To be a kid again...

To commemorate the nation’s most beloved modeling compound, today has been named National PLAY-DOH Day. Yep, you read that right.

And while I don't get off work or get a bonus for National PLAY-DOH Day, it's one I thought I could celebrate and really enjoy. I LOVED Play-Doh as a kid, much to mother's dismay as it always seemed to end up ground into the carpet, gumming up the kitchen table and caked onto every single cookie cutter she owned. Oh well. It was fun.

Anyway, last year the beloved colored compound celebrated its 50th birthday.

According to Hasbro:

PLAY-DOH, the modeling compound that has been a childhood rite of passage since 1956, is responsible for ‘molding’ millions of young artists, sculptors and creative minds. National PLAY-DOH Day was created to honor the childhood staple that continues to captivate the imaginations of millions of children across the globe.

The story of PLAY-DOH modeling compound begins in 1956 when scientists at Rainbow Crafts, a Cincinnati soap and cleaning compound company, stumbled upon a new use for the unique dough-like cleaning product. The company realized this product’s potential as a child’s modeling compound; and thus, the original, reusable PLAY-DOH compound was born. Throughout the ensuing decades, the new toy celebrated many milestones.

One year after its introduction, three colors – blue, yellow and red – were added to the PLAY-DOH line. Later in 1958, the three colors and the original white were packaged as a 4-Pack. The 4-Pack still remains one of the brand’s best sellers today.

PLAY-DOH compound made additional strides in the 1960s and 1970s. In the ‘60s, two-ounce mini PLAY-DOH cans and the Fun Factory playset were introduced. Also in the ‘60s, PLAY-DOH compound expanded its distribution overseas. Then, in the 1970s, the all-time favorite Fuzzy PUMPER BARBER and Beauty Shop playset was added to the line, while the brand hit a milestone with the 500th millionth can of PLAY-DOH compound sold.

The next two decades brought even more PLAY-DOH compound fun. The Rainbow 8-Pack, that included four bright colors and the original four, hit shelves in the 1980s. In 1986, the packaging changed from a cardboard container to a tightly sealed, easy-to-open plastic container. The new container ensured a longer life span for the product. The ‘90s gave kids Sparkling PLAY-DOH compound and Glow-in-the-Dark modeling clay. Also, gold- and silver-colored PLAY-DOH compound, along with PLAY-DOH moldable soap were introduced for the 40th birthday of the brand in 1996.

:::WHEW::: That's a lot of PLAY-DOH info there for you. And the newest PLAY-DOH must have? How about some PLAY-DOH perfume. I guess it's to take you back to your childhood or attract your mate who can't resist the smell of the molding material goodness.

Now, my ultimate favorite thing about playing with the stuff - that would be the most awesomest set of Star Wars figures and molds, complete with Rebel fighter jet and a R2D2 mold. Now THAT is the ultimate PLAY-DOH fun.

Does anyone else remember that set? Or do you have another fond PLAY-DOH memory?