In 1982, Knickerbocker Released the E.T. Finger Light Toy Which Was Quickly Removed From Stores

The 1982 E.T. Finger Light by Knickerbocker Toy Co. is one of the most infamous movie tie-in merchandise failures in toy history. Released to capitalize on the massive success of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the toy was pulled from store shelves just months after its launch due to intense controversy over its design.

It was designed to let children ages 4 and up mimic E.T.’s famous glowing, healing fingertip. Carried under model number 4111, it consisted of a flesh-colored, textured rubber extension that fit over a child’s finger. When pressed down against a surface, an internal, non-replaceable battery would trigger a light bulb at the tip, causing it to glow. The packaging proudly advertised: “Finger Glows When Pressed!”

While intended as an innocent piece of movie magic, the toy’s shape, rubberized texture, and phallic appearance immediately raised eyebrows among parents. Adults heavily criticized the toy for unintentionally resembling an adult novelty product rather than a children’s plaything. Due to the immediate wave of complaints, awkward parental backlash, and public mockery, retailers quickly removed the product from shelves and discontinued it after only a few months in production. Coincidentally, the manufacturing company, Knickerbocker Toy Co., went out of business that very same year, in 1982.

Kangaroo Jumps Rebound Shoes From the 1930s

Kangaroo jumps (or rebound/jumping shoes, also called “moon shoes” or spring-heel shoes) from the 1930s era refer to early spring-loaded footwear toys or devices, precursors to modern rebound boots like Kangoo Jumps.

A woman helping her friend with her Kangru-Spring-Shu, a pair of boots fitted with springs, ca. 1935.

These were not the modern fitness rebound boots (which emerged in the 1990s with brands like Kangoo Jumps, featuring advanced leaf springs or tension bands for low-impact exercise). Instead, they were simpler, often risky “ankle-breaker” toys with metal coil springs attached to wooden or metal platforms that strapped over regular shoes. They aimed to let kids (or adults) bounce like kangaroos or walk on the moon, tying into the space race hype later on.

A 1914 French patent by Gaston Devore described a device adapting to shoes for increased running speed or jump amplitude, considered one of the first conceptual “jumpers.” “Kangru-Springshu” or similar “Kangaroo” spring shoes appeared from between the 1920s and 1940s as toys. They featured large metal springs (front and back) on platforms, with leather straps. These were sold as fun, novelty items emulating kangaroo hops but were unstable and dangerous.

Popularity surged in the 1950s amid the Space Race (branded as “Moon Shoes” or “Satellite Jumping Shoes”), but the kangaroo-themed versions predate that. They were basic: wooden/metal bases with springs, adjustable straps, and poor lateral stability—often criticized for causing injuries. Modern equivalents are safer with better designs.

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This Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring Contained Polonium-210, One of the Most Dangerous Radioactive Isotopes Known to Man

In the nuclear-obsessed 1940s, atomic energy was celebrated as the cutting edge of progress and modernity, capturing the imagination of the public. Capitalizing on this fascination, Kix cereal launched a bold promotion in 1947: for just 15 cents and a cereal box top, children could receive the Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring. The ring promised excitement and novelty, tying a popular comic hero to the era’s atomic craze, and appealed directly to the curiosity and thrill-seeking of young consumers.

But the “toy” was far from harmless. Each ring contained a tiny amount of polonium-210, a highly radioactive substance, paired with a zinc sulfide screen that would glow when struck by alpha particles. While marketed as safe as long as it wasn’t ingested or inhaled, polonium-210 is among the most toxic substances known, making the ring an unsettling example of the era’s cavalier attitude toward radiation. At the time, very few questioned the potential dangers, and the public’s fascination with all things atomic often outweighed concerns for safety.

Polonium-210 is a highly radioactive alpha-emitter. While alpha particles cannot penetrate the outer layer of human skin, the substance is extremely dangerous if inhaled or swallowed. Because polonium-210 has a very short half-life (138 days), almost all the radioactivity vanished within a few years of the ring being manufactured. Any surviving rings today are virtually non-radioactive (having decayed into stable lead), though they no longer produce the “flashes” they once did.

Today, the Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring stands as a bizarre museum artifact, a chilling reminder of a period when radioactive materials were marketed as novelty items for children. Because these rings were made of fragile plastic and aluminum, finding one in good condition with the red tail-fin intact is difficult. Depending on condition and whether the original mailing box and instructions are included, these rings typically sell for $100 to $400 on the collector's market.

40 Fascinating Photos Capture People With Christmas Gifts From the Mid-20th Century

Christmas morning in the mid-20th century presented a distinctly charming scene, largely shaped by the post-war economic boom and the rise of mass-market consumerism.

Children’s excitement was palpable as they tore open paper to find classic toys that defined the era. Boys often unwrapped Matchbox cars, Erector Sets, or, later in the period, the first G.I. Joe action figures. Girls’ eyes would light up at the sight of a new Barbie doll (introduced in 1959), a Chatty Cathy doll, or a miniature Easy-Bake Oven. The simplicity of toys like Silly Putty, Play-Doh, or an Etch A Sketch often provided hours of entertainment, reflecting a time when imagination was as important as technology.

For adults, gifts often balanced utility and emerging luxury. Women might receive labor-saving kitchen appliances like a new toaster, blender, or electric mixer, reflecting the idealized role of the mid-century housewife. More personal gifts included fine jewelry or luxurious perfumes. Men's gifts often centered on hobbies or status, such as a new smoking pipe, a sophisticated mantel clock, or matching family pajamas to be worn for the holiday photo.

The atmosphere was one of joyful domesticity, with the gifts under the tinsel-heavy tree symbolizing prosperity, family connection, and the embracing of modern, comfortable living. These fascinating photos capture people with their Christmas gifts in the 1950s and 1960s.

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30 Charming Portraits of Children With Their Dolls From the Mid-19th Century

In the mid-19th century, dolls were among the most cherished toys for children, reflecting both the fashions and social values of the time. Made from materials such as wood, porcelain, cloth, or wax, these dolls often mirrored adult clothing styles, with intricate dresses, bonnets, and accessories. For many children, especially girls, playing with dolls was not only a form of entertainment but also a way of learning social roles and domestic skills.

These vintage photos from this period capture the charm and innocence of childhood, showing children proudly posing with their dolls—sometimes nearly as large as the children themselves. These images offer a glimpse into 19th-century family life, childhood culture, and the enduring bond between children and their beloved toys.

Portrait of three sisters. They look like they might be fighting over who's going to hold the doll

A sweet little girl in a tinted blue dress holding a small china head doll

A very somber family that all look alike. Little girl holds a large Queen Anne doll

Brother and sister posed with their toys. Even though she has a doll she still has her hand on the paddle boat as if to say "its my boat too!"

Dad and his twins holding a large china head doll

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It’s the Christopher Walken “Deer Hunter” Doll You Never Knew You Wanted!

Christopher Walken 1/6 figure from his Oscar winning roll, in the 1978 film, The Deer Hunter. The doll was made by Cyguy Dolls.

Debbie Harry Holding a “Debbie in Different Moods” Doll, ca. 1982

Debbie Harry of Blondie posing with a photograph of her (by bandmate Chris Stein) at the opening of an exhibition of Stein’s photographs in New York City on April 4, 1982. She holds a “Debbie in Different Moods” doll. The exhibition marked the launch of Stein’s book “Making Tracks: the Rise of Blondie.”

It’s a Barbie knock-off fashion doll (her clothes form her torso, so her knees are jointed to her skirt), you couldn’t change her clothes, but you could change her moods. Unlike Barbie who came with a wardrobe, Debbie came with interchangeable heads, each one conveying a different mood: HAPPY, SAD, or FURIOUS.

30 Wonderful Found Slides of Children With Their Christmas Gifts From the Mid-20th Century

In the mid-20th century, Christmas mornings were filled with excitement as children eagerly unwrapped gifts beneath the tree. Toys in the 1950s and 1960s ranged from simple wooden blocks to the latest plastic creations, like Barbie dolls or Hot Wheels cars. Many gifts were designed to inspire imagination: board games like Monopoly or Clue, building sets like Legos, and puzzles that could challenge even the sharpest young minds. Some children found the thrill of something mechanical, like a toy robot, or the timeless joy of a Teddy bear to cuddle with.

For children in the 1950s and 1960s, Christmas was often a simpler affair, yet filled with a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. The magic of the season wasn't just in the gifts themselves, but in the warmth of being together as a family, the excitement of giving and receiving, and the quiet joy of a time that seemed to slow down, just for a little while, to let everyone savor the moment.

Here below is a collection of wonderful found slides that shows children with their Christmas gifts in the 1950s and 1960s.

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1973 Mattel “Mod Hair” Ken Doll With Facial Hair. Did You Have One?

The Mod Hair Ken Doll was released in 1973. It was the first Ken doll since 1961 to have “real” rooted hair. The doll has bendable legs and wears a brown and white checked jacket, white turtle neck dickey, a pair of light brown pants, and brown shoes.

The doll is marked “© 1968 Mattel, Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pats. Pending Hong Kong”. Facial hair could be stuck on the doll. It was a popular doll and there were different versions of the packaging.

Lucille Ball Getting Crafty With Dolls, 1948

Lucille Ball completed a doll dress, using a simple, gathered skirt, plain bodice, and a ruffle for each sleeve, 1948. “No fun having dolls,” said Lucille, “unless you can put new clothes on them ever so often.”

Lucille Ball, the beloved star of classic television, was not only a pioneer of comedy but also an avid doll collector. Her passion for vintage baby dolls showcased her artistic side and appreciation for craftsmanship. Throughout her life, Lucille amassed an impressive collection that reflected the intricate designs and cultural significance of dolls from various eras.

In the mid-20th century, dolls were more than just toys; they were often considered collectibles, with some crafted to represent historical figures or embody the styles of specific periods. Lucille’s fascination with these miniature representations stemmed from her childhood, where she found joy in their detailed features and the stories they could tell. Each doll in her collection was carefully chosen, often highlighting the craftsmanship that went into their creation.

Lucille often used her love for dolls to connect with her fans. She would share glimpses of her collection during interviews, sparking interest and admiration from viewers. The nostalgia associated with vintage dolls resonated with many, bringing back memories of simpler times and the joys of childhood.

Beyond collecting, Lucille also dabbled in crafting, creating outfits and accessories for her dolls. This creative outlet allowed her to express her artistic flair and brought her immense joy. Whether it was sewing tiny dresses or designing unique looks, Lucille infused her personality into each creation, making the dolls extensions of herself.

Who Else Desperately Wanted This Belt Racer Toy From the Early 1980s?

The Belt Racer was a popular toy from the 1980s produced by Kusan, a company known for its innovative and unique toys. The Belt Racer featured a plastic car that was attached to a looped belt, powered by a motor inside a handheld control unit. As the belt moved, the car would race around in a continuous loop, giving the impression of high-speed racing.

It was a simple but entertaining toy that captured the imagination of many children during that era. The design was quite distinctive, with the belt system being the main attraction, allowing kids to control the speed and movement of the car with a trigger mechanism.

The toy is considered a collectible item today, especially among enthusiasts of vintage toys from the 1980s.

A Shoe Doll That Belonged to a Child in the Slums of London, ca. 1905

The fact that it was found in an Edwardian London slum around 1905, and is made from the heel of a man’s shoe, a black sock and some scraps of household fabric, makes it at once the most heartbreaking and marvelous of toys.

Surely this represents the highest form of recycling and it demonstrates the loving efforts of a family who couldn’t afford to buy even the cheapest doll for their child. It’s unusual that a homemade toy like this has survived over a hundred years and it’s thanks to Edward Lovett who collected dolls from all over the world in order to preserve local culture.