There’s only one Original Slinky Brand Generations of children and adults have loved playing with Slinky. This classic metal spring toy walks downstairs, alone or in pairs, and makes a slink-ity sound. First invented by mechanical engineer Richard James in 1943 during an experiment with tension coils. James accidentally dropped a spring on the floor and watched as it began to “walk.” Two years later, he introduced his walking spring toy in Gimbels Department Store, and the Slinky immediately sold out. Since its debut, over 300 million Slinkys have been sold worldwide. In 2000, this classic toy was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Slinky is fun for a girl or a boy ages 5 and up. Everyone loves a Slinky.