When Were Yo-Yos Invented? A History of the Iconic Toy

Introduction

The yo-yo is an iconic toy that has been around for centuries. It’s a simple device: two discs of wood, plastic, or metal connected by an axle and a string. But despite its basic design, the yo-yo has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back to ancient times.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of the yo-yo and answer the question: when was the yo-yo invented? We’ll trace its origins in ancient times and follow its evolution to the modern day, when it was officially invented in the 20th century.

How the Yo-Yo Was Invented and Its History

The history of the yo-yo dates back centuries. Archaeologists have found evidence of yo-yo-like objects in ancient Greece, China, and Egypt. These ancient yo-yos were made of terra cotta and stone and served a variety of purposes, from children’s toys to weapons of war.

In the 16th century, the yo-yo was introduced to Europe. French noblemen began using them as playthings in the court of King Louis XIV. By the 18th century, the yo-yo had become a popular toy throughout Europe and the United States.

It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the yo-yo began to take its modern form. The first commercially successful yo-yo was created by Donald Duncan Sr., a businessman from Chicago. He patented his design in 1928 and began mass-producing yo-yos in 1932. His company, Duncan Toys, remains one of the most popular yo-yo manufacturers today.

The Yo-Yo Throughout History: When Was It Invented?

Although yo-yos have been around since ancient times, it wasn’t until the 20th century that they were officially “invented.” This is because the modern yo-yo is based on Donald Duncan Sr.’s patented design. So while the yo-yo itself has a long history, its current iteration—with a slimmer body, longer string, and more responsive axle—was officially invented in 1928.

Since then, the yo-yo has continued to evolve. Companies like Duncan Toys and Yomega have developed new designs and technologies that have allowed yo-yos to become even more sophisticated and fun. Modern yo-yos can spin faster, sleep longer, and perform more complex tricks than ever before.

The yo-yo is also a popular competitive sport. According to the World Yo-Yo Contest, “the competition has grown from a handful of competitors in the early 1990s to over 300 competitors from across the globe.” Competitors are judged on their technical skill and artistry as they perform increasingly difficult tricks.

Conclusion

The yo-yo is an iconic toy with a rich and fascinating history. While it has been around since ancient times, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the modern yo-yo was officially “invented.” Since then, the yo-yo has continued to evolve, becoming an increasingly popular competitive sport.

So when was the yo-yo invented? While the yo-yo itself has a long history, its current iteration was officially invented in 1928 by Donald Duncan Sr. and his company, Duncan Toys.