Cool 20th Century Vintage Toys To Collect

Last updated on April 27th, 2024 at 08:31 pm

Cool 20th Century Vintage Toys To Collect

Vintage Toys not only hold endearing memories for those who played with them as kids, they also showcase design trends, craftsmanship, manufacturing techniques, and cultural influences of their era.

For example, because of the competition between the USA and the Soviet Union to achieve space flight, and because of the Star Wars movie, many Vintage Toys from 1955 to 1979 were space-themed.

The value of Vintage Toys from the 20th Century can vary based on factors like rarity, condition, and collector demand. This article covers some Vintage Toys that have increased in value and some that are just cool to collect.

Early 1900s Vintage Toys

The early 1900s required a healthy dose of imagination because they were crafted by hand and made from natural materials like wood, metal, and fabric. Some Vintage Toys To Collect from this era include:

• Teddy Bears: Teddy bear stuffed animals became a sensation after President Theodore Roosevelt spared a bear cub during a hunting trip. Most valuable are the Steiff Teddy Bears.
• Tinkertoys: These wooden construction toys allowed children to build and create various structures, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills.
• Erector Set: Introduced by A.C. Gilbert, the Erector Set allowed kids to build intricate metal structures and learn about engineering concepts while having a great time.
• Lincoln Logs: Created by John Lloyd Wright, these interlocking log-shaped toys allowed kids to build mini log cabins and structures, promoting imaginative play.
• Tin Litho Wind Up Toys: A popular toy during this era that capture the hearts of collectors today are charming tin lithographed wind-up toys.
• Slinky: The Slinky, a simple coiled metal toy that gracefully "walks" down stairs, was introduced in 1943 and quickly became a classic.

World War II Vintage Toys

During Word War II, use of rubber and metal was rationed so materials like wood, cardboard, and glass were used to make Vintage Toys, many of which were military themed.

Some Vintage Toys To Collect from this era are:

• Paper Dolls: Paper Dolls with tab-attachable clothes were at the height of popularity during this period, especially the WWII Pinup Girls, Marilyn Monroe, and Shirley Temple Paper Dolls.
• Glass Toys: Throughout the war, many toys were made of glass such as glass marbles and glass candy containers doubling as toys that were made in the shape of military jeeps, tanks, and airplanes.
• Building Sets: Most building sets during this time were made of cardboard but one company, Bayco, built their play sets with Bakelite.

Post-WWII Vintage Toys

After World War II, society was affluent, materials were in abundance, and there was a surge in optimism and technological advancements which changed how toys were made and the type of toys made.

Here is a list of some post-WWII Vintage Toys to collect:

• Pez Dispensers: Eduard Haas III created Pez candy in the '30s to help people stop smoking then he hired engineer Oscar Uxa to invent a device that would make it easier for people to have quick access to just one candy and Uxa invented the Pez dispenser. But it wasn't until 1957 that the Pez character dispensers we all know and love were created.
• LEGO Sets: LEGO is a popular brand toy that have remained popular since their release in 1958, many of which are sought after by collectors such as the early LEGO Town sets and the LEGO Space Rocket set that have become valuable collector's items.
• Barbie Dolls: The iconic Barbie doll was introduced to the world by Mattel in 1959 and forever changed doll play. There are a wide range of Barbie editions that are very valuable.
• Etch A Sketch: This mechanical drawing toy, invented in the late 1950s, gained immense popularity in the 1960s for its unique way of creating images.
• GI Joe Action Figures: Introduced by Hasbro in 1964, the first generation of GI Joe action figures are highly prized collectible classics.
• Lite-Brite: Introduced by Hasbro in 1967, Lite-Brite allowed kids to create colorful images by placing small, colored pegs onto a backlit board. It combined creativity and illumination, offering a unique way for children to make their designs come to life. Lite-Brite remains a nostalgic favorite.
• Fisher-Price Little People: The original wooden Fisher-Price Little People from the 1950s are considered nostalgic treasures. The "Play Family Farm" set from 1968, featuring the classic chunky characters, is a favorite among collectors.
• Hot Wheels: Hot Wheels toy vehicles, also from Mattel, debuted in 1968. Various cars from the late 1960s, the '70s, '80s, and early '90s (especially those with red stripe wheels) are highly sought after by collectors and can command a high price.
• Star Wars Action Figures: Launched alongside the release of the iconic movie in 1977, these action figures became a massive hit, allowing fans to recreate their favorite scenes. The early action figures are now considered highly valuable.
• Cabbage Patch Kids: These unique, adoptable-looking dolls caused a frenzy in 1982, with parents going to great lengths to secure one for their child and some sell for big bucks.
• Pokemon Cards: Since their release in 1999, the Pokemon trading card game captured the hearts of many as players collected and battled with their favorite Pokemon creatures. Some Pokemon cards (i.e. Gold Star) are still in high demand and command extremely high values.

All of these toys not only entertained generations of children but also left an indelible mark on pop culture as well as showcased how playthings have evolved over the years.

Collecting Vintage Toys is a delightful mix of nostalgia, history, and appreciation for craftsmanship, many of which are also an investment. Check out the Toys and Games and Pez Dispensers our Collectibles Store has listed for sale.

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