Toy catalog mail
The nostalgia! Toy catalogs by mail were a staple of childhoods past. Here's a brief history and some fun facts:
History:
- The first toy catalog was published in 1870 by the German toy company, Märklin.
- In the United States, the first toy catalog was published by the Lionel Corporation in 1900.
- By the mid-20th century, toy catalogs became a popular way for companies to showcase their products and for children to browse and order their favorite toys.
Fun Facts:
- The iconic toy catalog, Toys "R" Us, was founded in 1948 by Charles Lazarus and was known for its massive catalogs that arrived in mailboxes every year.
- The first Toys "R" Us catalog was 32 pages long and featured 1,000 products.
- The catalogs were so popular that they became a staple of childhood, with many kids eagerly awaiting their arrival each year.
- The catalogs were often filled with colorful illustrations, fun games, and puzzles, making them a treat for kids to browse through.
- The rise of online shopping and digital catalogs led to a decline in the popularity of printed toy catalogs, with many companies discontinuing their print catalogs in the 2000s.
Some popular toy catalogs by mail:
- Toys "R" Us (now defunct)
- Sears Wish Book (now defunct)
- JCPenney Christmas Book (still published, but mostly online)
- Montgomery Ward Christmas Book (now defunct)
- Spiegel Catalog (now defunct, but still remembered for its toy section)
Why toy catalogs by mail were special:
- The excitement of receiving a new catalog in the mail, filled with new toys and games to discover.
- The tactile experience of flipping through pages, feeling the weight of the catalog, and seeing the colorful illustrations.
- The sense of independence and autonomy that came with ordering toys directly from the catalog.
- The nostalgia and memories associated with flipping through the catalog with family and friends.
While the tradition of receiving toy catalogs by mail may be a thing of the past, many companies still publish digital catalogs and offer online shopping experiences that evoke the same sense of excitement and wonder.