Step back in time with handcrafted toys and games

Welcome to Rocking Horse Toys and Games, where we offer hand-crafted, juried reproduction toys and games. Perfect for lovers of traditional toys, homeschoolers, grandparents, and reenactors. Discover the joy of classic play!

Trap &Ball

$50.00

Baseball evolved from various folk games, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. One significant precursor is trap-ball, where players hit a ball that is launched into the air by a lever mechanism. This game, along with others like stool-ball and town ball, contributed to the development of baseball as we know it today.

Rag Balls

$9.00

Rag ball, also known as ragtime or ragball, is believed to have originated in the 19th century, particularly associated with social gatherings and festivities.

The term "rag" in this context often referred to the use of ragged materials, such as cloth, to create makeshift balls for play.

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Jacks

$10.00

Whether called Iguni, Abhadho, Cincos Marias, or Huripapa, jacks is one of the oldest and most widespread games in the world. All jacks games share a strategy: toss a ball in the air and scoop up pieces before the ball bounces. In this game of skill, almost any collection of small objects will work—beans, rocks, stones, and even bones. Throughout history, kids in virtually every culture on the globe have sat cross-legged and played some version of the game. Cro-Magnon parents may have encouraged their children to play jacks on cave floors, to increase the eye-hand coordination vital to later success at hunting. Kids in ancient Egypt played “knucklebones” with sheep toe bones. The game of knucklebones led to dice games for boys, and jacks, usually played with a wooden ball, for girls. In modern times, kids followed a bouncing rubber ball. The game inspired popular children’s songs such as “This Old Man” (he played one, he played two, and so on). Classic American versions of jacks include Eggs in the Basket, Pigs in the Pen, Jacks on the Rooftop, Five Finger, and Challenge.

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Pennywhistle

$15.00

The pennywhistle is a simple folk instrument that has been part of American musical culture throughout history - in colonial and Civil War times, along the overland trails to the Pacific, in early 20th century urban neighborhoods and rural households, and now today in any place where people get together for music and companionship.. This whistle is in the Key of D.

Checkers

$15.00

These travel Checkers are stored in a hand Printed checker board canvas case which can be carried easily   15x15 inches when unfolded. The history pf checkers  reveals a timeless journey through human civilization. Also known as Draughts in many parts of the world, Checkers is a game that has captivated minds and sparked friendly competition for thousands of years. Its simplicity masks a strategic depth that has kept players engaged across generations and cultures.

Everyone knows Milton Bradley. Most of America recongnizes the Game of Life. This is Milton Bradleys first board game and was created in 1861. He called it The Checkered Game of Life. Created on a checkerboard template, Bradley's game moves the players around the board encountering both virtue and vice. There will always be a choice, its up to the player to make the right one! The first player to reach Happy Old Age and have 100 points wins! 4 player. Game come is a box with art work from the original game box. Includes 4 colored game pieces, teetotum spinner and 4 points cards.

Featured items

Discover our best-selling and most unique items, carefully handcrafted to bring joy and education to all ages.

Graces

Experience the timeless elegance of Graces, a classic game of skill and coordination. Perfect for outdoor fun and historical reenactments. 

The history of this game is not much more than vague folklore -- No one really
knows when and where the game originated. It may have originated in Normandy,
France around the 12th Century. It is believed to have been a popular game
amongst fur trappers of the Hudson Bay Company in the 19th Century. It is said to
have also been popular among sailors and fishermen.

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Tiddly Winks

$10.00

Tiddlywinks originated in England during the late 1800s. The name comes from “tiddly wink” which is English slang for an unlicensed pub. Tiddlywinks became popular in pubs as a diversion while downing a few pints, much like darts or chess.

The game consists of a mat with a small, round pot at its centre and several little discs made in four colours (blue, green, red, and yellow). Blue and red are always partners against yellow and green and are laid across from each other diagonally around the pot in alphabetical order.

Within each colour, there are six disks: four smaller ones called ‘winks’ and two larger ones known as ‘squidgers’. These disks are arranged by the lines of four boxes drawn at the corners of the mat.

Shut the Box

The history of this game is not much more than vague folklore -- No one really
knows when and where the game originated. It may have originated in Normandy,
France around the 12th Century. It is believed to have been a popular game
amongst fur trappers of the Hudson Bay Company in the 19th Century. It is said to
have also been popular among sailors and fishermen.

  • Wooden theaters served not only as toys but also as tools for creativity, enabling children to enact stories and develop narrative skills.
  • They reflect cultural themes and stories of their time, making them valuable historical artifacts.

Checkered Game of Life

Embark on a journey through life with the Checkered Game of Life, Milton Bradleys first board game. As you travel the board you are faced with choices, just like life! Choose the right path and get rewarded. Choose the wrong path and you can end in jail! In the end you are traveling to Happy Old Age!

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Jaw Harp

$10.00

Jaw harps were among the items traded by peddlars in the early North American settlements and later joined the pioneers in their long treks west. The jaw harp is a popular instrument today with country and blues artists. While the origin of the instrument and its name is uncertain, we know it as popular in Europe and the Middle East from early times in many different forms.

Put & Take

$8.00

This version of the game “Put and Take” is played with a four sided teetotum, or spinning top, and a set of point servers. The six sided teetotum dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and the game of “Put and Take” rose to popularity in medieval times. Brought to early America, this game played with a four sided spinner closely resembles the Jewish game of dreidel 

Trap &Ball

$50.00

Baseball evolved from various folk games, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. One significant precursor is trap-ball, where players hit a ball that is launched into the air by a lever mechanism. This game, along with others like stool-ball and town ball, contributed to the development of baseball as we know it today.

Discover the magic of handcrafted toys

At Rocking Horse Toys and Games, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, hand-crafted toys and games that bring joy and learning to your home. Explore our online store and find the perfect piece of history for your family.

Our craftsmanship

Each toy and game is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in Ekron, Kentucky. We use only the finest materials to ensure durability and authenticity in every piece.

Why choose us?

We offer unique, historically accurate reproductions that are perfect for collectors, educators, and families. Experience the joy of traditional play with Rocking Horse Toys and Games.