National Slinky Day

A child holding a slinky, wearing bright colored clothes, surrounded by a colorful playground with other children playing nearby.. — National slinky day illustration

Get ready to let loose and have some fun because it's National Slinky Day! This wiggly, jiggly toy has been entertaining kids and adults alike for decades. So grab your Slinky and get ready to walk it down the stairs, flip it between your hands, and watch it slink all around. It's a day for celebrating the joy and nostalgia that this twisted coil brings into our lives.

When is Slinky Day?

It's national slinky day on the 30th August.

The History of the Slinky

This fascinating toy has a rich history that dates all the way back to the 1940s. It was invented by Richard James, a naval engineer, who was originally trying to develop springs that could stabilize sensitive ship equipment during rough seas. One day, while he was working with tension springs, one of them fell off the shelf and started to 'walk' end over end.

He realized that this accidental movement had the potential to be a successful toy. Richard and his wife Betty went on to perfect the design and debuted the Slinky at a Philadelphia department store in 1945. It was an instant hit, and within 90 minutes, they sold all 400 of their prototype Slinkys.

The Online Buzz

Since then, the Slinky has become a household name, capturing the hearts of people all around the world. Our data shows that National Slinky Day has generated quite a buzz online. On August 30th, 2017, the internet was abuzz with 435 mentions of this special day. It's clear that people just can't get enough of this springy wonder!

History behind the term 'Slinky'

1943

The Invention of the Slinky

In 1943, Richard James, a naval engineer, accidentally stumbled upon the idea for the Slinky while working on a project to stabilize sensitive equipment aboard ships during rough seas. He knocked a spring off a shelf, and to his surprise, it gracefully walked down from the shelf to the floor. Intrigued by this simple motion, James thought of transforming it into a toy.

1945

The Birth of the Slinky

In 1945, Richard James and his wife, Betty James, formed James Industries and produced the first Slinky. They named it 'Slinky' after Betty's perception of how the word sounded and its ability to describe the smooth, slink-like movement of the toy.

1945

Slinky's Big Break

The Slinky made its debut at Philadelphia's Gimbels department store in November 1945 during the holiday season. It received an overwhelming response from customers, selling out within ninety minutes. This immediate success led to the birth of a new toy sensation.

1960

Slinky and Television Advertising

In the 1960s, the Slinky gained immense popularity through its memorable television commercials. The catchy jingle 'It's Slinky, It's Slinky, for fun it's a wonderful toy!' became an iconic part of advertising history. The Slinky's mesmerizing and unique movement grabbed the attention of both children and adults, propelling its sales to new heights.

2000

Slinky in the National Toy Hall of Fame

In the year 2000, the Slinky achieved a significant honor by being inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition solidified the Slinky's enduring place in toy history and its cultural impact on generations of children and adults alike.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Slinky is included in the National Toy Hall of Fame? It's true! This iconic toy earned its spot in 2000, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved and timeless playthings in history.