The 1950s: Baby Boomers and Television

The post-war baby boom brought a surge in toy innovation, heavily influenced by the advent of television. Play-Doh, originally a wallpaper cleaner, was rebranded as a children's modeling compound in 1956 and quickly became a favorite.

Barbie dolls, introduced in 1959, revolutionized the toy industry with their focus on fashion and lifestyle. TV shows like "The Mickey Mouse Club" helped propel related merchandise, making character-driven toys a major trend.