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Toys & Dolls
 Websites presented in alphabetical order AdiosBarbie.com 
 "A one-stop body shop, where women and men of all cultures and sizes can learn about their bodies; feel proud and comfortable in their natural shapes, sizes, and colors; speak out against impossible beauty standards; and share their experiences." Includes feature articles, social commentary, and a brief history of the Barbie doll. An annotated reading list covers topics such as body image, ethnicity, and size acceptance. Note: not recently updated. http://www.adiosbarbie.com/ Topics: Crafts, Hobbies, Women Last updated Jan 17, 2006 Age-Appropriate Toys for Children
This article describes "the basic characteristics of child development at each stage of growth. Lists of some age-appropriate toys are also included." Covers baby toys, toddler toys, toys for children in preschool, and toys for 6 to 8-year-olds. From a doctor and author. http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/safety/ageappropriatetoys.htm Topics: Hobbies Last updated Nov 30, 2004 All About Japanese Hina Dolls
"Every year on March 3rd, Japan celebrates the Doll Festival (Japanese, Hina Matsuri). Until recently, Girls' Day was also celebrated on March 3rd. On this day every year, families set up a special step-altar on which to arrange their Emperor and Empress dolls, called 'hina' in Japanese." This site describes and provides images of these dolls and doll altars. From the Kyoto Museum. http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/dictio/data/senshoku/ Topics: Hobbies, Holidays by Region Last updated Feb 26, 2007 Balloonhq.com
This site invites you to "join the pop culture" and learn all about balloons from their history and manufacture to how to twist them into animals and other decorations that will amaze and delight. Also includes information about balloon science, a description of balloons in "pop culture," lists of games featuring balloons, and photos of balloon creations. Searchable. http://www.balloonhq.com/ Topics: Hobbies, Outdoor Recreation, Photograph Collections Last updated Sep 23, 2003 Barbie Fiftieth Anniversary: History
Collection of video clips and photo features about the history of the Barbie doll, which was first released in 1959. Videos cover the making of a doll, 50 years of Barbie history and highlights, and Barbie's little sister, Skipper. Includes photos of vintage Barbies and other related dolls such as boyfriend Ken and best friend Midge. From Mattel. http://barbiestyle.barbie.com/history.html Topics: Hobbies Last updated Mar 11, 2009 Beanie Babies
Complete list of current and retired Beanie Babies. Includes pictures. From Ty Inc. http://www.ty.com/BeanieBabies_home Topics: Hobbies Last updated May 24, 2004 The Bear Facts ...
Small collection of information about the Teddy bear. Includes a timelime showing how in 1903 President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt agreed that a toy bear with his name could be made, and fun facts, such as "the scientific term for teddy bear collecting is arctophily." This material was prepared to accompany the Bears in Toytown exhibit, held at the Provincial Museum of Alberta, Canada. http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/edu/infobyte/teddies.htm Topics: Collectors & Collecting, Hobbies Last updated Jan 29, 2008 Doll Net
"The on-line hub for doll artists, designers, collectors, suppliers, and lovers," this site has links to resources for many different types of dolls. Included are links to bulletin boards, mailing lists, online classes, online magazines, tips on making dolls, and much more. http://www.TheDollNet.com/ Topics: Collectors & Collecting, Crafts, Hobbies Last updated Jun 12, 2001 Dress the Chief
This virtual paper doll is a burly Scots chief you can dress in kilts (choose a tartan) and outfit with bagpipes, a dog, flowers, weapons, or golf clubs. Place your Scotsman in a cottage, in woods by a loch, or in a meadow near a stone with mysterious Celtic markings. Complete the picture with more people, mice, quail, mushrooms, and other extras. May be printed or e-mailed. http://www.electricscotland.com/kids/dress12-20.swf Topics: Crafts, Hobbies, Humor, Mysteries and More, Nonfiction by Genre, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment Last updated Mar 23, 2004 Export.gov: Toys, Dolls and Games
Statistics on U.S. toy imports and exports back to 1992. Also include SIC (U.S. Standard Industrial Classification) tables and links to industry associations and publications, Census Bureau reports (including monthly retail sales), and other related material. From the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA). http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/ocg/toys.htm Topics: Finance, Games & Puzzles, Hobbies, International Trade Last updated Nov 22, 2005 Free Paper Toys
A large collection of links to designs for paper crafts (paper airplanes, animals, origami, holidays, cars and motorcycles, and a lot more). Many of the providers are commercial organizations, so expect pop-ups and other ads. Many of the sites are not in English and may require font downloads to be viewed properly. http://www.ss42.com/toys.html Topics: Crafts, Hobbies Last updated Feb 9, 2007 Hampshire Museums and Archives: Toys and Games
Images and brief descriptions of toys from the 18th century to the present in the collection of the Hampshire Museums and Archives (UK). Toys profiled include dolls (wooden, porcelain, rag, and others), teddy bears, soft toys, games and puzzles, toy cars and trains, models, and more. Also includes a brief history of toys and a collection policy for the museums. http://www3.hants.gov.uk/childhood-collections Topics: Games & Puzzles, Hobbies Last updated Jul 11, 2007 HealthyToys.org: The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys
Test results released in December 2007 for toxic chemicals in "over 1,200 toys and children's products." Search by product name, or browse by brand or toy type. Listings include general information (such as country of manufacture), and levels of lead, cadmium, chlorine/PVC, arsenic, and mercury. Also includes a FAQ, background on the chemicals, and a place to submit suggestions for other toys to be tested. From the Ecology Center (Michigan), with the Washington Toxics Coalition. http://www.healthytoys.org Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Hobbies, Pollutants & Toxic Substances, Public Health & Safety Last updated Nov 11, 2008 History of Toys
This exhibit on toy and game history features a timeline (4000 B.C. to the 1990s), essays on inventors (such as Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley) and toys (Barbie dolls, crayons, and teddy bears), and a quiz. From the website for the History Channel. http://www.history.com/content/toys Topics: Games & Puzzles, Hobbies Last updated Nov 1, 2009 Howtoons
"Howtoons are cartoons showing kids of all ages 'How To' build things. Each illustrated episode is a stand-alone fun adventure accessible to all." Includes projects such as a marshmallow shooter, an ice board, and a duct tape body double. The site creators (MIT graduates) hope that these "Tools of Mass Construction" promote a brighter more creative future for children. Also includes videos and science project links. Searchable. http://www.instructables.com/group/howtoons/ Topics: Hobbies Last updated Apr 12, 2009 Laura Hayes and John Howard Wileman Exhibit of Optical Toys
Small exhibit of pre-20th century optical toys and illusionary devices from the collection of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Includes images and descriptions of the stereoscope, magic lanterns, chromatope, phenakistoscope ("spindle viewer"), peep egg viewer, poly-o-rama panoptique, and other toys. http://courses.ncssm.edu/gallery/collections/toys/opticaltoys.htm Topics: Hobbies, Science Last updated Nov 22, 2005 LEGO
This official website of the manufacturer has free instructions for building with the famous interlocking plastic pieces. There are also some online games and information about the several LEGOLANDs. Some features require free registration. http://www.lego.com/ Topics: Hobbies Last updated Nov 14, 2006 Let's Play: A Guide to Toys for Children With Special Needs
Descriptions of toys appropriate for children with physical impairments, hearing impairments, blindness and low vision, and developmental disabilities. Lists dolls, stuffed toys, games, puzzles, educational toys, and more. "Toys in this Guide were tested by more than 100 children with a variety of special needs at 10 centers across the country." From the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=60 Topics: Disabilities, Hobbies Last updated Nov 22, 2005 Librarian Action Figure
The Web site for the doll that caused a storm of controversy in librarianship. The doll, whose arm moves up in a "shushing" gesture, is based on real-life librarian and prolific book reviewer Nancy Pearl, the author of "Book Lust." Is she dowdy, or merely sensibly dressed? An insult to the profession, or amusing? And where did she get those comfy-looking shoes? http://www.mcphee.com/laf/ Topics: Arts and Humanities, Arts and Humanities, Crafts, Fashion, Hobbies, Humor, Librarianship, Media, Media, Nonfiction by Genre, Notable People, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment Last updated Oct 4, 2004 Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
A database of toy drives by state (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) lets users know where to donate to this venerable project of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The Reserve collects "new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year ... [to provide] Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted." The site has a history of the charity and information on its corporate sponsorship program. http://www.toysfortots.org/ Topics: Charity & Nonprofit Resources, Christmas, Hobbies, Poverty Last updated Dec 6, 2006 Mattel: Product Recalls
List of recalled toys since 1998 including the 2007 recalls of products manufactured by Mattel and Fisher-Price because of lead paint hazards. Includes product names, numbers, and photos for recalled items. http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Hobbies Last updated May 28, 2009 Musee Mecanique
This museum located at Pier 45 on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is "one of the world's largest privately owned collections of mechanically operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines." Click on the faces at the bottom of the pages to learn about machines such as Laffing Sal (an automaton with bright red hair and a loud boisterous laugh), the Naughty Marietta "Cail-o-Scope," and the gypsy fortuneteller. http://www.museemechanique.org Topics: Hobbies, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Musical Genres, Musical Instruments Last updated Aug 3, 2005 National Toy Hall of Fame at Strong Museum
This collection at the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, recognizes "toys that have achieved longevity and national significance in the world of play and imagination." The site features images and information about the more than 30 toys in the collection, including Barbie, the bicycle, hula hoop, jacks, Legos, roller skates, and Silly Putty. G.I. Joe, the rocking horse, and Scrabble were the inductees for 2004. http://www.strongmuseum.org/NTHoF/NTHoF.html Topics: Hobbies, Museums, Museums by Place: United States Last updated Nov 17, 2004 National Yo-Yo Contest & Museum
Website for "the longest running National [yo-yo] Championship in the world. Held annually in Chico, CA on the first Saturday of October," and for the "world's largest public display of yo-yo's and yo-yo memorabilia." Features information about the national contest and regional and state contests, an essay about yo-yo history, and photos of the museum and yo-yo competition participants. http://www.nationalyoyo.org Topics: Hobbies Last updated May 17, 2007 Nebraska Toy Stories
Website companion to an exhibit at the Museum of Nebraska History that "showcased a selection of toys dating from the 1860s through the 1960s grouped by theme." Provides images of some of the exhibit items, such as building blocks, marbles, tin planes and cars, dolls and dollhouses, and rocking horses. From the Nebraska State Historical Society. http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/mnh/toystory.htm Topics: Hobbies Last updated Nov 23, 2005 The New "American Girl"
September 2002 article about the representation of history and ethnicity in the American Girl books series and accompanying dolls. The article focuses on the Kaya doll, which was released in 2002 and represents a member of the Nez Perce. From the National Review Online. http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-wood092602.asp Topics: Children's Literature, Crafts, Hobbies, Native Americans, Women Last updated Oct 20, 2005 NPD Funworld
This company claims to be "the premier source of market information for the toys, PC games and video games industries." The site provides a limited amount of free market research information contained in press releases (on topics such as recent top selling video games). Also includes an archive of articles by industry experts on topics such as online gaming and toy selections by girls and boys. Other information is only available for a fee. http://www.npdfunworld.com Topics: Games & Puzzles, Hobbies, Industries Last updated Mar 1, 2005 Original Paper Dolls Artists Guild
OPDAG is an organization of paper doll artists and those interested in paper dolls. Site includes paper doll history, tips for getting paper dolls published, selling a collection, preservation advice, and links to related sites. A membership fee entitles subscribers to a quarterly paper doll magazine. http://www.opdag.com/ Topics: Crafts, Hobbies Last updated Dec 8, 2000 Paper Toys
"Paper stuff for kids and grown-ups." Discover the wonderful world of paper folding and construction. Find plans for creating paper castles, homes, cars, musical instruments, motorcycles, and flags. Models range from simple to ambitious. Browse through the models listed, find a schematic of the work, print it, and go! http://papertoys.com/ Topics: Crafts, Hobbies, Musical Genres Last updated Mar 31, 2004 Pop-Up and Moveable Books: A Tour Through Their History
An exhibit of pop-up and movable books published from 1850 to the present from France, Germany, the U.S. and Czechoslovakia. Some examples have been animated to demonstrate how the books actually move. Also includes a brief history of movable books back to the 13th century and images from S & J Fuller paper doll books from the early 19th century. From the Gustine Courson Weaver Collection at the University of North Texas Libraries. http://www.library.unt.edu/rarebooks/exhibits/popup2/ Topics: Hobbies, Printing, Publishing, and Book Arts Last updated May 9, 2005 RobertSabuda.com: Simple Pop-Ups You Can Make!
This site provides patterns and detailed instructions, illustrated with photographs, for making more than a dozen pop-up cards. Includes cards for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day, and Thanksgiving. From a pop-up card engineer and author. http://robertsabuda.com/popmakesimple.asp Topics: Crafts, Hobbies, Holidays & Observances Last updated Feb 2, 2005 Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art
The Web site for this private museum in Bellevue, Washington state, describes the collection of dolls "ranging from antique to modern, plus teddy bears, toys, dollhouses, miniatures and other childhood memorabilia." The site offers a brief tour through the museum galleries, an events calendar, newsletter, archives, and membership information. In 1994 the museum received the Jumeau Trophy for the best private doll museum in the world. http://www.dollart.com/ Topics: Crafts, Hobbies, Museums, Museums by Place: United States Last updated Aug 5, 2004 Science Toys
Illustrated instructions for science projects in fields such as magnetism, radio, thermodynamics, light and optics, and biology. Although most of the projects use common household items as the site claims, some will require additional tools or equipment (some of which the site offers for sale, but which should be easy to find at a hobby or electronics store). Searchable. From the author of a book on science projects. http://scitoys.com Topics: Hobbies, Science, Science Last updated Jan 5, 2005 Tips on Toys
Ideas for choosing safe toys for children, organized by age group. Provides lists of safe and dangerous types of toys. Mentions concerns such as sharp edges, small parts that could be swallowed, electrical toys, shooting toys, and items with lead. From the Virginia Cooperative Extension. http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/350/350-063/350-063.html Topics: Health, Hobbies, Public Health & Safety Last updated Sep 22, 2009 The Toys of Our Childhood
This holiday exhibit features "historical images and film clips ... that span different eras and reflect on the changing nature of toys and of times gone by." Browse toy catalog pages, archival holiday videos, and letters to Santa from the 1800s through the 1970s. Also includes printable coloring book pages, and introductory material. In English and French. From the Archives of Ontario, Canada. http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/exhibits/toys/ Topics: Hobbies Last updated Dec 14, 2007 Transformers History
Illustrated history of this line of robot-to-vehicle toys that have also been featured in an animated TV series, comic book, a 1986 animated feature film, and 2007 live-action movie. Includes details of the toys starting with Transformers Generation 1 in 1984. From Hasbro. http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_GB/default.cfm?page=Collectors/History Topics: Collectors & Collecting, Hobbies Last updated May 15, 2009 Trouble in Toyland
This annual survey of toy safety "provides safety guidelines for parents when purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety hazards." Discusses choking and strangulation hazards, toys that could cause hearing loss, and toys that could expose children to hazardous chemicals. Includes photos illustrating potentially hazardous toys and information about online toy retailers. From the National Association of State PIRGs. http://toysafety.net/toysafety.asp?id2=20594 Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Hobbies Last updated Dec 12, 2005 www.drtoy.com: Dr. Toy's Guide on the Internet
Searchable site for children's toys. Get tips on choosing the right toy for the right age (available in several languages), find reviews and ratings for hundreds of toys, and find out the history of such classic toys as Monopoly, Raggedy Ann, and Slinky. Includes several "best of" categories. Site run by a child education expert. http://www.drtoy.com/main/ Topics: Hobbies Last updated Aug 20, 2003 |
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