Glo Worm

This article is about the 1980s toy series. See Glowworm for the insect larvae.
The original Glo Worm, released in 1982.

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 series of story books, night lights, videos and other merchandise that continued 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]

Glo Friends

In 1986, Playskool released a number of "Glo"-based toys that glowed but were made of soft vinyl. These toys, collectively known as "Glo Friends", were so successful that American fast food chain Wendy's in 1989 also released a series of 12 soft vinyl toys to advertise their chain. Their names were:

  • Glo Snugbug
  • Glo Snail
  • Glo Doodlebug
  • Glo Bug
  • Glo Grannybug
  • Glo Clutterbug
  • Glo Bashfulbug
  • Glo Butterfly
  • Glo Bopbug
  • Glo Cricket
  • Glo Skunkbug
  • Glo Bookbug
  • Glo Nikkibug

Additional characters included:

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Townsend, Allie (2011-02-16). "Glo Worm - All-TIME 100 Greatest Toys". TIME. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  2. ↑ "Cabbage Patch dolls not only popular item". Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  3. ↑ "Cabbage Patch Kids Causing Near Riots". Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  4. ↑ "Gloworm, others on the naughty list". Berkshire Eagle, The. 2005-11-23. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  5. ↑ Kadison, Dan (2005-11-23). "Archives - New York Post Online Edition". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. Retrieved 2011-06-08.