Toy

How Jewish immigrants invented American childhood through classic toys, comics, and media

Virtually every major American toy company at the turn of the 20th century, with a few exceptions, had been founded by first-generation Jews, who invented the material culture of American childhood.

A woman shops for toys at a store in Houston, Texas, on August 24, 2026.
Shoppers pick groceries at the Shufersal Deal supermarket in Katzrin, Golan Heights.

LEGO next to Cornflakes: Shufersal enters the toy market - is it really worth the price?

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Jessie, Woody and Buzz Lightyear attend the "Toy Story 5" UK launch event at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on May 28, 2026 in London, England.

It’s a 'Tay' Story: Taylor Swift announces original song written for Toy Story 5

Toys "R" Us Azrieli Ayalon branch.

A shift on the shelf: Toy retail chain opens new store with a different concept


Mattel bets on Barbie revival, posts surprise quarterly profit

Strong demand for the movie-related toy line and licensed consumer products is expected "to continue to perform well in the back half of the year," Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz said.

A fan takes a photo of a Barbie doll at the world premiere of the film "Barbie" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 9, 2023

Are Furbies planning on taking over the world? ChatGPT says yes

A programmer hooked a Furby up to ChatGPT and asked it if Furbies intend on taking over the world.

 Illustrative image of a Furby.

Purim cap pistol ammunition endangers young children

If children up to the age of three swallow cap pistol ammunition, it can require surgery to save the child's life.

 Illustrative image of a cap pistol.

Int'l Winnie the Pooh Day: How do stuffed toys aid early development?

Winnie the Pooh Day is celebrated every year on January 18, the birthday of the British author A.A. Milne (1882-1956), who wrote the book.

 Pooh with Tigger and Eeyore at the Shanghai Disney Resort in 2019.

Ancient owl plaques may have been used as toys by children - study

The researchers studied 100 of the plaques and rated them from one to six based on how many owl traits they showed.

Two fledglings of the species known as Little Owl (Athene noctua). This common species may have been the model of some engraved slate plaques of the Copper Age.

LEGO comes to Israel's Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv

The 3rd floor of Dizengoff Center is home to the first official LEGO store in the country.

 A LEGO mural on the Dizengoff Center store's wall

What's in a name: Facts and origins behind names and descriptions

Let’s take a step back to see who the men and women were whose names have been immortalized in our lexicon.

 Florence Nightingale, circa 1860, in the National Portrait Gallery, London

Ideas for DIY baby toys and games

Sometimes you don’t need to rush to a store. You can make games at home that will keep your baby busy, develop senses and abilities and give you pleasure.

 Finger paint

American Girl releases Hanukkah outfit and gift set for dolls

The Hanukkah outfit includes a sparkly blue dress, silver shoes, a headband, and a Star of David necklace.

A store in Moscow’s Arbat pedestrian mall displays traditional Russian babushka dolls, including some on Jewish themes.

Popular fidget toy was created by classmate of Anne Frank

The wildly popular pop-it was designed to resemble breasts.

 Pop-it fidget toy