Tonka Vintage Toys
American Toys: Past and Present
American toys have been around for as long as we can remember. In the beginning American toys were simple items such as balls, dolls, cars and trucks and believe it or not these American toys are still around today. When you think American toys; Barbie, matchbox cars, Legos and GI Joes instantly come to mind. If you purchased one of these items when they first hit the market and kept them in good condition they are very valuable today. When you think about American toy manufacturers Playschool and Mattel are at the top of the list. These companies have been around for a very long time and many people grew up playing with them, they have produced one great toy after another and still continue to do so.
American toys have evolved with time just like everything else in this amazing world. They have to be of interest to kids today in this high tech world. You can now send Barbie on amazing adventures through your computer, or play fashion designers with her many outfits. Her family has expanded and now includes friends, siblings and pets.
Matchbox cars has also created an online presence, they have changed the design of there vehicles to offer some really far out cars and trucks. Cool racing vehicles and vintage automobiles are always going to be popular. GI Joe is now nearly extinct which probably makes him one of the most valuable American toys you can own. Legos now have cool themes like pirate, knights in shining armor or sci-fi creatures.
Although these classic American toys are still available many more have been added to the list. Step inside any American home with children and you will find Legos, video games and plenty of high tech toys to amuse your child for hours. Some children even have there own computer. Many American toys are modeled after characters on popular televisions shows like Barney and Dora the Explorer. These characters often come and go and the more popular ones become collectors' items, like GI Joe and Barbie.
If you want to have a special toy that you will keep as a collector's item, the best idea is to keep it in its original wrapper. That will usually make it more valuable. Yet the real fun of American toys is that children love to play with them and use them to the fullest extent. To handle this, you can get one toy for collecting and an identical one for play. Another option is to get great, sturdy American toys that will hold up to any kind of use your children dish out.
There certainly has been a wide variety in children's toys, both in the past and in the present. Children enjoy playing make believe from an early age, and continue to do so long after they are sometimes willing to admit. In fact, some parents even have been known to get on the floor and play with Tonka trucks or baby dolls with their children. It often appears that they are having as much fun as their children. That is one way American toys are a part of a happy family.
About the Author
Ray Subs works with Heirloom Wooden Toys as a public relations consultant, more information about American toys can be found at
www.heirloomwoodentoys.com
Misc Vintage Toys Tonka Buddy L
Is there some place online I can go to find out how much a vintage (1980 Tonka Snap Mates) toy is worth?
Probably not worth anything but it is still in the package (package is worn and a bit dusty but intact) and I want to make sure I'm not giving the kids something that is collectible/worth something.
I've already searched ebay and tried looking up the toy on Google and I can't find any information anywhere about this toy. That is why I am looking for a toy collector online that answers questions about toys and may know about this toy simply from experience. I can't seem to find a toy collector to ask though.
You could try here.
http://100megsfree3.com/lonestar/index.html
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Really cool blog. Thank you for posting.
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