Lego blocks were originally patented on January 28th 1958 – that’s more than 50 years’ ago. Yet, did you know that you could still use any Lego building bricks you might have bought from that year with the company’s current-day bricks?

In to-day’s throw-away society, very few products can boast such a remarkably long shelf-life, and the durability of these attractive, colourful blocks is just one reason out of many for their outstanding popularity. But, before we consider the other reasons, let’s take a brief look at the beginnings of this renowned plastic brick …

Origins Of Lego

The original founder of today’s colourful plastic building brick was a Danish carpenter named Ole Kirk Christiansen who, at first, concentrated on making wooden toys.

In 1934, the carpenter named his company "Lego", from the Danish "leg godt" which, roughly translated, means "play well". However, it wouldn’t be until the year 1940 that the company started to offer plastic toys. And, it wasn’t until nearly 10 years’ later – in 1949 – that interlocking bricks were introduced, sporting the now-famous round studs on one side, and rectangular hollow on the other.

Reasons For Their Success

When originally introduced, the little building bricks were not particularly versatile. Also, plastic was not considered in a particularly favorable light when compared to wood. However, the Company, with its motto of: "Kun det bedste er godt nok", or: "Only the best is good enough", continually worked on and improved its toy.

Nowadays, it’s renowned Worldwide, perhaps being fairly unique in the fact that it pleases both children and their parents: kids derive hour upon hour of fun from it; whilst Mom and Dad recognize that playing with the toy is developing their offspring’s creativity, dexterity, as well as problem-solving faculties.

Here are just a handful of other reasons for the never-ending popularity of the bright little bricks:

• Safe, suitable, and fun for children of all ages … adults too!

• Versatile – most ranges are compatible with each other.

• Durable – you can even pass them on from one generation to another.

• Value-for-money – once purchased, they could last longer than you!

• Easy-to-clean – jus wash in warm, soapy water.

• Easily-obtainable – from local stores, the Internet, or Ebay.

• Environmentally-friendly production and marketing.

• Many different styles – from the ordinary building bricks through to boxed, up-to-date themes such as Harry Potter, Star Wars and Space Police, which include all people and items to fit the particular theme.

The Company continually strives to improve its product. Nowadays, you’ll even find Lego Education Centers, complete with qualified instructors, and fun, Legoland Parks, where you and your family can enjoy castles, dinosaurs, pirates, wild animals, and even water parks.

Fads come and go but, one thing’s for sure … Lego blocks are definitely here to stay!