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Nostalgia alert! See 100 years of toys in photos

As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Toy Industry Association is looking back at some of the most popular and iconic toys.
/ Source: TODAY

Teddy bear hugs, Lego masterpieces, Barbie fashion shows and Monopoly triumphs.

You may grow up, but you never forget your favorite childhood toys. How can play things from decades ago have such a powerful hold on our emotions?

Raggedy Ann
The first Raggedy Ann doll was created in 1915 when a cartoonist and illustrator was given an old rag doll by his daughter. He drew a face on the worn fabric, and the rest is toy history. Raggedy Ann was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002, and her beloved companion Andy joined her in the Hall of Fame five years later.The Strong (Museum of Play)

“Just as a certain smell or taste may evoke a certain feeling, a toy is able to do that,” Adrienne Appell, toy trend specialist and a spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association, told TODAY Parents.

“It’s able to bring us back to our childhood — those good memories and those good feelings of play, being carefree, interacting with your brother or sister, or mom or dad.”

LEGO
The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Krik Kristiansen. The word LEGO is an abbreviation of two Danish words meaning "play well," and for the past 80 years that is exactly what LEGO has inspired children to do. In 2012, the brand expanded its marketing and targeted girls, revolutionizing the construction play category.The Strong (Museum of Play)

As it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding on Thursday, the Toy Industry Association is looking back at some of the most popular and iconic toys of the past decades. The timeline is packed with favorites that kids still love today, Appell said. The 1930s brought Lego and Monopoly, for example. Barbie arrived in the 1950s. “Star Wars” action figures began their hold on children’s hearts in the 1970s.

Related: 8 toys to encourage and empower girls in STEM this summer

What’s striking is that playtime from 100 years ago isn’t that different from today. Kids still reach for dolls, stuffed animals, train sets and blocks. Digital screen now offer new temptations, but old favorites keep their charm.

“As much as things have changed, a lot of it has stayed the same. You’re still going to be able to walk to toy stores and see a lot of these toys on the shelf: Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, Raggedy Ann, Mickey Mouse,” Appell noted.

“Play patterns are essentially staying the same: kids like to nurture, build, explore. That’s true of today’s kids and that’s true of kids 100 years ago.”

Etch-A-Sketch
Etch-A-Sketch was the must-have holiday toy of 1960. Invented by French electrical technician Andre Cassagnes, the Etch-A-Sketch was originally named L'Ecran Magique, or "The Magic Screen." The Ohio Art Company was the first to license the product and quickly renamed the toy Etch-A-Sketch.The Strong (Museum of Play)

With technology, there’s a whole breadth of toys that didn’t exist just a few years ago. And classic games such as Monopoly are adding modern twists — like a cashless version — to appeal to today’s children, Appell noted. You can find stuffed teddy bears alongside stuffed Angry Birds.

Related: Kids around the world showcase their prized possessions in 'Toy Stories'

Cabbage Patch
At the time of their launch in 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids became the most successful new dolls in the history of the toy industry. By the end of the year, more than 3 million Cabbage Patch Kids had been adopted.The Strong (Museum of Play)

Some toys endure for decades, thanks to parents who think back fondly to their own childhoods.

“It has to do with nostalgia and memory. If I’m a mom and I’m in a store and I see something that I loved to play with as a kid, I’m going to gravitate towards that,” Appell said. “I’m going to want to play with that with my kids. So I’m introducing it to the new generation. The kids are going to love it just as much as I did.”

Check out the full slideshow of 100 years of toys.

100 years of toys

Slideshow  48 photos

100 years of toys

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Toy Industry Association by looking back at some of the most iconic toys of past decades.

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