The focus of this part of our web guide is on novelty toys, defined as whimsical, amusing, and often quirky items designed for entertainment rather than practical use.
Novelty toys are often (but not always) small, inexpensive, and humorous, ideal for party favors, stocking stuffers, impulse buys or inexpensive promotional items.
Museum gift stores generally offer a large selection of novelty toys. I know this because I just came from the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.
One characteristic of novelty toys is their uniqueness and unexpectedness.
One example is the singing Big Mouth Billy Bass. The toy typically features a mounted fish that turns its head, wiggles its tail, and sings catchy tunes like "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin, or "Take Me to the River" by Al Green. The Whoopee Cushion, a classic prank toy that makes a flatulence noise when someone sits on it, is another. Rubber chickens, the Magic 8-Ball, and chattering teeth are other iconic novelty toys. Silly Putty might also have been considered a novelty toy.
Some novelty toys become collectible items due to their unique or limited-edition nature.
Decades ago, banks would distribute automated piggy banks or coin banks, in which the coin would be automatically deposited into the "pig" or the "bank" when placed on a designated platform. Intended to promote saving habits in children, these were particularly popular due to their association with saving money. Those that were made of cast iron or other durable materials have become collectible.
A favorite of mine, when I was a child, more than sixty years ago, were small wind-up toys that would do flips, usually landing on their feet. I had what was (to me) a large collection of these, in various forms, but I gave them away to a four-year-old neighbor when I was in my twenties. They have since become collectible, I understand.
Novelty toys often incorporate elements of humor, whether through jokes, pranks, or their playful design. An element of surprise is also common to them. Usually, novelty toys are simple in design, easy to use, and don't require extensive instructions.
They are often themed around holidays, events, or popular culture trends, making them timely and relevant. These same characteristics would lead to their nostalgic value several years later.
Novelty toys usually short bursts of amusement and fun. They may also serve as icebreakers or conversation starters, encouraging social interaction and bonding.
While many of the traditional novelty toys are still around, in one form or another, contemporary novelty toys include fidget spinners, stress balls, humorous keychains, desktop punching bags, and simple electronic games.
These are just a few examples. These, and any others, are appropriate topics for this category, as are manufacturers or retailers specializing in producing or distributing them.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 1983, the Seattle-based novelty store is known for its quirky and unusual items, offering a wide range of funny gifts, toys, and novelties, including rubber chickens, bacon-scented air fresheners, glow-in-the-dark aliens, and even a librarian action figure. Its showroom in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood includes a Rubber Chicken Museum. Directions, hours, and contacts are provided, along with its history and a virtual tour. An online product catalog is also available.
https://mcphee.com/
The Canadian business is family-owned and operating from the Greater Vancouver area. The online and catalog business provides small toys, games, and rewards for dentists, optometrists, teachers, and others who give them out to children. Its products include action novelties, animals and creatures, balls, bendable figures, small games, gliders, glow-in-the-dark items, key chains, masks, noise makers, puppets, yo-yos, pens, vehicles, lip balm, and sugar-free candy.
https://noveltoy.ca/
The Novelty Gift Company in Rockville Centre, New York specializes in distributing and marketing innovative novelty products for retailers, including items like fidget toys, mystery boxes, and creative play sets. They are known for offering exclusive packaging and a wide range of fun and unique items. Its catalog includes gifts for men, gifts for kids, trending, hot, and home/outdoor. An introduction, a new customer form, and an informational blog are included.
http://www.noveltytoys.com/
Headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts, Rhode Island Novelty is a designer, importer, and wholesale distributor of amusement toys, novelties, giftware, and incentive merchandise, offering a large selection of affordable fun items, including plush toys, glow items, inflatables, party supplies, and souvenirs. Its products are popular for use in redemption centers, gift shops, and school events. Its brands, catalogs, trade shows, and career information are featured.
https://rinovelty.com/
SmallToys is the online platform for Novelty House, a Madison Heights, Wisconsin business that supplies affordable novelty toys to be used as children's carnival prizes, bulk giveaways, promotional items, and inexpensive party favors for kids. Its clientele includes schools, dental offices, restaurants, retail stores, corporations, and parents. The business uses the Shopper Approved rating system, which enables shoppers to rate and comment on their shopping experience.
https://smalltoys.com/
