If you’ve spent any time around children (or even adults!) recently, you’ve likely seen or heard about the latest trend in fidget toys – the Pop It. These brightly colored silicone toys, designed with bubbles that you can press and “pop,” are everywhere. While it may seem like a new craze, the invention of the Pop It has a fascinating backstory that dates back decades. Let’s dive into the origin of this addictive toy and the creative minds behind it.
The Inventors: Theo and Ora Coster
The Pop It was invented by Theo and Ora Coster, an Israeli couple known for their toy creations. The Costers founded Theora Design, a company responsible for developing various games and toys over the years. Their most famous creation before the Pop It was the board game Guess Who?, which is still popular today.
Ora Coster came up with the idea for the Pop It in the late 1970s. As the story goes, after her sister passed away from breast cancer, Ora had a dream of creating a game inspired by her sister’s love of bubbles. She envisioned a field of bubbles that could be endlessly pressed and reset. This idea eventually became the blueprint for the Pop It.
From Concept to Reality
Although Ora and Theo had the idea for a toy with poppable bubbles, it took years for the concept to be fully realized. The first version of the Pop It was made of rubber and didn’t initially gain much traction. The idea remained on the shelf for several decades, but the Costers never gave up on it.
In the early 2000s, the couple’s son approached the toy company FoxMind with the concept of the Pop It. FoxMind, known for producing educational and sensory toys, saw potential in the design and worked with the Costers to refine it. They eventually produced the silicone version we know today, which is durable, reusable, and has a satisfying tactile feel.
The TikTok Explosion
While the Pop It was available on the market for several years, it wasn’t until the toy went viral on TikTok in 2020 that it exploded in popularity. Videos of people popping the bubbles became a trend, and suddenly everyone wanted to get their hands on this simple yet addictive toy. The pandemic also played a role in its rise, as people were looking for ways to relieve stress and anxiety during lockdowns, and the sensory aspect of the Pop It proved to be a calming activity.
Why Are Pop Its So Popular?
Pop Its appeal to both children and adults for several reasons.
- Sensory Stimulation: The satisfying feeling of pushing down the bubbles and hearing the soft “pop” is a form of sensory stimulation that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve focus.
- Fidget Toy: Like fidget spinners and stress balls, Pop Its are used as fidget toys. They provide a simple activity that can occupy the hands while freeing the mind to focus on other tasks.
- Durability: Made from silicone, Pop Its are durable, washable, and reusable, making them a long-lasting and eco-friendly toy.
- Creativity and Fun: Beyond popping the bubbles, people have found creative ways to use Pop Its, from playing competitive popping games to using them as tools for math or learning exercises.
The Legacy of the Costers
Theo and Ora Coster’s legacy in the toy industry is remarkable. After decades of creating innovative games and toys, their perseverance with the Pop It idea paid off in a big way. Theo passed away in 2019, but Ora’s dream of creating a toy inspired by her sister’s memory lives on through the global success of the Pop It.
Conclusion
The story of the Pop It is more than just the rise of a viral toy trend; it’s a tale of creativity, perseverance, and family legacy. Theo and Ora Coster’s vision, combined with FoxMind’s production efforts, brought this simple yet satisfying sensory toy to life. Whether it’s being used as a fidget toy, a stress reliever, or just a fun way to pass the time, the Pop It has earned its place as one of the most beloved toys of the decade.
