Mattel Toys

Mattel Toys Meets Mickey Mouse

The history of Mattel Toys started in 1945 and originally began operating out of a garage workshop. The original founders were Harold Matson, and Elliot Handler who had named Mattel Toys by joining the letters of their last and first names. They had started out making pictures frames, but Elliot developed a side business in dollhouse furniture that was made from picture frame scraps, which eventually led to the production of toys. In 1955 this well known company began advertising its toys through the popular "Mickey Mouse Club" television show.

Barbie first made her debut with Mattel Toys in 1959. This helps to lead the company to the forefront of the toy industry and fascinates a generation of young girls. By 1960 they are becoming publicly owned, and in 1965 sales top $100 million and the company joins the Fortune 500. At around the same year they enter the educational preschool market with See 'N Say talking toys. The 60's also saw the roll out of the ever famous hot wheels die cast vehicles, as well as "Christie" an African American doll.

Onto the 1970's which saw the company restructure to create Mattel Toys Inc. with one division and seven subdivisions. By 1975 Elliot and Ruth Handler the original founders had decided to leave the company. In 1977 they ventured out into electronic games, and by 1978 a children's foundation is established.

The 80's saw Mattel Toys creation of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. By 1986 they acquire the Hong Kong based ARCO industries, and they enter into a joint venture arrangement with Bandai, Japans largest toy company. In 1998 they revive their association with the Disney Company and begin a new line of infant and preschool toys based on contemporary movies like "Toy Story".

The 1990's saw the acquisition of companies such as Aviva Sports, and International Games, and by 1993 Fisher Price joins the Mattel Toys company. By 1994 they also acquire the companies Kransco, and J.W. Spear and Sons, a British game company. The 90's also saw the distribution of the Cabbage Path Kids, Tickle Me Elmo, and the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

Finally in 2000, Mattel Toys is granted a license agreement for Harry Potter. By the year 2001, Barbie doll stars in her first movie, and Hot Wheels introduces its first full scale of the first Hot Wheels car. 2001 also saw the license agreement for the Yu-Gi-Oh Master. By 2002 Ruth Handler, a cofounder, dies at the age of 85.

If you are looking to buy Mattel Toys online, then check out our buyer's guide section and log onto great sites like Amazon, and KBtoys to find just what you are looking for.

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About The Author:

David Sacco is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-in-toys.com. A great source of toys for children of all ages, from that early child to teens and hobbyists.