The History of LEGO®

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Have you ever wondered who created the toy that was a large part of almost every kid’s childhood? Let’s dive into the creation of the LEGO®!

The story of LEGO® starts with a man named Ole Kirk Kristiansen. He was a carpenter in Denmark and made wooden toys, like cars, planes, and yo-yos. But things were tough for Ole. He didn’t always have enough money, and once, his family even asked him if he could find something more useful to do. Despite these challenges, Ole worked hard to keep his dream alive. He took out a loan to help pay for the business and later repaid it with interest.

In 1932, Ole began selling wooden toys. He was very careful about making sure each toy was high quality, using the best wood, and smooth and safe for children to play with. He even taught his son, Godtfred, about the importance of doing things the right way, like adding the perfect amount of paint to each toy.

By 1935, Ole decided to focus only on toys and wanted a new name for his company. He asked his workers for ideas, but in the end, Ole created the name LEGO®, which comes from the Danish words "leg godt," meaning "play well." The LEGO® name was used for the first time in January 1936. Ole believed that children deserved toys that were fun and made with care.

Ole was always looking for new ways to improve his toys. In 1937, he bought a special machine that helped make toys better and faster. Even though the machine was expensive, he knew it would help his business grow. When World War II began, many things were hard to find, but toys became even more popular. LEGO® toys were in high demand, especially because people couldn’t get metal or rubber to make other toys. LEGO®’s wooden toys became even more loved.

In 1942, disaster struck. A fire destroyed the factory, and Ole lost everything. But he didn’t give up. With the help of his family and workers, Ole rebuilt the factory and started making toys again. It was a tough time, but it made LEGO® even stronger.

After the war, LEGO® continued to grow. The company was known for its amazing toys, and in 1947, LEGO® became one of the first companies in Denmark to sell plastic toys. This was a big change, but it helped LEGO® create the toys we know today, like the colorful LEGO® bricks.

Ole Kirk Kristiansen’s dream of making high-quality toys that children could enjoy came true. Today, LEGO® is one of the most famous toy companies in the world, and it all started with a father’s love for creating toys that were built to last.