History's Best Selling Toys of 1957

Revisiting 1957 presents a grand parade of toys history, marked by mid-century craze and suburban optimism and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Frisbee, Two-Handed Pogo Stick, and Corn Popper took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Wham-O and George B. Hansburg led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Frisbee

   Released in 1957 by Wham-O

   On January 23, 1957, the toy world saw a pivotal shift as Wham-O founders Richard Knerr and Arthur 'Spud' Melin acquired the rights to the 'Pluto Platter,' a flying disc invented by Fred Morrison. This date marks the official beginning of the journey for what would become a global cultural icon. Morrison's invention, inspired by the UFO craze of the 1950s, was clever but lacked marketing muscle. The acquisition by Wham-O provided just that, setting the stage to transform the simple plastic disc into the 'Frisbee,' a name that would soon become synonymous with outdoor fun and a staple of parks, beaches, and backyards for generations to come.

2. Two-Handed Pogo Stick

   Released in 1957 by George B. Hansburg

   On May 21, 1957, the world of outdoor play was legally and literally propelled forward with the granting of U.S. Patent No. 2,793,036 to toy inventor George B. Hansburg. This patent wasn't for a new concept, but for the perfection of an existing one: the two-handled, all-steel pogo stick. While earlier versions existed, Hansburg's 'Master Pogo' design solved issues of durability and performance that had kept the toy a mere novelty. This patent protected his robust, enclosed-spring mechanism, effectively launching the pogo stick's golden age. It became a symbol of the energetic, post-war baby boomer childhood, providing a new and exciting way for kids across America to bounce their way through the atomic age.

3. Corn Popper

   Released in 1957 by Fisher-Price

   On January 1, 1957, as families embraced the post-war boom, Fisher-Price introduced a toy that would become a household symphony for generations: the Corn Popper. Released at the height of the baby boom, this push toy was not just a new product for the new year; it was a perfect encapsulation of the era's focus on child development and wholesome play. The Corn Popper arrived as a durable, engaging, and colorful companion for toddlers taking their first tentative steps, its distinctive popping sound becoming the soundtrack of countless childhoods and a symbol of early motor skill development in the American home.

4. Risk

   Released in 1957 by Hasbro Winning Moves Games USA, Albert Lamorisse

   The year 1957 marked the debut of a revolutionary game concept in France, initially known as 'La Conquête du Monde' (The Conquest of the World). This creation by French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse would soon captivate players globally, becoming a cultural phenomenon under its re-branded name, 'Risk!' Upon its introduction, it quickly distinguished itself from simpler board games of its era by offering a grand strategic experience centered on world domination. Risk became synonymous with intense family gatherings, elaborate tactical planning, and the dramatic thrill of geopolitical conflict, laying the groundwork for a new generation of strategy games and forever changing how people perceived the depth and engagement a board game could offer.