Slinky
The Slinky is the legendary walking spring toy that’s fascinated kids and adults for generations! With its hypnotic motion and delightful "walk" down stairs, Slinky is a timeless symbol of simple fun.
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What is a Slinky?
The Slinky is a coiled spring toy that can "walk" down stairs, stretch and reform, and perform tricks in your hands. Whether made of metal or plastic, its elegant simplicity never gets old!
Fun Fact: The original Slinky can stretch over 20 metres when fully uncoiled!
History of the Slinky
- Invented in 1943 by naval engineer Richard James in the USA.
- First demonstrated at Gimbels department store in 1945—400 sold in 90 minutes!
- Millions of Slinkys have been sold around the world in metal and plastic versions.
- The Slinky has been inducted into the US National Toy Hall of Fame.
- Appeared in movies, TV, and even space experiments!
How Does a Slinky Work?
- Place the Slinky at the top of the stairs and gently tip it over—gravity does the rest!
- Stretch it between your hands, let it flip and flop, or try tricks like the Slinky wave.
- Metal Slinkys make a classic "shhh-ing" sound as they move.
- Try racing two Slinkys side-by-side for extra fun.
Why is the Slinky So Brilliant?
The Slinky combines science, motion, and fun in one simple coil. It’s mesmerizing to watch, satisfying to play with, and instantly recognisable as a true retro icon.
Retro Tip: Try building a Slinky obstacle course or inventing new tricks!
Who Invented the Slinky?
Richard James, a naval engineer, invented the Slinky by accident when he knocked a tension spring off a shelf. His wife Betty named it and helped make it a household name.
When Was the Slinky Invented?
The Slinky was invented in 1943 and first sold to the public in 1945—becoming an instant hit.
Fun Ways to Play with a Slinky
- Make your Slinky "walk" down stairs, books, or ramps.
- Stretch it out and make waves between your hands.
- Try Slinky tricks like flips, turns, and synchronized moves with friends.
- Use a Slinky for science demos about waves and motion.
- Collect different Slinky colours, sizes, and materials for extra fun.
Slinky Record: The longest Slinky drop was over 30 storeys!
Why We Love Slinky
The Slinky is proof that the simplest ideas are often the best. It's timeless, endlessly replayable, and brings instant smiles—no batteries required!