The Melissa and Doug toy company is one of the few medium size toy companies that are still thriving today without turning to technology to entice children and parents to purchase their toys. The Melissa and Doug history began 26 years ago in the basement of the home where Doug Bernstein grew up and that was occupied by his parents.
At the time of the company’s inception, Melissa and Doug were dating, but they would eventually get married and have 6 children of their own.
This company works because Melissa and Doug are both high achievers who each bring their own individual strength to the company.
Melissa is the inventive one and Doug handles the business side.
This couple’s chemistry must work because the company is a huge success even in a world where technology seems to have taken over every aspect of life.
So just what makes Melissa and Doug toys so popular despite their simplicity? The simple answer is Nostalgia.
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Melissa And Doug History And Rise In Popularity
Tried and True
One of the things that make Melissa and Doug toys so popular is that this company did not try to reinvent the wheel.
Instead almost all of their products are variations of toys that were already successful.
This company makes toys for children 5 and under (for the most part). Their first product was a wooden puzzle that was fuzzy.
With its success they have a made a variety of toys based on other wooden puzzles, shoes that children can practice tying, costumes for playing dress-up and other such toys.
Parents purchase these toys because of their familiarity to toys they played with in childhood.
When parents have fond memories of the toys of their childhood, they tend to purchase those toys or toys like them for their own children.
Encourage Imagination
Parents also want to encourage their children’s imagination.
While they do want their children to have experience with computers, tablets, Iphones and more, they also want their children to learn to be more creative.
So, they also buy a few toys that actually encourage imaginative play.
Since Melissa and Doug toys are made for infants and toddlers, parents who want their children to engage in imaginative play can easily start their children out on these basic well made toys.
Made in the USA
In the beginning, Melissa and Doug toys were made in the USA, which was extremely appealing to many parents.
Even though these toys were somewhat higher priced than comparable toys from other companies, parents were happy to pay the price.
However, now a days many of these toys are made in China, which may slow the continued growth of this company’s popularity.
All the same, for those parents who already love Melissa and Doug toys, these toys will still retain their popularity.
Melissa and Doug Toys to Consider
Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop! 6-Piece Pretend Play Set
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Pounding Bench Wooden Toy With MalletMelissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter (28 pcs) – Play Food and Accessories
