Today in History: The Hula Hoop was Invented

On March 5, 1963 the Hula Hoop, a hip-swiveling toy that became a huge fad across America, was invented.

An estimated 25 million Hula Hoops were sold in its first four months of production alone.

The founders of the toy company Wham-O were inspired to develop the Hula Hoop after they saw a wooden hoop that Australian children twirled around their waists during gym class.

Photo: Alamy