Little people is one of the "longest running toy lines" in the history of American toys. These toys have been in the market for over six decades.
Little People was originally produced by Fisher-Price in the 1960s as the Play Family People. In 1985, the name "Little People" was registered and trademarked by Mattel and Fisher-Price. This was after a lead of consumers referred to the early Play Family playsets as those little people.
The toy was intended for children 6-36 months and ages three and up. In 2016, Little People was included in the National Toy Hall of Fame. Around the same time, more than 2 billion Little People figures are said to be sold in over 60 countries.
1. The Release of 'Chunky' Little People
In 1991, the Original Little People figures were redesigned for children, according to Eighties Kids. They were made "chunkier", were more bright and colorful. Most people believe that these figures were developed as a replacement for the original Little People due to the increasing concerns and pressures from parents and consumer-advocacy groups regarding the choking hazard of the smaller parts. Since the version of the toy has wider body, choking will unlikely happen. Unfortunately, this is not received well by customers. The sales of the toy eventually dropped.
2. Fisher-Price was Co-Founded by New York Mayor
Fisher-Price is founded by Herman Fisher, a salesman, and Irving Price, the mayor of Aurora, New York, according to Mental Floss. Fisher worked previously in manufacturing, selling, and advertising games for a company in New York. As Fisher wanted to elevate the toy industry, he made a pitch about his ideas. Price supported Fisher by raising $100,000 in capital, making him one of the co-founders of the toy company.
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3. Fisher-Price Introduced the Safety Bus in 1959
The earlier toys from Fisher-Price included figures with human characteristics, but they were all permanently attached to the vehicle being sold. But in 1959, the company released the Safety Bus. The Safety Bus was the first to include removable figures. With the introduction of the Safety Bus, kids can now remove the passengers and play with the six children as separate toys. Fisher-Price banked on the toy's popularity by releasing toys with removable figures over the following year, including Station Wagon, Fire Engine, the Amusement Park, and the Lacing Shoe. This innovation by Fisher-Price proves to be enjoyed by many children.
4. Fisher-Price Once Ran Out of Wood to Make Toys
In 1930s, the materials typically used for toys were wood and tin. But there was wood scarcity after World War II. Because of this, there was not enough wood for the toys of Fisher-Price. Because of wood scarcity for the toys, the company started making toys using plastic. In the long run, plastic became a primary material in making their toys.
5. The Lucky Seven Little People
There were seven Little people released by Fisher-Price: Mom, Dad, Pee Wee, Butch, Patty, and Penny. In addition to these seven Little People toys, there was a dog named Lucky. While Lucky isn't the original name the company intended to give to the dog, it sticks because it became it seems to be quite popular among children.
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