For over 90 years, Fisher-Price has been a household name, providing children with toys that are not only fun but also promote learning and development. Whether it's a classic toy like the Rock-a-Stack or a new educational game, Fisher-Price continues to innovate and inspire children to learn, play, and grow. What started as a small company in East Aurora, New York, has grown into a global brand that parents trust and children adore.

1. How Fisher-Price started as a toy company

Fisher-Price has been a household name for over 90 years, and it all started with toys. In 1930, Herman Fisher, Irving Price, and Helen Schelle joined forces to create the Fisher-Price brand. At first, the company was focused on making toys that were educational, safe, and fun for children. They created toys that were simple but effective, such as the "Dr. Doodle" drawing toy and the "Snoopy Sniffer" pull toy. Their goal was to create toys that would encourage imaginative play and help children develop important skills. One of the things that set Fisher-Price apart from other toy companies was their commitment to safety. They were one of the first companies to use non-toxic paint on their toys, and they made sure that all of their products met or exceeded safety standards. This dedication to safety helped them gain the trust of parents, and the Fisher-Price brand quickly became synonymous with quality and reliability. Over time, Fisher-Price expanded their product line to include baby gear, such as high chairs and playpens. They also started making electronic toys and games, such as the famous "See 'n Say" and "Little People" lines. Today, Fisher-Price is still known for their innovative and educational toys, as well as their commitment to safety and quality. Despite their evolution into a full-fledged baby and child products company, Fisher-Price has never forgotten their roots as a toy company, and their dedication to imaginative play and child development remains at the core of everything they do.

2. The early days: Wooden toys and children's furniture

Fisher-Price started its journey in 1930 when Herman Fisher, Irving Price, and Helen Schelle joined hands to establish the Fisher-Price toy company. The company started its operations by producing an impressive line of 16 wooden toys that quickly became popular among children. Apart from toys, Fisher-Price also produced children's furniture, including high chairs and playpens. The company's first high chair, was revolutionary in design as it was adjustable, foldable, and easily transportable making it a hit with parents who were always on the move. Fisher-Price's early success was largely due to the company's focus on creating durable, high-quality, and safe products for children. The company took great care to ensure that all its products were safe for children to use, which was a first in the toy industry at that time. The wooden toys produced by Fisher-Price were also unique in design, unlike anything that had been seen before. The toys were brightly colored, had smooth edges, and were easy for children to handle %u2013 making them ideal for young children who were just learning to play. Overall, Fisher-Price's early success was based on the company's focus on creating innovative, durable, and safe toys for children. These early products set the foundation for the company's future success and established Fisher-Price as a trusted and reliable brand in the toy industry.

3. The introduction of the "Play Family" line in 1950s

In the 1950s, Fisher-Price introduced the "Play Family" line which revolutionized the toy industry. This line was unique in that it was designed to encourage imaginative play and featured toy figures of a family, complete with a house, car, and furniture. The figures were made of wood and had movable parts, allowing children to create various scenarios and play out different family roles. This line was very popular and quickly became a staple in many homes. Parents loved the educational value of the toys, as they encouraged creativity and social skills. The Play Family line also helped Fisher-Price establish a reputation for creating high-quality, durable toys that could withstand the wear and tear of playtime. The success of the Play Family line paved the way for Fisher-Price to continue creating innovative toys that catered to children's developmental needs. To this day, Fisher-Price remains a trusted name in the toy industry and continues to produce toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and learning.

4. Fisher-Price's iconic "Little People" and their evolution

Fisher-Price's "Little People" have become an iconic symbol of the brand. They have been a part of the Fisher-Price family for over 60 years and have evolved significantly over the years. Originally, the "Little People" were wooden figures with cylindrical bodies and round heads. They were first introduced in 1959 as a set of six figures - a fireman, a policeman, a milkman, a farmer, a family man, and a family woman. In the 1960s, the "Little People" were redesigned to have more realistic features and were made out of plastic. The figures were also given more variety, including people of different races and professions. The "Little People" were not just figures anymore, but they were also part of playsets, such as hospitals, airports, and schools. In the early 1990s, the "Little People" were redesigned again with softer features and a more rounded look. The figures were also made bigger and chunkier for easier handling by toddlers. This redesign allowed younger children to play with the "Little People" without the risk of choking hazards. In recent years, Fisher-Price has continued to expand the "Little People" line to include licensed characters such as Disney princesses and superhero figures. The figures have also been made more interactive with sound effects and phrases.Overall, the evolution of the "Little People" reflects the changing trends in play and child development over the past 60 years. However, the iconic figures remain beloved by generations of children and continue to be a staple of the Fisher-Price brand.

5. The company's expansion into infant and toddler products

Fisher-Price's expansion into infant and toddler products was a natural progression for the company. After establishing themselves as a major player in the toy industry with their iconic toys such as the Chatter Telephone and the Corn Popper, Fisher-Price recognized the need for quality products for infants and toddlers.
Their first product in this category was the Fisher-Price Happy Apple in the 1970s, which was a toy designed for infants to grasp and shake. This was followed by other successful products such as the Rock-a-Stack and the Brilliant Basics Baby's First Blocks. As Fisher-Price continued to expand their line of infant and toddler products, they began to focus on more practical items such as high chairs, booster seats, and car seats. Their commitment to safety and quality has made them a trusted brand for parents around the world. One of their most successful products in this category is the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo, a baby activity center that has won numerous awards for its design and functionality. The Jumperoo allows babies to safely jump and play while strengthening their muscles and developing their hand-eye coordination. Fisher-Price's expansion into the infant and toddler market has been a key factor in their continued success, as they have been able to provide families with quality products for every stage of their child's development.

6. Fisher-Price's commitment to safety and child development

Fisher-Price is a brand that has been synonymous with safety and child development for decades. It's a well-known fact that children's toys need to be safe and durable, but Fisher-Price goes above and beyond to ensure that their products meet the highest safety standards. The company has a team of experts who are dedicated to researching and testing products to ensure that they are safe for children to use. They are also committed to making sure that their products are developmentally appropriate for children of different ages and stages. Fisher-Price's commitment to child development is evident in the design of their toys. They understand that children learn through play and their toys are designed to encourage learning and exploration. From their iconic stacking rings to their activity centers and playsets, Fisher-Price toys are designed to stimulate a child's imagination, curiosity, and creativity. In addition to their commitment to safety and child development, Fisher-Price is also committed to sustainability. They are actively working to reduce their environmental impact by using sustainable materials and reducing waste in their production process. Overall, Fisher-Price's commitment to safety, child development, and sustainability is a testament to their success as a brand. They have built a reputation for providing high-quality, safe, and educational toys that parents trust and children love.

7. Fisher-Price's merger with Mattel and continued success

Fisher-Price's success story is not only about its remarkable growth as a company but also its ability to maintain that growth over time. In 1993, Fisher-Price merged with Mattel, one of the largest toy companies in the world. The merger helped Fisher-Price expand its reach and product offerings, while Mattel benefited from Fisher-Price's expertise in the infant and preschool toy markets. Since then, Fisher-Price has continued to innovate and produce toys that not only entertain but also educate children. Its product portfolio includes everything from classic toys like the Rock-a-Stack and the Chatter Telephone to modern favorites like the Laugh & Learn Smart Stages chair and the Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar. One of the key factors in Fisher-Price's continued success is its ability to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences. The company has embraced technology, creating interactive and educational toys that help children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. At the same time, it has also maintained its focus on classic, timeless toys that have been beloved by generations of children. Today, Fisher-Price is recognized as one of the most trusted and respected brands in the toy industry. Its commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has helped it build a loyal customer base that spans generations. As the company looks towards the future, it is sure to continue creating toys that inspire creativity, imagination, and learning in children around the world.

9. The impact of technology on Fisher-Price's products

Fisher-Price has been around for almost a century, and the company has seen many changes in the world of technology. Since the early days of simple wooden toys, the brand has evolved to keep up with the times and has embraced technology to create toys that are both fun and educational for children. One of Fisher-Price's most significant changes in recent years has been the integration of technology into its toys. This has allowed the company to create products that are even more interactive and engaging for children. For example, Fisher-Price has introduced toys that can be controlled by a smartphone app, allowing parents to interact with their children's toys in new ways. Another way that technology has impacted Fisher-Price's products is through the use of augmented reality. The brand has created toys that use AR technology to bring characters to life and make playtime even more exciting for kids. This technology has allowed Fisher-Price to create toys that are not only fun but also educational, helping children learn and develop new skills. Overall, technology has had a significant impact on Fisher-Price's products, allowing the brand to create innovative and exciting toys that are loved by children and parents alike. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what Fisher-Price comes up with next.

10. Fisher-Price's legacy and future in the toy industry

Fisher-Price has a long-standing legacy in the toy industry, dating back to 1930 when founders Herman Fisher, Irving Price, and Helen Schelle launched their first toy, "Dr. Doodle." Since then, the company has been dedicated to creating high-quality toys that help children learn and develop through play. Over the years, Fisher-Price has become a household name, known for its iconic products such as the Chatter Telephone, Little People, and the Rock-a-Stack. These toys have been loved by generations of children and parents alike. The company is constantly innovating and adapting to the changing needs of parents and children. In recent years, Fisher-Price has expanded its offerings to include tech-enabled toys, such as the Think & Learn Smart Cycle, which combines physical activity with early learning concepts. Fisher-Price is also committed to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and using eco-friendly materials in its products. This dedication to sustainability is not only good for the planet, but it also resonates with parents who are increasingly conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment. As Fisher-Price looks to the future, it's clear that the company will continue to play a significant role in the toy industry. With its focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Fisher-Price is poised to continue creating toys that spark creativity, curiosity, and learning in children for years to come.

As one of the most well-known and respected toy companies in the world, customers can feel confident of making Fisher-Price purchases for their little one. Explore the range here at Baby City today and help your little one learn, play and grow.