Windy & Winding Toys Trivia Quiz

Answer: Kite

Mozi and Lu Ban, Chinese philosophers, are credited with inventing the kite in the 5th Century BC. The first paper kite was recorded as being used in 549 AD as a message for a rescue mission. Kites were initially used for scientific purposes, before being used for religions ceremonies and festivals, as well as being used as a toy.

In order to fly, kites must be made of lightweight materials - at least light enough to be lifted and held by the wind, and with the many different uses today they must be robust and strong. Kites have many uses nowadays including (but not limited to) science & meteorology, sports equipment (such as kite surfing), or just as toys.

Answer: Yo-yo

The yo-yo is known to have been in use for thousands of years, with Greek records describing and showing the use of a yo-yo since 440 BC. After going through a few small design changes, but basically staying the same since it was first invented, the yo-yo was inducted into the (USA) National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Answer: Balloon

Michael Faraday invented the rubber balloon in 1824. Toy balloons are mostly made from latex tapped from rubber trees and hold gas or liquids. Balloons come in many shapes and sizes and can be used for many different purposes. Rubber / latex balloons will eventually lose their air and ability to float, as the air from inside gradually leaks out through small pores in the latex.

Answer: Jack in the Box

The first documented use of the Jack in the Box toy was in early 16th Century Germany. The toy was created by a clockmaker as a gift. In the 1930s, the box was made from tin instead of wood with images of bursary rhymes painted on the exterior. Typically, the toy will play a melody as the crank is turned with the surprise "popping" out the lid either at the end of the tune or at a critical point to ensure maximum surprise!

Answer: Pinwheel

The modern version of the pinwheel was invented in 1919 by an Armenian toy manufacturer. There were previous versions of the toy, usually powered by wind and a running child, that were referred to as a "whirligig". A pinwheel requires wind to make it work - common times you'll see a pinwheel doing it's "thing" are when it's a windy day, when you blow directly into the curls, or when held aloft whilst running or moving quickly.

Answer: Chattery teeth

Chattery teeth were originally released as "Yakkity Yak Talking Teeth" by H Fishlove & Co and were designed by Eddy Goldfarb. The toy is wound up at the back and when released will usually move around a flat surface motivated by the up and down motion of the teeth. Some versions of the toy also have feet; the released toy will bounce around on its feet whilst the teeth chatter together.

Answer: Balloon baby

Other names for the Pon-Pon were moon hopper, skippyball, hoppity hop, sit and bounce, or hop ball as well as those listed as incorrect answers. The toy is basically a heavy rubber balloon with one or two handles protruding from the top. The idea was for children to sit on the balloon holding the handles and bouncing to move around.

Answer: Car

Toy cars are the toy that benefits most from the pullback motor technology. Pulling the car backward (often while pressing down) winds up an internal spring which, when released, propels the car forward. A simple precursor to the pullback motor was a stretched rubber band, either wound around an axle or stretched linearly. Bertrand 'Fred' Francis was the person who was awarded the patent for the technology, however it is unclear as to whether or not he invented the technology in the first place.

Answer: Paper plane

Aerogami is the art of folding paper planes and is based on the ancient art of paper folding and origami. There are many thoughts as to who and when paper planes were invented. Some consider Leonardo Da Vinci as the creator of paper planes, and some think the Chinese snuck in prior to Da Vinci. Sir George Cayley in 1799 invented a paper glider, however it included more than just paper in the design.

The Paper Mafia consider Butler and Edwards' 1867 patent to be the closest resemblance to the folded paper plane toy that has been enjoyed seemingly forever.

Answer: Whoopee cushion

The whoopee cushion, also known as a farting bag, windy blaster, Razzberry Cushion or poo-poo cushion is a modern version of a similar item from ancient Rome. Invented by 14-year-old Roman emperor Elagabalus, the air pillows were placed on the seats of guests at the dinner table.

The JEM Rubber Co in Canada re-invented the ancient practical joke in the 1920s while experimenting with scraps of rubber sheeting.