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
- Allie Townsend. Glo Worm - All-Time 100 Greatest Toys Time, February 16, 2011, retrieved June 8, 2011^
- Max Heine. Cabbage Patch dolls not only popular item The Tuscaloosa News, December 11, 1983, retrieved June 8, 2011^
- Dollmania: Cabbage Patch Kids Causing Near Riots Daily Times, November 28, 1983, retrieved June 8, 2011^
- Gloworm, others on the naughty list The Berkshire Eagle, November 23, 2005, retrieved June 8, 2011^
- Dan Kadison. Watchdog Growling at 'Killer' Toys New York Post, November 23, 2005^
- Glo Worm and Glo Friends Toys & Products - Vintage, New, 1980s Merch RetroGeek Toys, retrieved 2023-05-16^
- Ashley Pelletier. PlayMonster Introduces New Chief Parenting Officer in Tandem with Playskool Glo Friends Launch The Toy Book, 2022-09-12, retrieved 2024-04-03^