History's Best Selling Toys of 1946

Revisiting 1946 presents a grand parade of toys history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Magic 8 Ball, Stratego, and essential classics took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Alabe Crafts and Jumbo Games led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Magic 8 Ball

   Released in 1946 by Alabe Crafts

   On September 10, 1946, a patent application was filed that would give birth to a cultural icon of divination and novelty. The invention, initially dubbed the 'Syco-Seer,' was the brainchild of Albert C. Carter, who was inspired by a 'spirit writing' device his clairvoyant mother used. He partnered with novelty-maker Abe Bookman of Alabe Crafts to bring the concept to life. This patent filing marked the official beginning of the liquid-filled, answer-providing sphere. Although Carter would not live to see its success, this legal step protected the unique mechanism that would eventually be encased in a black billiard ball, becoming the Magic 8 Ball known and loved worldwide.

2. Stratego

   Released in 1946 by Jumbo Games, Jacques Johan Mogendorff

   First introduced by the Dutch company Jumbo in 1946, Stratego swiftly established itself as a cornerstone in the world of tactical board games. Building upon older European military strategy games, this iconic title captured the imaginations of players with its innovative hidden information mechanic, creating a unique blend of strategic planning, deduction, and bluffing. Its immediate success wasn't just due to its clever gameplay but also its accessible theme of battlefield command, allowing players to feel like master strategists from the comfort of their living rooms. Stratego transcended mere entertainment, becoming a cultural touchstone that has been enjoyed by generations, proving its enduring appeal as a game of wits and deception.