It’s hard to believe that Playmobil has been around for over 40 years! Playmobil was invented in 1974 and has been a kids’ all-time favorite since then. This German toy company has produced some of the most iconic toys of our generation. Here’s a look at the history of this amazing toy company and how it has evolved over the years.
The man who invented Playmobil
If you’re a fan of Playmobil, you have Hans Beck to thank. He’s the German inventor behind the popular toy line that has captured the imaginations of children (and adults) for decades.
Named the Father of Playmobil, Hans Beck started out creating toys at a very early age, and, through the years, with his expertise as a trained cabinet maker, he was responsible for the development of Playmobil figures under the Brandstätter Group.
Before he died in 2009 at the age of 79 due to a serious illness, he spent 24 years in the company as the head of research and development.
Today, Playmobil is one of the most popular toy lines in the world, which now has different themes to choose from, including Playmobil Farms.
Thanks to Hans Beck, children everywhere can enjoy hours of imaginative play.
How Playmobil Invented The First Toy Sets
Hans Beck came up with a very simple idea: what if there were toys that were small enough to fit in your pocket but were still detailed and realistic enough to spark your imagination? That’s how the first Playmobil figures were born.
He wanted to create a toy that would be both educational and fun, so he created miniature people and animals that are bendable and movable and could be used in various settings. During that time, most of the toys dominating the market are tin soldiers that have been around for long years.
In 1974, Playmobil started its debut at an International Toy Fair in Germany, and the first Playmobil sets released worldwide in 1975 became an instant hit.
The first few sets of Playmobil toys released in the market are the following:
- Playmobil Figures Knights
- Playmobil Figures Construction Workers
- Playmobil Figures Native Americans
Each of these Playmobil figure themes has a box containing its accessories, and the box itself has a tag that shows the number of figures each box has.
As of today, Playmobil has more than 30 available theme sets to choose from different categories, including Playmobil horses that will surely enjoy by kids.
Fun Fact: During the ’70s, Playmobil toys were then known as “Klicky” because of their clicking sound.
Features
Playmobil facial features are based on a children’s drawing. It is designed to fit a child’s hand perfectly. The figure has a large head with no nose and a big smile. It has an inner mechanism that allows it to move its two arms, legs, and head.
Frequently Asked Questions about Playmobil
Here are some of the FAQs about Playmobil toys.
What age is Playmobil suitable for?
The age range for Playmobil is 3-10 years old. This age group will enjoy the bright colors and imaginative storylines that come with the toy. The small pieces are also perfect for small hands, making them ideal for preschoolers.
What is the size of a Playmobil figure?
Playmobil’s figure is 7.5 cm tall with movable arms and legs.
What Playmobil themes are available?
Playmobil figures are available in various themes, such as knights and dragons, pirates, dinosaurs, farmers, and veterinarians. The sets also include accessories, such as horses, wagons, animals, and furniture. In addition to the traditional Playmobil sets, It also offers electronic games, vehicles (cars, buses, boats), dolls (baby dolls, fashion dolls), and even an outdoor playset.
Conclusion
The cleverly designed toys are not only fun to play with but also encourage imagination and learning. The company has continued to innovate over the years, introducing new themes and characters that children love. With such a rich history, it’s no wonder that Playmobil is still one of the most popular toy brands today.
Be sure to check Playmobil offers to grab more Playmobil theme sets at a very great price!
