Skip to main content

This year, the toy that brought us the light-bulb cake – and lessons in home economics, convenience and marketing to children – turns 50

Open this photo in gallery:

Author and toy historian, Todd Coopee, has published Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven, a richly photographed and researched homage to the toy. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing that led to the Easy-Bake Oven becoming one of the most popular toys in the world.

1 of 5
Open this photo in gallery:

Author and toy historian, Todd Coopee, has published Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven, a richly photographed and researched homage to the toy. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing that led to the Easy-Bake Oven becoming one of the most popular toys in the world.

2 of 5
Open this photo in gallery:

Author and toy historian, Todd Coopee, has published Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven, a richly photographed and researched homage to the toy. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing that led to the Easy-Bake Oven becoming one of the most popular toys in the world.

3 of 5
Open this photo in gallery:

Author and toy historian, Todd Coopee, has published Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven, a richly photographed and researched homage to the toy. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing that led to the Easy-Bake Oven becoming one of the most popular toys in the world.

4 of 5
Open this photo in gallery:

Author and toy historian, Todd Coopee, has published Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven, a richly photographed and researched homage to the toy. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing that led to the Easy-Bake Oven becoming one of the most popular toys in the world.

5 of 5

Interact with The Globe