Toys Across Generations: From Clay Dolls to STEM Kits

Toys Across Generations: From Clay Dolls to STEM Kits Toys have always been a part of childhood, but the way children play—and the toys they cherish—has changed dramatically across generations. From simple handmade items to high-tech learning kits, the evolution of toys reflects not just changes in technology, but also shifts in family life, education, and culture. Our Grandparents’ Generation: Simple Joys and Homemade Toys In our grandparents’ time, toys were simple, often homemade, and deeply connected to local culture. International toy trends didn’t reach most parts of the world, especially rural areas. Children played with everyday objects like rocks, sticks, and leaves. They crafted their own cars, animal figures, dolls, and kitchen sets from clay, paper, and cloth. Dolls were sometimes made from old clothes or clay. At local melas (fairs), children could find handmade wooden and clay toys, which they eagerly bought with small coins. Foreign-made toys—such as tin car...