EAST AURORA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 1959, Fisher-Price®, the largest infant and preschool toy manufacturer and a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT), introduced the Safety School Bus and in turn gave birth to one of the longest running and most beloved iconic toy brands known today as the Little People® brand. Since then, more than one and a half billion Little People figures have delighted millions of children worldwide and have evolved from wooden figures into poseable figures that can sit, stand and even hold things in their hands. On the eve of the brand’s 50th birthday, officially marked on March 21, Fisher-Price is planning a year-long celebration including commemorative playsets, birthday parties, in-store demonstrations and even the first-ever traveling Little People® Live musical show.
“Parents and children alike have been playing with Little People toys for half a century,” said Bruce Fox, Fisher-Price toy historian and author. “Toys with longevity that bridge the generational gap are rare these days. We’re very proud of the fact that the Little People brand has stood the test of time for 50 years and foresee that the brand will continue to inspire creative, imaginative play for generations to come.”
It all began in 1950 when two of Herm Fisher’s key toy designers created the Looky Fire Truck, with three little round-headed wooden firemen permanently attached to the toy. Nine years later, the little wooden figures gained their independence with the introduction of the Safety School Bus; thus the Little People figures that we know and love today were born.
Throughout the past five decades, Little People figures have helped preschoolers discover a whole world of imagination and fun in a world that’s “just their size” – from timeless playsets like the farm, house and garage to DVDs, CDs, books, games and more!
One of my very first toys I can remember is the Fisher-Price Circus.
Just looking at the giraffe or elephant brings back a flood of memories lying on the floor in my parents' house. Mr. Ringmaster, monkey, and pony were my friends. And, eventually, all the animals were Barbie's friends, too!
Thank you, Fisher-Price!
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