The Magic of Classic Toys: Embracing Nostalgia and Preserving Playtime Traditions
The magic of classic toys lies not only in their timeless appeal but also in their ability to inspire creativity, nurture imagination, and connect families across generations. As we embrace the nostalgia and sentimental value of these beloved playthings, let us celebrate the enduring charm of classic toys and preserve the cherished playtime traditions that have brought joy to countless childhoods.
In a world driven by rapidly evolving technology and digital entertainment, there's something enchanting about classic toys that transcends generations. These timeless playthings hold a special place in our hearts, invoking cherished memories of childhood play and sparking feelings of nostalgia. In this blog post, we celebrate the magic of classic toys, exploring why they continue to captivate both children and adults, and how they play a vital role in preserving playtime traditions.
Classic toys are more than just playthings; they are cherished symbols of joy, innocence, and imagination. From wooden building blocks to nostalgic dolls and traditional board games, these toys have stood the test of time, captivating the hearts of children across generations. Their simplicity and tactile nature offer a break from the fast-paced digital world, fostering creativity and imaginative play.
Unlike the bells and whistles of modern gadgets, classic toys require the child's active participation, encouraging them to use their imagination to create new worlds and stories. A set of building blocks can transform into a bustling city, and a simple doll can become a brave adventurer on a daring quest. By engaging in open-ended play, children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence.
Classic toys hold the power to bridge the generational gap, connecting children with their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. As adults share their own childhood memories and playtime experiences, a profound sense of family tradition and nostalgia is cultivated. Classic toys become treasured heirlooms passed down through the years, fostering meaningful connections and creating enduring family memories.
Beyond their enchanting allure, classic toys offer numerous educational benefits for children. Wooden puzzles enhance cognitive skills, while traditional board games teach valuable lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Moreover, these toys encourage physical play, contributing to a child's overall development and well-being.
In today's digitally saturated world, children are exposed to screens from an early age. Classic toys offer a much-needed digital detox, providing an opportunity for children to engage in screen-free play, reducing screen time, and promoting healthy development.
As technology evolves and society progresses, it's crucial to preserve playtime traditions and pass them on to future generations. Classic toys are a reminder of simpler times and the joy derived from simple pleasures. By introducing classic toys to today's children, we ensure that these cherished traditions endure and continue to inspire joy and wonder in the years to come.
The magic of classic toys lies not only in their timeless appeal but also in their ability to inspire creativity, nurture imagination, and connect families across generations. As we embrace the nostalgia and sentimental value of these beloved playthings, let us celebrate the enduring charm of classic toys and preserve the cherished playtime traditions that have brought joy to countless childhoods. Timeless and captivating, classic toys continue to kindle the magic of childhood, inspiring play and laughter in hearts of young and old. Let us honour these treasured artifacts of our past and pass on the joy of classic playtime to future generations.
Classic Toys
Classic toys have enduring appeal and continue to be cherished by children and adults alike for their simplicity, durability, and ability to inspire imaginative play. We love being in store over-hearing older generations reminiscing about their own classic toys; reflecting on the simpler times of yesteryears.
Here at The Vintage Toy Box we live and dream classic toys - timeless playthings that have remained popular and beloved across multiple generations.
Classic toys have enduring appeal and continue to be cherished by children and adults alike for their simplicity, durability, and ability to inspire imaginative play. We love being in store over-hearing older generations reminiscing about their own classic toys; reflecting on the simpler times of yesteryears.
These toys are often simple in design, made from traditional materials like wood, metal, or fabric, and do not rely on electronic components or batteries.
Some favourite classic toys of ours include:
Wooden Blocks: Simple and versatile, wooden blocks allow children to build and create various structures, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Skipping Ropes: A traditional outdoor toy that promotes physical activity and coordination.
Jacks: A classic game where children toss and pick up small metal or plastic jacks with a ball.
Yo-Yos: A simple toy that requires skill and coordination to perform tricks and stunts.
Rag Dolls: Soft and cuddly dolls that provide comfort and companionship, often becoming firm friends.
Tops: Spinning tops made from wood or metal that fascinate children with their spinning motion.
Classic toys bring a sense of nostalgia and simplicity to playtime, encouraging children to use their imagination and engage in creative, open-ended play. Many classic toys have stood the test of time and remain popular choices for parents seeking to introduce their children to the joy of traditional play experiences.
Check out all of our classic toys, and let us know your favourites.
Toy shops over the decades
Toy shops have seen significant changes over the decades, with the retail giants taking over the retail scene, and the rise of online-shopping. Here we take a look back on the traditional toy shops from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s as we aim to capture the essence of these decades, and the traditional toy shops of yesteryear.
Toy shops have seen significant changes over the decades. In the mid-20th century, local independent toy stores were popular, offering a limited selection of toys. In the late 20th century, large retail chains like Toys "R" Us became dominant, providing a vast array of toys under one roof. However, with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, many traditional toy shops faced challenges, and some even closed down. The shift towards online shopping continued in the 21st century, allowing customers to access a more extensive range of toys with the convenience of home delivery. Additionally, interactive and tech-driven toys gained popularity, reflecting advancements in technology. As time progressed, toy shops had to adapt to changing consumer preferences, embracing both in-store and digital experiences to stay relevant.
Here we take a look back on the traditional toy shops from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s.
Toy Shops in the 1950s
In the 1950s, toy shops were quite different from what we see today. They were often small, independent stores, usually located in local neighbourhoods or on main streets. These shops carried a more limited selection of toys compared to the massive variety available in modern toy stores.
Toys in the 1950s were often simpler, reflecting the technology and manufacturing capabilities of that era. Popular toys included classic items like wooden trains, dolls, teddy bears, marbles, board games like Monopoly and Scrabble, and simple construction sets.
The shopping experience was more personal, with shopkeepers interacting directly with customers, helping them choose toys and providing personalized recommendations. Many toys were displayed in glass cases or on shelves, and children would often browse the store with excitement, carefully selecting their favourites.
Packaging was also simpler and more straightforward compared to the colourful and elaborate packaging we see today. Customers usually paid with cash, as credit cards were not common during that time.
Overall, visiting a toy shop in the 1950s was a charming and nostalgic experience, with a focus on traditional toys and a sense of community in the local shopping area.
Toy Shops in the 1960s
In the 1960s, toy shops continued to be predominantly small, independent stores, much like in the previous decade. However, there were some notable changes in the types of toys available and the overall shopping experience.
During the 1960s, there was a surge in the popularity of action figures and dolls. Iconic toys like G.I. Joe, Barbie, and Ken gained immense popularity, revolutionizing the toy industry. The popularity of dolls with different outfits and accessories added a new dimension to imaginative play for children.
Additionally, the 1960s saw the introduction of iconic board games like "Twister" and "Operation," which quickly became favourites among children and families. These games added an element of physical activity and skill to traditional board gaming.
The decade also witnessed the rise of battery-operated and remote-controlled toys, showcasing advancements in technology. Toy robots and cars with remote controls became a hit among kids, providing them with interactive and futuristic play experiences.
In terms of the shopping experience, the 1960s still offered a more personal touch compared to modern toy shopping. Customers could interact with knowledgeable staff who could demonstrate how toys worked and offer recommendations. The packaging of toys started to become more colourful and attractive, catching the attention of children and parents alike.
Overall, the 1960s toy shops provided a mix of traditional toys and innovative, tech-driven playthings, contributing to the joy and excitement of children during that time.
Toy Shops in the 1970s
In the 1970s, toy shops experienced significant changes in both the types of toys available and the overall retail landscape. The decade saw a continued rise in the popularity of action figures and dolls, with iconic lines like "Star Wars" action figures, "Barbie," and "Ken" remaining sought after by children.
During the 1970s, the toy industry also embraced the growing fascination with electronic toys. Electronic handheld games, like "Simon" and "Mattel Electronics Football," became a sensation, showcasing the increasing integration of technology into playthings.
Additionally, the decade witnessed the advent of popular construction sets like "Lego," which allowed children to build and create their own structures using colourful plastic bricks.
In the 1970s, toy shops began to adapt to the changing retail landscape by adopting more organized and vibrant displays to attract customers. The use of eye-catching store displays, and creative packaging became more common, adding to the excitement and allure of shopping for toys.
Furthermore, large retail chains started gaining prominence during this decade, offering a broader selection of toys under one roof. Toys "R" Us, which opened its first store in 1957, expanded its presence and became a well-known destination for toy shopping during the 1970s.
Overall, toy shops in the 1970s reflected a blend of traditional playthings and innovative electronic toys, with more emphasis on organized displays and the emergence of larger retail chains. This era set the stage for the evolving landscape of toy shopping in the following decades.
Toy Shops in the 1980s
The 1980s were a golden era for toy shops, witnessing a massive boom in the popularity of various toy lines and franchises. This decade saw an explosion of innovative and iconic toys, many of which have remained beloved classics.
Action figures continued to dominate the market, with franchises like "G.I. Joe," "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe," and "Transformers" captivating the imaginations of children. These action figures often came with intricate designs and accessories, encouraging kids to collect and engage in imaginative play.
Another significant development was the rise of video games, which started to make their way into homes through consoles like the Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). These consoles led to a surge in video game-related merchandise, including action figures, plush toys, and board games based on popular video game characters.
The 1980s also witnessed the "Cabbage Patch Kids" phenomenon, where these distinctive dolls became a cultural sensation, leading to long queues and even occasional store stampedes during the holiday season.
LEGO continued to be popular, expanding its offerings with various themed sets, such as LEGO Space and LEGO Castle, capturing the imagination of budding builders.
Toy shops in the 1980s saw increased competition, with large retail chains like Toys "R" Us, Walmart, and Target gaining prominence and offering an extensive selection of toys from different manufacturers.
Additionally, the packaging of toys became more elaborate, featuring eye-catching illustrations and designs to appeal to young shoppers.
Overall, toy shops in the 1980s were buzzing with a vast array of action figures, video game-related toys, dolls, construction sets, and more, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for children and their families. Many of the toys from this era have left a lasting impact and continue to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Here at The Vintage Toy Box, we aim to capture the essence of these decades, and the traditional toy shops of yesteryear.
It's Official | Our Canberra Toy Store is Re-Opening
We’re so excited — it’s official - we have a re-opening date for our Canberra toy shop in the fabulous Dirty Janes Emporium in Fyshwick with the easing of ACT lockdown restrictions.
We’re so excited — it’s official - we have a re-opening date for our Canberra toy shop in the fabulous Dirty Janes Emporium in Fyshwick with the easing of ACT lockdown restrictions. Yippee!!!
Drum roll please …
We will be re-open from 10am Friday 29/10/2021, 7 days a week!
We are so happy to be able to once again share the happiness and spread lots of fun and laughter from our delightful physical toy store. We can picture all the smiles now, and oh, what a vision, and how good it feels!
Strangely, whilst our Fyshwick toy shop itself is set to re-open, we’re still not quite sure when we ourselves will be able to visit it from Regional NSW, as we’re still awaiting the big announcement of reaching NSW 80% targets. Rest assured though, we’re all stocked up and ready to go, go, go!!
We have been so busy behind the scenes, making up so many of our fantastic Stocking Filler Packs - great value stocking filler bundles made up of some of our best selling classic toys and games. We knew they’d be popular, but we have been delighted to see how fast they’ve been flying out the door!
This amazing pack includes the following guaranteed fun, classic toys and games:
Juggling Balls
Dominoes
Little Box of Marbles
Jacks
Push up toy
Yo-Yo
Flying Bird
Thank you to all of you for supporting our small, independent family business, during the last 18 months. We’re not going to pretend; it’s been tough, but we’re starting to see the light, (and Christmas, who could forget Christmas?!)!
We wouldn’t be here without you, and we’re so appreciative of the support you’ve shown us by trusting in us to deliver joy.
So, to celebrate the exciting re-opening of our Canberra toy store, and to say a big thank you to you, our customers, we’re giving you, our loyal followers 15% off at checkout to blast away the last few days of September, and to welcome in the exciting October, and all the hope that it brings. Shop online and use the promo code BYESEPT21 to claim your 15% discount at checkout. Hurry though, as the code will turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight on Thursday 30th September.
Don’t forget too that we’ve recently introduced some new ways to pay to help spread the cost of Christmas, so you can now enjoy more, without the stress.
100 Days until Christmas | Shop Online with AfterPay
Sadly our amazing Canberra toy shop in the wonderful Dirty Janes in Fyshwick remains closed for a little while longer as the ACT Lockdown is extended again until October 15th. Whilst we completely understand that everyone needs to stay safe, we’re really missing our space of joy, and you, our customers, and can’t wait until we can re-open again and share the happiness and spread lots of (much needed!) fun and laughter.
We also can’t ignore the fact that Christmas is fast approaching, and will be upon us in …. 100 days!!! Argh! That’s faster than a rocket hurtling towards the moon!
So, although our bricks and mortar shop remains closed, we have been super busy behind the scenes, stocking up for Christmas (it’s going to be a big one!), making up fabulous new Stocking Filler Packs, and bringing you new ways to pay to spread the cost. We’ve certainly been making the most of our lockdown time, so that when we do re-open our physical doors, we’re ready for you!!
Our elves have been squirreling away your favourites, the Christmas classics, and huge amounts of fun toys and games for the whole family to enjoy. We also have been putting our time to good use, hunting down some fabulous new ranges of beautiful heirloom soft toys, unusual and traditional games, and fantastic new puzzles!
Do not despair though, whilst our Fyshwick toy store may be physically closed, you can still shop safely with us in a variety of easy ways …
From the comfort of your own home in our online toy store. Browse toys by Category, browse toys by age, browse toys by Brand, search for toys… however you want to browse our huge range of toys, games and puzzles, we have you covered! Shop anytime, anywhere with ease and pay securely - just choose the method at checkout that suits you best:
Visa, MasterCard and American Express through our secure payment system Stripe.
Paypal Pay in 4 for all purchases over $30.
Choose the option that’s right for you and split your payment, interest free, allowing you to enjoy your purchases sooner, and spread the cost of Christmas.
Seen something you love on our Instagram feed? Click and collect from Dirty Janes Canberra. Just text Dirty Janes on 0411 827 488 quoting Shop Number 531, and let them know what you need, and where you need it, and they’ll give you a call to make it yours.
Can’t decide? We’ve done the hard work for you and put together these amazing stocking filler bundles, packed to the brim with our best selling classic toys and games. Perfect for kids, and adults alike. Unwrap and fill a stocking with these family favourites, or gift as is in our beautifully gift wrapped boxes. Ideal for stocking filers, Secret Santa gifts, or gifts for Grandma and Grandad, guaranteed to bring back lots of happy memories of yesteryear!
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? In the very rare event that this might happen, we’ve also got you covered there too, with our super-duper gift vouchers, which any recipient young or old will just love. Make someone’s day, and let them choose for themselves.
What more could you want? Let us know, and we’ll do our very best to make it happen!
Introducing our Classic Toy Bundle | The Perfect Stocking Fillers
Let us take the stress out of Christmas, by bringing you joy with our classic toys and games fun pack - ideal for kids and adults of all ages.
Let us take the stress out of Christmas, by bringing you joy with our classic toys and games fun pack - ideal for kids and adults of all ages.
A full stocking of fun for only $54.95.
This fantastic value pack includes the following quality best sellers:
Juggling Balls - RRP $14.95
Dominoes - RRP $12.95
Little Box of Marbles - RRP $9.95
Jacks - RRP $12.95
Push up toy - RRP $6.95
Yo-Yo - RRP $5.95
Flying Bird - RRP $3.95
*Stocking not included
Total value of pack contents $67.65.
Comes beautifully presented in a Christmas gift packed box, ready for you to unwrap , or gift directly.
Adults and kids alike will just love this pack of classic goodies.
Classic Toys | Jack in the Box
In 2005 the classic toy Jack in the box was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame due to its timeless charm that has captivated the interest of children for decades.
Classic musical Jack-in-the-box
The Jack-in-the-box is centuries old. Most of the brightly coloured boxes feature either a clown or a joker that pops out when the handle on the outside of the box is turned to a certain position, as the music plays. The most popular tune to be played is ‘pop goes the weasel’.
In 2005 the Jack-in-the-box was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame due to its timeless charm that has captivated the interest of children for decades.
Our Classic tin musical Jack in the Box features a clown and has bright playful pictures on all sides. Build the suspense as you wind the crank, not knowing when Jack will pop out!
Fun fact: In France a Jack-in-the-box is called a ‘Diable En Boite’ which means Devil in a box!
Classic Toys | Wooden Toys
Wooden toys have been a constant in children’s lives in households across the world for centuries, never going out of fashion, and always in favour. You’d be hard pushed to find a child’s toybox without a classic, well-built wooden toy or keepsake hiding away, revisited time and time again
Wooden toys have been a constant in children’s lives in households across the world for centuries, never going out of fashion, and always in favour. You’d be hard pushed to find a child’s toybox without a classic, well-built wooden toy or keepsake hiding away, revisited and played with time and time again.
Long ago, in the Roman and Greek Empires, children often played with horses, chariots, dolls, swords, spinning tops and more - all expertly carved from wood.
Fun Fact: Archaeologists have found wooden toys that date back to around 1200BC.
One of the most interesting and significant wooden toy finds was by archaeologists in Egypt who found a wooden toy tiger built with moving parts, believed to be around 2500 years old. When the tail was pulled the mouth would open, which just goes to show the imagination that was put into wooden toys even thousands of years ago.
In Germany during the early 1700s toy makers began to make a variety of toys from all different types of wood, with travelling salesmen selling wooden toys from their horse and carts all over Europe. Many would take orders in advance for special occasions as the popularity for wooden toys grew. Wooden puzzles, transport vehicles, blocks, peg boards and pull along toys were among the most popular.
Pull alongs have been a popular variation of wooden toys since this time, but they haven’t always been made solely of wood. Other materials used to make pull along toys included clay, tin plate and cast iron.
Wooden pull along toys were first mass produced in 1875 in a factory in Massachusetts by the W.S. Reed Toy Company, along with wooden circus toys, sailing boats and paddle boats amongst others. They were best known for the bright colours of the graphics which were made by either lithographed paper glued to the wood or brightly coloured stamped designs. It was these bright colours that sealed the popularity of these simple, yet beautiful toys.
Skipping forward to the early 1900s wooden toy makers started to venture into making more intricate designs such as miniature animals, soldiers and doll houses complete with miniature wooden furniture, all painted in vivid colours and with lifelike details. The most popular wooden toy of them all evolved in the 1930s, with the introduction of wooden trains and train tracks, continuing to be a firm favourite a century later.
The Lego Corporation was surprisingly an early big player in the manufacture of quality wooden toys, before it commenced the production of the ever popular inter-locking plastic bricks. Kirk Christiansen began the now world-famous Lego Company out of his Danish workshop in 1932, with wooden toys being the very first theme from the Lego empire. Plastics were then introduced in 1940, and then finally the Lego that we are all familiar with today was released in 1949.
With the introduction of other plastic toys in the late 20th century, the low price of plastic mass production, and the introduction of electronics, sales of wooden toys saw a steep decline. That was however, until recent years.
There has been a steady increase in wooden toy sales over the last 5 years, as more and more eco-conscious parents are returning to the joy and simplicity of wooden toys.
Parents and grandparents realise that due to the cheap nature of plastic toys, they do not last as long as the more durable wooden toys. They last a few plays before breaking or being discarded, ending up in landfill, taking years to break down. People are now more aware that their production also contributes towards pollutants, and plastic in general is harmful to the environment.
Wood is a recyclable, natural material so it is much better for the environment than plastic. Wooden toys can take much more of a bashing, and you can still get generations of play out of them; a huge advantage … more bang for your buck!
Wooden toys are built solely to intrigue and inspire the imagination of the child playing with them. It is up to the child to decide how far their imagination will take them. There are no flashing lights or sounds interfering with their natural decision making ability or over stimulating them.
As wood is a natural tactile texture it stimulates a child’s senses as they touch it during play. It is said that playing with wooden toys provides a calm and relaxed environment and learning experience for your child.
In this instance, simplicity truly is best. Wooden toys are here to stay. Check out our huge range of wooden toys.
Our Classic Toy Shop | Take a Peek Inside our Toy Box
Just as we close up the Moss Vale store to spend more time with our family, we wanted to capture the essence of one of the most rewarding adventures that we’ve been on.
We have been very lucky to have the awesome Emma working for us here at The Vintage Toy Box in our Moss Vale toy store - she has been a breath of fresh air, a trusted and much valued employee, a window dresser extraordinaire, and now a great friend. Just before we close up the Moss Vale store in a couple of weeks to spend more time with our family, we wanted to capture Emma’s experience of sharing one of the most rewarding adventures that we’ve been on. Thank you Emma for being such a fabulous member of our toy store family - we couldn’t have done it without you!! Over to you Emma …
“Goodbye #UpperArgyle” by Emma Stuart
When I first applied for the job at The Vintage Toy Box I never imagined that working here would be so much fun. I mean, I knew working in a toy shop would be fun, but the vibe and energy that comes from the shop is way better than an average run-of-the-mill generic toy shop. There’s something really special about The Vintage Toy Box. The shop has been such a great place to work, the atmosphere and being around toys made my day – everyday. Not many people get to work in a place that they love to work in, nor do they get to have as much fun as I did as they work.
What made it more fun was the people. Customers, people just popping in to say hello, the local kids running in for their lollies after school, the local businesses that support each other, and of course my boss, Saskia (edit: Emma had to say that!).
I am so lucky to have had this experience. Saskia is such an awesome boss lady (edit: and again!). She accepted my areas for development and pushed me to the full potential of my strengths. She has helped me build my confidence and encouraged my creative side, which has expanded so much since I started working at The Vintage Toy Box.
Saskia asked me to put together a little write up about my favourite experiences working in the shop. It was so very hard to choose just a few, but here goes ….
I loved working on the window displays because not only did it showcase some of the awesome toys waiting just inside the door, but I loved watching people walking by, stopping to have a look and walking off with a smile. I’ve often wondered what triggered those smiles, was it a memory from their childhood? Maybe they played that hopscotch game at school; ran around the backyard with Spud Guns with their siblings; they could have had a toy robot similar to the one staring back at them through the window or maybe they played that board game with their family on family game night. It didn’t matter the reason behind the smile, it was just nice to know that just a peek through the window was enough to make someone smile.
I really enjoyed doing research and learning about the history of toys. How they used to be made and played with in the past is so intriguing to me. It is fascinating seeing through the decades how the toys have changed and what became popular based on the world changing, during and after war time and the difference new technology impacted the sale of toys and changed the way they were made.
Another personal favourite thing of mine about the shop is the stories that people would tell while they were shopping. Whether it was a story about begging their parents for a wind-up tin plane and how happy they were to open one up on Christmas morning, how they’ve treasured it over the decades and how it still sits on their shelf, or how they used to save the bone out of a lamb hock after a Sunday night roast and after they collected them up over a few weeks they would have enough to play Jacks with them. Stories about how they used to make knitting dolls out of old sewing bobbins and nails, or sitting down with a sibling or parent to draw and cut out outfits for paper dolls. Eagerly waiting outside the back shed door for their father to put the finishing touches on their wagon so it was ready to race with the kids down the road. It is so interesting to hear of the way toys used to be made by families who couldn’t afford to go to the shop and by the latest toys. I also enjoyed hearing the friendly bickering between family members as they reminisce about playing and there was always one cheeky cheater … who still denies it!
One day I was sitting at the front counter doing some history of toys research and I had Fleetwood Mac up full volume through the speaker, singing along as I worked and a nice lady worked in. I awkwardly laughed with embarrassment as I rushed to turn down the volume, she just laughed and said ‘turn it back up, I love Fleetwood Mac!’ so up went the volume and she sang as she shopped; it was great!
So there you have it, a few of my favourite memories from working at The Vintage Toy Box and what is next for me? Well, I’ll still be around, in the background, still researching, writing, putting together social media posts and helping Saskia with community events and all the new exciting things that she has planned and of course – turning up Fleetwood Mac until the speaker beeps at full volume.
Until next time, Emma. x
If you want to show your appreciation for Emma, as much as we do, vote for us in the Australian Local Business Awards https://thebusinessawards.com.au/business/48911/The-Vintage-Toy-Box . Go on, it’ll make Emma’s day.
Circus Toys - Roll Up, Roll Up
Roll up, Roll up one and all! Under the Big Top at the Vintage Toy Box we’re celebrating the spectacular long lived tradition of the circus and all things inspired by the circus.
Before we dive into all the fun toys to do with the circus, let’s start off by going back to where it all began…
Roll up, roll up, one and all! Under the Big Top at the Vintage Toy Box we’re celebrating the spectacular long lived tradition of the circus and all things inspired by it.
Before we dive into all our fun circus themed toys and all the fun of the fair, let’s start off by going back to where it all began …
The circus began in ancient Roman times, and was very different to the circus we know today. In ancient Rome the term ‘circus’ simply meant:
a rounded or oval arena lined with tiers of seats, used for equestrian and other sports and games, including staged battles and gladiatorial combat
In more modern times the circus is now defined as:
a travelling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers who give performances, typically in a large tent, in a series of different places.
The first modern circus had its big debut in England in 1770 and featured timeless classics such as horse tricks, acrobats, tightrope walkers, jugglers and clowns, (which were only introduced to fill in the time between animal acts). A marvelous adaptation of this traditional ‘modern’ circus was The Greatest Showman movie starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, which was set in the 1850s and 1860s, and inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum’s creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. This movie is a magical illustration of all things we love about travelling shows.
Now, after centuries the circus has grown and transformed into the amazing spectacular that we now know and love, with amazing acts such as Cirque du Soleil now taking centre stage worldwide and amazing huge audiences across the globe.
At The Vintage Toy Box we just love the spectacular show of the circus and have sourced so many fabulous circus themed toys to help you all take to the stage too.
The most common act in the circus is the juggling act, traditionally undertaken by either a clown or a trapeze artist. The art of juggling has been preserved for the past 4000 years, and can be traced back to the ancient Egyptian civilization where paintings of women jugglers were found on the walls inside a crypt.
Juggling however was not always found to be such a creative art. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the arrival of the middle ages, jugglers were often persecuted and seen as dirty scoundrels or even thought to be witches.
Despite that, juggling is, and will remain a firm family favourite. Learn to juggle with our brightly coloured juggling balls and then one day maybe you will be juggling clubs – like the clowns in the circus!
One of the acts in the circus that will leave you breathless is the diving event, which has been a key part of the circus for decades. In 1948 a record was set that stood for almost half a century by Roy Fransen – the first truly famous shallow diver. He jumped from 34 metres and landed into water that was only 2.4 metres deep! After four decades of leaving people breathless while watching him perform his acts his good fortune came to an end when he died during a performance in 1985.
You can have your very own fearless wooden diver and you can help him practice and re-enact the famous circus act.
You cannot have a circus without a clown, and clowns who make balloon animals have been a favourite among children at the circus for many years.
In the 1930s a famous clown by the name of Maar had all of his props stolen during one of his acts. He was then forced to solely rely on balloons to entertain his crowd. The story goes that he invented balloon modelling right there on the spot, amazing his audience of young and old. It has since turned into one of the favourite acts to be performed by clowns and child entertainers alike.
With our retro Balloon Modelling Kit you can make multiple different animals, with 40 balloons and a pump you will be able to perfect the art of balloon modelling in no time!
Circus musical Jack-in-the-box
The Jack-in-the-box is centuries old. Most of the brightly coloured boxes feature either a clown or a joker that pops out when the handle on the outside of the box is turned to a certain position, as the music plays. The most popular tune to be played is ‘pop goes the weasel’.
In 2005 the Jack-in-the-box was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame due to its timeless charm that has captivated the interest of children for decades.
Our Circus musical Jack-in-the-box features a clown and has bright playful pictures on all sides. Build the suspense as you wind the crank, not knowing when Jack will pop out!
Fun fact: In France a Jack-in-the-box is called Diable En Boite which means Devil in a box!
Spinning tops are among the oldest toys to ever be unearthed. A clay top was discovered in Iraq and was dated 35th century – that’s almost 6000 years ago! Another notable find is a wooden top that was found in the tomb of King Tut in Egypt and Roman tops that were made out of bone. Spinning tops made of fruits, nuts and shells have been discovered on every continent around the world – except for Antarctica.
Spinning tops come in all different shapes, sizes and colours and are made from various types of material.
Our spinning tops are made from tin and are brightly coloured just like the colours of the circus. Grab one today and see how long you can make it spin for, or even have a spin-off with some buddies. The world record for a spinning top continuously spinning is 50 minutes - can you beat it?
Take a bit of the circus home with you with some of our other fabulous circus inspired toys including:
Create a circus kit - Perfect for little ones to explore their imagination as they built and perform classic circus tricks with this beautiful circus craft kit.
Circus Tattoos - Cover yourself with these awesome temporary tattoos which includes ten different designs, featuring the strong man and ferris wheel among other cool circus designs.
Monkey Trapeze - Help these cute little monkeys practice their trapeze skills. Just squeeze the poles at the bottom and watch them flip – around and around they go!
Circus Jigsaw Puzzles - These jigsaw puzzles are as great and entertaining as the circus, so lets combine the two! We’ve got four beautifully designed circus inspired puzzles by French designer Londji:
The incredible muscle man
The trapeze artist
The funny clown
Circus Puzzle - A 38cm round puzzle which includes the ring master, elephants, clowns and more!
We can even help you re-create the whole circus show with our beautiful wooden circus sets:
Circus Safari Jeep - A beautifully vibrant wooden circus play set with a fun collection of colourful characters.
Circus Play Set - Kids are guaranteed to use their imagination and creativity to put on a top notch performance with this wonderfully unusual wooden play set from Artiwood.
Collect all of our fabulous circus toys and more in store and online!