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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.

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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 cars, trains, tin soldiers, or delicate Nippon doll(Japani gudia) dolls—were rare and only owned by children from wealthy families. These toys often had wind-up mechanisms and were considered luxurious. Some rich children even had black-and-white studio photos taken with their prized possessions.

For many girls, childhood ended early. As soon as they reached puberty or got their first period, they were expected to marry and take on adult responsibilities. With that, they had to leave behind their toys and the carefree joys of childhood.

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Our Parents’ Generation: The Baby Boom and Early Consumerism

With the post-war baby boom, families in our parents’ generation often had many children. Commercially mass-produced toys began to appear in markets and corner stores. Boys typically played with toy cars, robots, and ships, while girls had dolls and kitchen sets.

Although traditional and homemade toys were still available, plastic and tin toys slowly started to take over. The variety of toys expanded, becoming brighter and more durable. 

Families still practiced early marriage—usually in the late teens or early twenties—but children had more time to play compared to their parents' generation. Childhood was slowly becoming a longer and more playful phase of life.

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Our Generation: Endless Toy Trends and Longer Childhoods

Then came our generation—children of the 1990s and 2000s—and with it, a world bursting with toy trends and excitement. We had yo-yos, pogs, Frisbees, Polly Pocket, Barbie dolls, Bratz, Kelly dolls, Beyblades, and Pokémon cards. It felt like every year brought a new craze.

We also saw the rise of electronic toys and games—Tamagotchis, brick game consoles, Game Boys, and later, PlayStations and mobile games. Battery-operated toys became common: Gigi dolls, Jane and Jenny dolls, crying baby dolls, fishing games, and even toy aquariums filled our shelves.

With most families having just two or three children, parents were more willing and able to buy toys. Childhood was no longer cut short by early responsibilities. Instead, we grew into our teens with our toys still close by.

As we entered adulthood—completing our education, getting married or choosing different paths—many of us still felt connected to our childhood toys. Today, some of us still buy them—not out of immaturity, but for nostalgia. These toys remind us of simpler times, and of who we were.

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Today’s Children: Learning Through Play

Today’s kids live in a world of structured play and educational focus. Toys aren’t just about fun anymore—they’re tools for growth and development. Children now play with Montessori and Waldorf toys that promote natural learning. STEM kits encourage science, technology, engineering, and math skills from an early age. Activity kits develop fine motor skills and creativity.

Religious toys are also more common, with Christian or Islamic-themed sets designed to teach values and traditions in playful ways. Whether it’s learning the alphabet, building a robot, or understanding cultural practices, toys today are deeply educational.

Parents are more intentional about what their children play with, often preferring toys that develop emotional, mental, and spiritual intelligence alongside traditional fun.

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Conclusion: The Spirit of Play Lives On

From clay dolls to STEM kits, the world of toys has come a long way. While each generation has its own favorite toys, the essence of childhood remains the same: curiosity, imagination, and joy. Toys evolve, but the magic of play continues to shape our memories—and sometimes, even our futures.