Hula Hoop

toys · balance · fun

Ancient toy. Kids and adults have been playing with hoops for more than 2,500 years, so hula hoops are one of the oldest toys ever.

Bamboo inspiration. The modern hula hoop came from Australian bamboo hoops that Joan Anderson saw children playing with while driving past.

Named after hula. Joan Anderson named it the hula hoop because it reminded her of the Hawaiian hula dance that moves in similar circular motions.

Plastic popularity. Wham-O toy company made plastic versions in 1958 and sold millions of them, turning the hula hoop into a huge fad that swept the world.

More than spinning. Hula hoops can do more than just twirl around you, they can also be rolled along the ground like wheels with practice and skill.