The evolution of toys over the last hundred years is truly staggering. We have all but said goodbye to the traditional, individually handmade toys and now embraced mass-produced electrical toys that have lights and sounds and eat batteries like grains of rice. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic traditional toys and why they were loved so much
Rag Dolls. There is something very satisfying about a toy so simple. They were once the coolest toy to have and everywhere a child would go, her rag doll would go with her. The most useful feature was that you could wash them in some warm soapy water (providing your child would let you) and then they would be looking new again the next day when they had dried. Nowadays kids prefere babies with electrically moving parts and voices. These cannot be washed using the same method but I would encourage you to give it a go.
Wooden Bikes. Due to bike makers wanting to make the biggest profit they can, most bikes these days are constructed of metal or some form of plastic. A hardwood bike though, that has been hand crafted by a professional maker still cannot be beaten. They were close to indestructible and looked great as the wood aged and picked up character. Also, they did not out of place in a traditional house, often being used as a piece of furniture as well as a toy
Rocking horse. Much like the wooden bike, a rocking horse made from fine wood not only looked stunning in any home but also lasted a lifetime due to its simple yet effective design. The best feature about buying one of these though is that your child can still have the horsey they always wanted but without the expensive and effort of a real one. The art of rocking horse making has been all but lost sadly, although you can find some makers if you look hard enough.
Tags: barbie, fun, kids, old, rocking horses, toys, traditional, wooden toys