A Look at the Toys Kids Played With During the Depression

These children made the best of what they did have!

Durable toys like the new-fangled Radio Flyer wagons, if they could be afforded, were highly prized. Homemade toys from scrap wood, fabric, or paper were much more common. And, when in doubt, kids used whatever was lying around as a toy.

Little boys playing with cut out animals. Via/ Library of Congress

Homemade toys made from scrap wood. Via/ Library of Congress

Preschoolers playing with wooden blocks, 1937. Via/ National Archives

Child holding wooden truck, 1938. Via/ Library of Congress

Woman holds a baby who is in turn holding a very old and damaged baby doll, 1935. Via/ Library of Congress

Little girl playing with a paint can lid, 1935. Via/ Library of Congress

Clubhouses and secret gang getaways were made of tree limbs, pallets, or other scraps wood and cardboard. Like children of any era, kids used their imaginations during the Depression to make toys out of everyday objects. And for those children lucky enough to have a baby doll or wagon it was probably their most treasured item.

What was the most popular toy the year you were born? Click here to find out!

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