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Glo Worm

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This article is about the 1980s toy series. For the insect larvae, see Glowworm.
The original Glo Worm, released in 1982, was the same shape until 2005

Glo Worm is a stuffed toy for young children, designed by Hasbro's Playskool division, and made in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Introduced in 1982, the plush, pajamaed worm body[1] contained a battery-powered device that when squeezed would light up the toy's vinyl head from within, creating a soft glow.

The original toy, upon release, was such a success[1][2][3] that Hasbro released a new Musical Glo Worm and Glo Bug in 1984, and a Glo Butterfly in 1985. A series of story books, night lights, videos and other merchandise was also produced until the early 1990s. However, in late 2005, the product was criticized for harming children;[4] its plastic head was softened with phthalates, which can be dangerous if swallowed by children.[5] The Glo Worm is still made today, although with an updated appearance.

Glo Friends

In 1986, Playskool released a number of "Glo"-based toys that glowed but were made of soft vinyl.[6] These toys, collectively known as the Glo Friends, were so successful that American fast food chain Wendy's in 1989 also released a series of 13 soft vinyl toys to advertise their chain. Their names were: Glo Snugbug, Glo Snail, Glo Doodlebug, Glo Bug, Glo Grannybug, Glo Clutterbug, Glo Bashfulbug, Glo Butterfly, Glo Bopbug, Glo Cricket, Glo Skunkbug, Glo Bookbug, Glo worm, and Glo Nikkibug.

Additional characters included: Glo Nuttybug, Glo Sniffle Snail, Glo Firefly, Glo Hopper, Glo Spider, Glo Bopbug, Glo Flutterbug, Glo Turtle (shell opens to carry Glo Friends) and Glo Shark.

In late 2022, toy company Playmonster, in collaboration with Playskool, released a brand new set of Glo Friends.

References

  1. ^ a b Townsend, Allie (February 16, 2011). "Glo Worm - All-Time 100 Greatest Toys". Time. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  2. ^ Heine, Max (December 11, 1983). "Cabbage Patch dolls not only popular item". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  3. ^ "Dollmania: Cabbage Patch Kids Causing Near Riots". Daily Times. November 28, 1983. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  4. ^ "Gloworm, others on the naughty list". The Berkshire Eagle. November 23, 2005. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  5. ^ Kadison, Dan (November 23, 2005). "Watchdog Growling at 'Killer' Toys". New York Post. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2011 – via ProQuest Archiver and Internet Archive.
  6. ^ "Glo Worm and Glo Friends Toys & Products - Vintage, New, 1980s Merch". RetroGeek Toys. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
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