Toys · 1945
Post-War Play and Birth of the Slinky
As World War II drew to a close in 1945, toy manufacturers adapted to material shortages by utilizing wood, paper, and spring steel. The year sparked creative ingenuity, birthing iconic brands and classic playthings that defined mid-century childhood.
- 1945 | Novelty Toy | USA
Slinky by James Industries
Invented by naval engineer Richard James, this helical steel spring captivated shoppers when demonstrated at a Philadelphia department store in December 1945.
- 1945 | Doll Accessories | USA
Dollhouse Furniture by Mattel
Newly founded in a Southern California garage in 1945, Mattel launched its business by turning picture-frame wood scraps into detailed miniature dollhouse furniture.
- 1945 | Board Game | Netherlands
Stratego by Jacques Johan Mogendorff
Dutch board game designer Jacques Johan Mogendorff trademarked Stratego in 1945, formalizing the classic battlefield strategy game for post-war publication.
- 1945 | Wooden Pull Toy | USA
Looky Fire Truck by Fisher-Price
Crafted from wood due to wartime metal restrictions, this colorful pull toy featured eyes that rolled up and down as children dragged it along.
- 1945 | Tabletop Game | USA
Wooden Cootie Bug Game by W.H. Schaper
Postman Herb Schaper hand-carved the original wooden prototype of the Cootie bug game in 1945, laying the groundwork for a famous line of plastic bug-building games.
- 1945 | Construction Set | USA
Lincoln Logs by Playskool
As wartime steel restrictions limited metal construction sets, these classic wooden interlocking notched logs saw immense popularity among mid-1940s young builders.
- 1945 | Paper Toy | USA
Military & Nurse Paper Dolls by Whitman
Paper doll sets featuring patriotic themes, military uniforms, and Red Cross nurses dominated play in 1945 as paper remained unrationed during the war.
- 1945 | Outdoor Toy | USA
Wooden Town & Country Wagon by Radio Flyer
Radio Steel adapted to wartime metal shortages by manufacturing sturdy wooden wagon bodies so children could still haul cargo and play outdoors.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?