Kid Stuff: Great Toys from Our Childhood

by David Hoffman

Filled with a host of curious facts and little-known anecdotes about the creation and evolution of over forty timeless toys and games, Kid Stuff is a celebration of classic playthings. Showcasing dozens of childhood favorites that are still popular today, this volume takes readers back to a carefree time when whoopee cushions and sneezing powder were the funniest jokes in the world, the Magic '8' Ball and Etch A Sketch were mysterious, and freedom was the open sidewalk and a candy apple-red Roadmaster tricycle.
Generations of kids have been unable to resist the smell of Crayolas, the feel of Play-Doh, the sight of Mr. Potato Head, or the taste of Pez. Pairing colorful new photographs with playful memorabilia, this delightful book makes it clear why these classic toys and games live on - both in our memories and on the shelves.

Genres: Nonfiction

108 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Theresa F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun subject, written in a concise and accessible style.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Probably.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

[Elizabeth Castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kid Stuff is an interesting and easy read along with great photos. This is an excellent coffee table book gift for people who like vintage collectables.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book for a long time and can't even remember when/why I got it. We recently pulled it off the shelf and I read about half the entries to my daughter, age 9. Some of them were quite interesting, others quite boring. The overall theme -- that of invention and unexpected discovery -- was strong and my daughter was inspired to try to invent her own toys. She has played with at least a 1/3 of these toys, I about 2/3s. Overall, pretty fun information!

[Jobiska (Cindy)]

My husband was very depressed that the types of toys he played with in childhood were in a museum. It made him feel old. But the book is great despite that!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect gift for any Baby Boomer. Maybe a perfect gift for any Baby Boomer's grandchild.... Let them discover if these toys really have classic appeal. I'm pretty sure they do!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, entertaining read, and has lots of fodder for trivia questions.