Toys · 1956
Mid-Century Playtime and Creative Toy Innovations
In 1956, toy store shelves sparkled with colorful plastic modeling compounds, die-cast vehicles, and strategic board games. Suburban kids embraced imaginative play through iconic tactile novelties and revolutionary classic pastimes.
- Rainbow Crafts | Modeling Compound
Play-Doh
Originally created as a wallpaper cleaner, this pliable non-toxic modeling compound was repurposed and launched nationally in 1956 to become an instant playroom staple.
- E.S. Lowe | Board & Dice Game
Yahtzee
Entrepreneur E.S. Lowe acquired the rights to a Canadian couple's yacht-based dice game and packaged it into a worldwide tabletop phenomenon.
- Mettoy | Die-Cast Vehicles
Corgi Toys
British toy manufacturer Mettoy introduced Corgi Toys in 1956, revolutionizing die-cast cars by featuring clear plastic windows and realistic details.
- Topps | Trading Cards
1956 Topps Baseball Cards
Topps issued its beloved horizontal format card set, capturing baseball legends like Mickey Mantle during his historic Triple Crown season.
- LEGO | Plastic Building Bricks
LEGO System of Play
LEGO expanded its versatile plastic brick system outside Denmark by establishing its first international sales company in West Germany in 1956.
- Parker Brothers | Board Game
Careers Board Game
Parker Brothers released this innovative lifestyle game where players customized their own victory conditions across fame, happiness, and money.
- Lakeside Toys / Art Clokey | Action Figure
Gumby Bendable Toy
Following his television debut, Art Clokey's green clay hero was transformed into a flexible, classic bendable toy figure beloved by American children.
- Revell | Plastic Hobby Kits
Revell Scale Model Kits
Hobbyists in 1956 spent countless hours assembling Revell's intricate plastic model kits featuring naval battleships, jet aircraft, and mid-century automobiles.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?