1956 Hasbro Play-Doh Set

The Play-Doh Set was a flexible and malleable modeling compound toy that was manufactured by the well-known toy company Hasbro and came into existence in the year 1956.

Background

Initially created in the 1930s as a cleaner for wallpaper by Noah McVicker who worked for the Cincinnati-based company Kutol Products, this putty-like substance discovered its second life due to a combination of necessity and happy coincidence, as the transition to natural gas heating and the prevalence of vinyl wallpaper after World War II significantly decreased the demand for products that were used for removing soot, which ultimately pushed Kutol Products toward the brink of bankruptcy. During this challenging time, Joe McVicker, who was Noah’s nephew, joined the company in the early 1950s in an effort to salvage the business. A significant turning point occurred when Joe’s sister-in-law, Kay Zufall, who happened to be a nursery school teacher, came across information regarding the use of the nontoxic compound for art projects in the classroom.

Zufall proceeded to test the product with her students, who found that it was considerably easier to manipulate compared to traditional modeling clay. She then suggested that the material be rebranded as a toy specifically for children and proposed the name “Play-Doh” instead of the McVickers’ original choice, which was “Rainbow Modeling Compound.” In 1956, Joe and Noah took the important step of establishing Rainbow Crafts Company, which was a subsidiary of Kutol Products, for the purpose of marketing the newly reinvented product. The same year also witnessed the introduction of a three-pack of 7-ounce cans, which quickly became a staple of the early Play-Doh sets. Initial retail success was achieved after in-store demonstrations at renowned department stores such as Macy’s and Marshall Field’s, which played a crucial role in securing shelf space in major retail establishments.

Features

The original Play-Doh compound was sold in a single off-white color, reflecting its origins as a wallpaper-cleaning product. By the late 1950s, primary colors such as red, yellow, and blue were added to the product line in order to encourage creative mixing among children. The formula’s distinctive scent, which is a blend of wheat-based flour, water, salt, and boric acid, became so widely recognized that Hasbro officially trademarked it in 2018. The non-toxic composition of the dough allowed for safe, albeit occasionally salty-tasting, experimentation by children during their playtime.

Key innovations in the product included:

• The Play-Doh Fun Factory (1960), which was a crank-operated extruder that allowed children to create spiral shapes and “snakes”
• Theme-based sets such as the Make-a-Meal Sub Shop (1989) that featured molds for pretend food
• DohVinci (2010s), which was a craft system designed for creating detailed decorative designs

Subsequent iterations of the product maintained the original’s pliability while simultaneously expanding the creative possibilities available to users. However, purists noted that the texture of the compound had become slightly firmer over the decades.

Popularity and Legacy

Play-Doh’s significant commercial breakthrough occurred as a result of strategic partnerships, including a notable appearance in 1957 on the television show Captain Kangaroo, during which the host Bob Keeshan demonstrated the product, reportedly leading to a staggering 500% increase in sales within a span of two years. By the year 1980, the color palette had expanded to include eight different colors, including lavender and teal, in response to consumer demand for a greater variety of options. An urban legend that is often cited by Hasbro claims that all Play-Doh ever produced could form a snake that would encircle the globe a total of 300 times.

Despite facing competition from technologically advanced toys, Play-Doh has managed to maintain its relevance through its broad cross-generational appeal and endorsements from educational sources. The National Toy Hall of Fame honored it by inducting it in 1998, recognizing its significant open-ended play value. Teachers have continued to utilize it for the development of motor skills, while adult artists have adopted it for the creation of temporary sculptures. By the year 2019, sales had surpassed an impressive total of three billion cans, with approximately 100 million units still being produced annually.

Video Reviews and Commercials

Play-Doh is a popular modeling compound that encourages children’s creativity. Kids can use it to make various shapes, figures, and decorations. The product comes in different colors and can be used for educational and fun activities. Parents and teachers appreciate its versatility, and children enjoy making toys, characters, and crafts with Play-Doh.

Availability and Collectability

Vintage packaging of Play-Doh from the 1950s and 1960s, especially cans featuring the original elf mascot, has attracted a great deal of interest from collectors. A tin from 1959 that is in good condition might fetch a price ranging from $50 to $75 at specialty auctions. Later sets from the 1970s that featured psychedelic designs or were tied to pop culture—such as the “Nutty Mads” line—also hold a niche appeal among collectors. Various factors that affect the value of these vintage items include the integrity of the label, color retention in unopened cans, and the inclusion of rare accessories such as metal cookie cutters.

Modern Play-Doh remains widely available through Hasbro’s diverse product lines, which include limited-edition holiday sets and collaborations with popular franchises such as Star Wars. The company’s Play-Doh Touch line, introduced in 2014, integrated digital elements utilizing smartphone applications, effectively bridging the gap between physical and virtual play. Additionally, bulk containers designed for classrooms and therapeutic use account for nearly 15% of annual sales, demonstrating the product’s remarkable adaptability across the decades.