The original Glo Worm, released in 1982, was the same shape until 2005

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.

References

  1. ^ a b 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. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  3. ^ "Dollmania: Cabbage Patch Kids Causing Near Riots". Daily Times. November 28, 1983. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  4. ^ "Gloworm, others on the naughty list". The Berkshire Eagle. November 23, 2005. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  5. ^ Kadison, Dan (November 23, 2005). "Watchdog Growling at 'Killer' Toys". New York Post. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2011 – via ProQuest Archiver and Internet Archive.
  6. ^ "Glo Worm and Glo Friends Toys & Products - Vintage, New, 1980s Merch". RetroGeek Toys. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
Categories