Illustration: “Merry Old Santa Claus” by Thomas Nast, from the 1 January 1881 edition of “Harper's Weekly.” Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Christmases Past: What Toys Did They Wish For?

By Gena Philibert-Ortega on December 18, 2023

In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega searches old newspapers to find ads for toys, to see what was popular in past Christmases... (Read More)

Photo: Play-Doh Fun Factory (Play-Doh is a trademark of Hasbro). Credit: Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.

From Wallpaper to Child’s Play: Play Dough

By Gena Philibert-Ortega on September 18, 2023

In honor of Sept. 16 being National Play-Doh Day, Gena Philibert-Ortega writes about the history of this popular modeling clay for children... (Read More)

Photo: Barbie in a flower dress made by the author’s mother and grandmother. Credit: Gena Philibert-Ortega.

Barbie Homemade Fashion

By Gena Philibert-Ortega on July 31, 2023

Spurred by the success of the new “Barbie” movie, Gena Philibert-Ortega reminisces about homemade Barbie clothes she and her friends enjoyed... (Read More)

Photo: Barbie's first clothing designer, Charlotte Johnson, posing with 1965 Barbie doll model, 13 May 1964. Credit: Nelson Tiffany, Los Angeles Times; Wikimedia Commons.

Family Memories: My Favorite Christmas Gift

By Gena Philibert-Ortega on December 19, 2022

In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega suggests a topic to promote discussion and record family memories during the holidays: your favorite Christmas gift... (Read More)

Family History: Children’s Pastimes and Toys (the Letter ‘D’), Part 1

By Jessica Edwards on August 22, 2022

Jessica Edwards writes about the pastimes and toys our ancestors enjoyed when they were children, focusing on games that start with the letter “D," Part 1... (Read More)

Family History: Children’s Pastimes and Toys (the Letter ‘C’), Part 2

By Jessica Edwards on August 17, 2022

Jessica Edwards writes about the pastimes and toys our ancestors enjoyed when they were children, focusing on games that start with the letter “C," Part 2... (Read More)

Family History: Children’s Pastimes and Toys (the Letter ‘C’), Part 1

By Jessica Edwards on July 26, 2022

Jessica Edwards writes about the pastimes and toys our ancestors enjoyed when they were children, focusing on games that start with the letter “C," Part 1... (Read More)

Family History: Children’s Pastimes and Toys (the Letter ‘B’), Part 2

By Jessica Edwards on July 6, 2022

Jessica Edwards writes about the pastimes and toys our ancestors enjoyed when they were children, focusing on games that start with the letter “B," Part 2... (Read More)

Family History: Children’s Pastimes and Toys (the Letter ‘B’), Part 1

By Jessica Edwards on June 23, 2022

Jessica Edwards writes about the pastimes and toys our ancestors enjoyed when they were children, focusing on games that start with the letter “B," Part 1... (Read More)

Tag: Toys