Which iconic toy made its debut just in time for Christmas in 1945?
The iconic toy that made its highly successful debut just in time for the Christmas shopping season in 1945 was the Slinky. This simple yet ingenious toy was invented by mechanical engineer Richard James, who initially developed the concept in 1943 while working with springs designed to stabilize sensitive equipment aboard ships during World War II. He and his wife, Betty, then spent two years perfecting the design and raising the capital to manufacture their unique coiled spring toy.
The Slinky’s famous introduction to the public occurred on November 27, 1945, when it was demonstrated at the toy section of Gimbels department store in Philadelphia. The demonstration of the coiled wire “walking” down an inclined ramp was an instant sensation with shoppers. The entire initial stock of 400 Slinkys, priced at one dollar each, sold out completely in just 90 minutes, firmly establishing the Slinky as a timeless and enduring Christmas hit.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu627TZtcBg
https://www.threads.com/@beliproduk.official/post/DRIkHFBkj-B