LEGO: The Story of the World's Most Popular Toy

by Yizuo Pan, age 11

LEGO blocks are bright building toys that are easy, and fun for kids to play with. LEGO kits are used to make creations such as cars, cities, spaceships, and much more.

This toy spread popularity in the 1950s and is still popular today. Many people called this invention the “Toy of the Century” in the 2000s. It is also one of the first toys initiated into the U.S. National Toy Hall of Fame.

LEGO’s first plastic brick was created in 1949, by a toy maker named Ole Kirk Christiansen in Billund, Denmark. He named the company “LEGO” in 1934. The old LEGO brick was different from the ones we have today; however, they still have some similarities.

Christiansen had a son named Godtfred Kirk. Godtfred patented the single brick in 1958, meaning he had control over who could use the invention. That LEGO brick has been protected and stayed the same ever since. Since 1969, the LEGO company started introducing new bricks. One of them is called DUPLO, a line of larger bricks. Because of its size, it is easier for children to play with and build. Nine years later, LEGO introduced and sold minifigures based on the Marvel Comics, Harry Potter books, Star Wars films, Batman, and many more franchises. Until this day, new products are still being introduced to the market, and with technology developing, LEGO started to include electronic games in the 2000s.

After the success of LEGO bricks, the first LEGOLAND was established in 1968. The amusement park gave attractions and rides throughout the park. By 2020, there were many LEGOLAND parks built across the world. There are also LEGOLAND Discovery Centers located in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe.

LEGO brings joy to children, with toys and a fun place like LEGOLAND. LEGO is popular, and is something both enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.

[Sources: Britannica Kids; Lego.com; Brickset]