Who Created The YOYO?

The yo-yo, one of the oldest toys in history, does not have a singular inventor due to its ancient origins and presence in multiple cultures throughout history. The earliest recorded yo-yo dates back to around 500 B.C. in Greece, but its concept likely existed even earlier.

Ancient Origins
Greece: Ancient Greek vases and paintings depict yo-yos, suggesting they were common toys among children. These early yo-yos were made of wood, metal, or painted terra cotta disks and were often given as offerings to the gods when a child came of age.
Spread and Evolution
China: There are also records suggesting the existence of similar toys in China around the same period, further complicating the toy's origin story.
Philippines: The yo-yo is known to have been a popular toy in the Philippines for several hundred years, where it was used as a hunting tool. The term "yo-yo" is believed to have originated from the Philippines, derived from the Ilocano language.
Modern Yo-Yo
Pedro Flores: The modern yo-yo as we know it today was popularized by Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant to the United States, in the 1920s. Flores was the first to manufacture yo-yos in the U.S. and is often credited with developing the "looping" trick and the idea of the yo-yo being able to "sleep" at the end of the string.
Donald Duncan: Seeing the potential of the toy, businessman Donald Duncan purchased the Flores Yo-Yo Company in 1932 and further popularized the toy with a series of marketing campaigns, eventually making the Duncan name synonymous with yo-yos.
Cultural Impact
The yo-yo has had a significant cultural impact worldwide, with periods of yo-yo crazes and a vast community of enthusiasts who continue to develop new tricks and compete in championships.

While no single person can be credited with "creating" the yo-yo, its development over centuries and across cultures highlights its universal appeal as a simple yet captivating toy.