Mini Slinky = Maxi Fun

In case there is anyone out there who has never seen or heard of a Slinky, a mini Slinky or a Slinky Dog this one's for you. For those of us that loved (and still love) spiral-shaped entertainment, just sit back and remember it or better still, try it out again. There is a reason that the slinky was dubbed one of the most memorable and creative toys of the twentieth century.

True.  There is nothing complicated about Slinkys. They are basically a piece of coiled metal, also available in plastic, which can perform tricks. The most famous trick of them all is the "walking down the stairs" which never fails to amuse adults, children and pets alike.  Also true, they can get tangled, but a quarter of the fun is the detanglement process.

In this age of high-tech toys, it is amazing that Slinkys continue to pull in the sales. The Original Slinky has been joined by the Slinky Jr (or Mini Slinky), by all manner of colors of plastic Slinkys and even by real gold Slinkys. Other toys based on the spiral wonder are the Slinky Dog and Suzie the Slinky Worm.

The thing about Mini Slinkys is that they are a pocket sized piece of fun.  Kids can carry one around wherever they go, and they are ideal for party bags or stocking fillers.

The Slinky was created by Richard and Betty James, a Philadelphian couple, in 1943. It came about as an accident (in knocking over a spring which righted itself using its own gravitational momentum) but was developed, perfected, marketed and soon became a roaring success. Originally, it was sold for $1 and the price has always remained reasonable, due to Betty James' belief that some toys at least should be accessible for all children to own.  She is quoted as having said that the popularity of the Slinky was due to "the simplicity of it".

Slinky marketing almost became bigger than the Slinky itself.  The jingle is the longest running in advertising history, and the early television advertisements are something of a classic.

So if by any chance there is a child around who has never seen a Slinky in action, don't have them miss out on all the fun of yesteryear.  Remember how they come alive when you sway them from hand to hand, and the slinkety, clinkety noise they make? 

Mini Slinky = Maxi Fun = Perfect Gift