Yo-Yo
The Yo-Yo is the classic spinning toy that's been wowing people for centuries. Simple in design but endless in possibility, the yo-yo is a timeless test of skill, creativity, and fun!
Buy This Now
What is a Yo-Yo?
A yo-yo is a simple toy made of two disks connected by an axle and a string. Drop it, flick your wrist, and watch it spin down and climb back up! Master tricks like Walk the Dog, Around the World, and the Sleeper - or invent your own.
Fun Fact: The yo-yo's name comes from a Filipino word meaning 'come-come' or 'return'.
History of the Yo-Yo
- Ancient yo-yo-like toys date back to Greece, 500 BC.
- The modern yo-yo craze began in the Philippines before spreading worldwide.
- Duncan popularized the yo-yo in America in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Tournaments, TV ads, and new designs have kept yo-yos spinning for generations.
- Modern yo-yos come in plastic, wood, and metal - some with ball bearings for long spin times.
How Does a Yo-Yo Work?
- Hold the yo-yo with the string wound and flick it down with a snap of the wrist.
- The yo-yo spins at the bottom of the string (a 'sleeper') and can be called back up with a tug.
- Practice tricks by using the sleeper and string loops in creative ways.
- Return the yo-yo by giving a gentle tug - or try looping tricks for extra flair!
Why is the Yo-Yo So Brilliant?
The yo-yo is endlessly replayable and portable. It encourages patience, coordination, and creativity - and it's just as fun to master today as it was decades ago.
Retro Tip: Learn tricks step-by-step, and don't get frustrated - every yo-yo master started with tangles!
Who Invented the Modern Yo-Yo?
Pedro Flores, a Filipino-American, is credited with popularizing the modern yo-yo in the 1920s. Donald F. Duncan made it a household name in the USA.
When Was the Yo-Yo Invented?
The toy's origins are ancient, but the modern yo-yo as we know it was invented in the late 1920s.
How to Start Yo-Yoing
- Choose a yo-yo that fits your hand - classic wooden, plastic, or modern ball-bearing.
- Learn the basic throw and return first.
- Move on to tricks like Rock the Baby, Walk the Dog, and Around the World.
- Keep your string clean and untangled for best results.
- Watch videos or join yo-yo clubs for inspiration and friendly competition.
Yo-Yo Record: The most yo-yos spun at once by one person is 35!
Why We Love the Yo-Yo
The yo-yo is a simple toy with endless challenge. It's a pocket-sized piece of history, a skill game, and a retro fad that never really went away. Give it a spin!