Whether it was Army Men, introduced in 1938 (Time, 2011) Fisher-Price Little People in the ’50s, Liddle Kiddles, Matchbox cars in the ’70s or Polly Pocket in the ’90s, it seems every generation has treasured its small toys. Perhaps no one understands that better than Alan Dorfman, president, Super Impulse, a company that specializes in miniature toys. From tiny Rubik’s Cubes to ultra-small board and card games and down-sized video games (that really work), Super Impulse has created some amazingly compact things. But why this obsession with small things, which appeal not only to kids, but also grown-ups? 

“Think about the origin of toys – relics found in architectural digs,” says Dorfman. “Dolls are among the earliest toys. What are dolls? Miniature replicas of people. Toy chariots were found at ancient Roman digs – miniatures! Toys evolved as miniature replicas of the world around us.”  

Dorfman adds that it’s not just children who love miniatures.  

“People, not just children, have an emotional attachment to miniatures. It not only reminds them of their childhood, but they recreate what is important to them, what makes them happy,” he adds. 

Read more about Super Impulse in the latest issue of License Global.