Glo Worm

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Glo Worm
Original-glowworm-photo.jpg
The original Glo Worm, released in 1982, was the same shape until 2005
TypeStuffed toy
Company Hasbro
Playskool
Country United States
Availability1982–present

Glo Worm is a stuffed toy for young children, designed by Hasbro's Playskool division, and made in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Introduced in 1982, the plush, pajamaed worm body [1] contained a battery-powered device that when squeezed would light up the toy's vinyl head from within, creating a soft glow.

The original toy, upon release, was such a success [1] [2] [3] that Hasbro released a new Musical Glo Worm and Glo Bug in 1984, and a Glo Butterfly in 1985. A series of story books, night lights, videos and other merchandise was also produced until the early 1990s. However, in late 2005, the product was criticized for harming children; [4] its plastic head was softened with phthalates, which can be dangerous if swallowed by children. [5] The Glo Worm is still made today, although with an updated appearance.

Glo Friends

Playskool expanded its brand of "Glo" toys made of soft vinyl that glowed, [6] and released The Glo Friends animated series in 1986.

American fast food chain Wendy's released a series of Glo Friends soft vinyl toys as a promotion in 1989.

In collaboration with Playskool, toy company PlayMonster expanded the Glo Friends with Wigglebug in 2022. [7]

References

  1. 1 2 Townsend, Allie (February 16, 2011). "Glo Worm - All-Time 100 Greatest Toys". Time . Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  2. ↑ Heine, Max (December 11, 1983). "Cabbage Patch dolls not only popular item". The Tuscaloosa News . Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Dollmania: Cabbage Patch Kids Causing Near Riots". Daily Times . November 28, 1983. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Gloworm, others on the naughty list". The Berkshire Eagle . November 23, 2005. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  5. ↑ Kadison, Dan (November 23, 2005). "Watchdog Growling at 'Killer' Toys". New York Post .
  6. ↑ "Glo Worm and Glo Friends Toys & Products - Vintage, New, 1980s Merch". RetroGeek Toys. Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  7. ↑ Pelletier, Ashley (September 12, 2022). "PlayMonster Introduces New Chief Parenting Officer in Tandem with Playskool Glo Friends Launch". The Toy Book. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
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