masterpiece. It's simple, mess-free fun. The classic red frame with the slate gray screen continues to be a favorite for generations.
The game was invented in 1959 by a French electrician named Andre Cassagnes. It was one of the first toys to be commercially advertised on television. It's even made it to the list of 100 most memorable and most creative toys of the 20th century.
:::Retro Toy: Travel Etch A Sketch | Steven & Chris::: /stevenandchris/content/images/__common/_slideshow/_fullslide/spirograph.jpg:::The geometric drawing toy that produces mathematical roulette curves is still an interesting and engaging toy perfect for motivating kids to have fun and be creative. It cleverly combines the principles of art and mathematics in a way that has inspired and delighted generations.
It was developed by British engineer Denys Fisher and first sold in 1965.
:::Retro Toy: Spirograph | Steven & Chris::: /stevenandchris/content/images/__common/_slideshow/_fullslide/operation.jpg:::Operation is a battery-operated game of physical skill that tests players' hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This toy is a great way for generations to connect over a common game which still challenges and interests the newer generation. The players take turns removing various "ailments" from the patient's body with tweezers, but have to watch not to set off the buzzer. The updated versions of the game gives players the chance to operate on characters like Spongebob Squarepants, Homer Simpson, and Iron Man.
The game's prototype was invented in 1964 by John Spinello, who sold his rights to the game to Milton Bradley for a sum of $500 USD.
:::Retro Toy: Operation | Steven & Chris::: /stevenandchris/content/images/__common/_slideshow/_fullslide/hungry-hippos.jpg:::Hungry Hungry Hippos is a tabletop game made for 2-4 players. The purpose is for each player to collect as many marbles as possible with his or her 'hippo'. A great classic game which enhances counting skills. It also has no complicated rules or fights about whose turn it is. Reviews online say how this game has been a favourite birthday gift for many kids even to this day.
The idea for the game was published in 1967 by toy inventor Fred Kroll
:::Retro Toy: Hungry Hungry Hippos | Steven & Chris::: /stevenandchris/content/images/__common/_slideshow/_fullslide/monopoly.jpg:::This American-originated board game game is touted to be one of the most popular games in the world — creating worldwide Monopoly tournaments, several spinoffs and variations across the world with different currencies. It`s universal appeal combines both strategy and chance and makes it a game for the whole family.
Monopoly is currently releasing its 80th Anniversary edition! It was originally published by Parker Brothers in the 1930's and subtitled "The Fast-Dealing Property Trading Game." It's named after the economic concept of monopoly — the domination of a market by a single entity.
The original party game! Most people are familiar with Twister and its simple nature. It's a game of physical skill with no learning curve and it can be played by kids and adults alike. It's a great way for kids to take a break from their electronic toys and actually play with their parents. It's a genuine low-technology classic that provides just as much fun today as it did decades ago.
Introduced almost 50 years ago, the game was produced by Milton Bradley Company and became an instant success when it was played by Eva Gabor and Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. They initially wanted to call it Pretzel but the name was taken so they decided to call it Twister. It was the first American board game to use human bodies as the playing pieces.
:::Retro Toy: Twister | Steven & Chris:::