History's Best Selling Toys of 1929

Make way for the hits of 1929! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the golden era of American industry and the march of first-rate toys. Crowd-pleasers such as Pop-Up Book shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Sorry! and essential classics. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Blue Ribbon Books and W.H. Storey & Co., these trailblazing products swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Pop-Up Book

   Released in 1929 by Blue Ribbon Books

   On September 1, 1929, the world of children's literature was forever changed with the release of a new series of books by New York publisher Blue Ribbon Books. While books with movable parts had existed for centuries, this date marks the first time they were marketed under the newly trademarked and instantly captivating term: 'Pop-Up'. This launch, just weeks before the stock market crash that would usher in the Great Depression, introduced a novel form of interactive storytelling. These books were not just read; they came to life, offering a new dimension of engagement and wonder for children and establishing a brand new category in publishing that would enchant generations to come.

2. Sorry!

   Released in 1929 by W.H. Storey & Co.

   Sorry!, first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1929 by W.H. Storey & Co., quickly captured the attention of players with its blend of luck and light strategy. Based on the ancient Indian game Pachisi and a more direct descendant of the British game Ludo, Sorry! offered a fresh, engaging twist on a timeless formula. Its simple yet infuriating mechanic of sending opponents back to their start quickly made it a household name, especially after Parker Brothers brought it to the United States in 1934. The game's ability to create moments of triumphant progress and frustrating setbacks ensured its place as a popular pastime, generating countless family game nights filled with both cheers and playful groans. Its arrival marked the beginning of a long and successful run, establishing it as a classic board game beloved by generations.