Before the mid-1800s, children had few toys--and most were either made at home or by a local craftsman. Some more expensive toys came from overseas, mainly Germany. But some American companies were beginning to produce quantities of affordable toys for American children.

Local potters often crafted toy whistles for children in the form of birds or other animals.

Many printing companies became toymakers when improved printing techniques and expanding transportation networks made it easier to make and sell printed toys to middle-class American families.