Spirograph - 60th Anniversary

stephanie2664
Jul 29
1 min read

(Play Monster $16 & up) It's a big year for this classic gear drawing toy. To celebrate the 60th anniversary, you'll find many different sets. It took me a while and a call to my older brother to pin point what was different. PINS! The original sets came with four pins with red tops that were used to secure the larger gear to the cardboard base in the set. While times have definitely changed, and we wisely don't hand over toys with pin anymore.

The new solution is to include putty to secure the paper. The original set also came with a frame that had gears. This also helped secure the paper. Only the current junior version of Spirograph has this feature. As a result you need to hold the both down the paper and the gear while you use your pen. Our recommendation is to tape down your paper so you don't have to worry about it sliding about.

With all of that said, this is nostalgic toy for many parents and grandparents. Of all the new sets, we liked the classic -- if you want more pieces go with the Spirograph Deluxe Set.

There is also a electronic Spirograph Machine ($25) -- here you load the paper, adjust where the pens fit above and hit the button. It's not the same as the original but fun. For kids who may have trouble making the original work, this gives them an opportunity to create satisfying designs.