Hot Toys From the 1930s to Today-- Part 2: Hula-Hoops, Barbie and Pet Rocks

1950s:  HULA-HOOP

In the late 1950s, Hawaii became a new state and Elvis was a hip-swiveling superstar and the new must-have toy was a big plastic hoop you kept aloft by gyrating your midsection.  TV commercials also pushed it.

Also hot were Play-Doh, Mr, Potato Head and Silly Putty.

1960s:  BARBIE

Barbie (introduced in 1959) and G.I. Joe (1964) revolutionized the toy category.  Barbie became an industry giant, with about $1 billion in annual gross sales worldwide.

ALSO HOT:  Easy-Bake Oven and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.

1970s:  THE PET ROCK

Really clever packaging of a rock, a carrier with air holes and an instruction manual with tongue-in-cheek tips for care and training.

ALSO HOT:  "Star Wars" action figures and the Atari 2600 home video game season.

May the Force Be With You.  --CootWars