The National Toy Hall of Fame. I had about half of these at one time or another, so I guess my childhood wasn't as deprived as I might have thought. If you'll notice, not a single one of them requires electricity, let alone microchips. This one is probably my favorite, because it cost nothing and was able to become almost anything:
Over the years, children sensed the possibilities inherent in cardboard boxes, recycling them into innumerable playthings. The strength, light weight, and easy availability that make cardboard boxes successful with industry have made them endlessly adaptable by children for creative play.
One summer, some friends and I put together an elaborate network of cardboard boxes in the back yard, creating a castle with ramparts and a moat. Watch very young kids this Christmas -- they can still have as much fun with the box as with anything that comes in it.
Comments
Kids today are spoiled rotten. They spend too much time in front of the television and playing video games instead of doing family things together from eating dinner to going to family events. They will have plenty of time as they get older to learn all about electronics.
Hey Leo, I'll bet if you STILL HAD most of those toys...you could "retire early"...I know I could have...LOL!
Regarding those tried and true cardboard boxes... we probably had the only "submarine" in our neighborhood with the words WHIRLPOOL on the sides...(slightly ironic, yes?)!
We called it creativity...ahh, yes, to have THOSE days back again...right, Laura?
And WE "learned" about electronics the hard way....by getting SHOCKED from something we were NOT supposed to touch....!(makes a good case for not embracing ALL this tech...all at once, hmm?)
;)
B.G.
Between my brother and I we had all of those except for the wagon. I always wanted one and it was one of the first things we got for our kids. I'm pleased to say that my kids have most of the same toys I did, with the additions of a Brio train, American Girl dolls, and light sabers.