Toys · 1963
Lightbulbs, Contraptions, and Legendary Toy Innovations
In 1963, playroom imagination reached new heights as iconic working gadgets and vibrant game boards redefined childhood play across the nation. From lightbulb-powered baking to quirky plastic crazes, toy store shelves radiated mid-century innovation and color.
- Working Toy | Kenner | USA
Kenner Easy-Bake Oven
Powered by an ordinary incandescent light bulb, this revolutionary working toy oven allowed children to bake real mini cakes right in their playrooms.
- Board Game | Ideal Toy Company | USA
Mouse Trap
Players built an intricate, Rube Goldberg-inspired contraption step-by-step across the board in a thrilling race to trap opponent mice.
- Fashion Doll | Mattel | USA
Midge Doll
Introduced as Barbie's wholesome best friend, Midge debuted with freckles, short flip hair, and playful swimsuits to broaden Mattel's doll lineup.
- Craft Toy | Mattel | USA
Vac-U-Form
Kids used heating elements and a manual vacuum pump to mold flat plastic sheets over solid molds, creating custom toy figures and plaques.
- Trading Cards | Topps | USA
1963 Topps Baseball Card Set
Boasting vibrant dual-picture card fronts, this iconic sports card set famously featured the debut rookie card of hit king Pete Rose.
- Plush & Novelty | Dam Things | Global
Wishnik Troll Dolls
Spurring a massive craze across American playgrounds, these quirky Danish plastic gnomes featured signature upright neon hair and glass eyes.
- Novelty Compound | Hasbro | USA
Hasbro Flubber
Inspired by the Disney movie sequel, this squishy bouncing compound became a playground craze before becoming infamous due to a rash recall.
- Building Sets | LEGO | Denmark
LEGO ABS Plastic Sets
LEGO permanently switched to high-durability ABS plastic in 1963, producing clutch-tight bricks that dramatically improved building possibilities worldwide.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?