19 Fun Facts About Shrinky Dinks That Took Over The ’70s And ’80s Kids

I can still vividly recall the sense of wonder I felt the first time I watched a flimsy, colorful sheet of plastic curl, shrink, and harden in my mom’s oven.

It was like witnessing magic unfold before my eyes. Shrinky Dinks weren’t just a fun pastime—they were a kind of childhood alchemy that turned simple doodles into lasting keepsakes. Introduced in the 1970s, these thin polystyrene sheets captivated kids across America, offering a hands-on way to express creativity.

With just markers, scissors, and a little heat, children could transform their artwork into charms, keychains, and ornaments. For many, the experience was their first taste of crafting—and a memorable one at that. Let’s dive into the nostalgic world of Shrinky Dinks, a beloved DIY sensation that sparked joy and imagination for a generation.

1. Two Moms’ Brilliant Invention

Back in 1973, Betty Morris and Kate Bloomberg weren’t trying to create a cultural phenomenon—they just needed a Cub Scout project! These two Wisconsin moms came up with the idea while brainstorming activities for their sons’ troop. Little did they know their kitchen experiment would become a nationwide obsession.

What started as a simple craft quickly caught fire among local families. The concept was brilliantly simple: draw on special plastic, cut it out, bake it, and watch the magic happen as it shrinks to one-third its size while becoming nine times thicker.

The pair initially sold their kits at a local shopping mall, and within just four months, they’d racked up over $50,000 in sales—equivalent to over $300,000 today! Talk about a kitchen table business gone wild!

2. The Name’s Origin Story

Ever wondered who came up with that catchy, slightly silly name? Morris and Bloomberg hit naming gold when they dubbed their creation “Shrinky Dinks.” The playful, rhyming moniker perfectly captured the product’s transformative nature and appealed directly to kids’ sense of fun.

I’ve always thought the name sounds like something straight out of a children’s book—and that was exactly the point! The word “dink” was 1970s slang for something small or insignificant, making it the perfect descriptor for these shrinking plastic creations.

Marketing experts later praised the name as a stroke of genius that helped propel the product to success. The memorable, slightly wacky title made it instantly recognizable and fun to say—try saying “Shrinky Dinks” without smiling. Pretty much impossible, right?

3. From Mall Kiosk to Toy Empire

My cousin had one of the very first Shrinky Dinks kits purchased at that Brookfield Square Mall in Wisconsin where it all began. The inventors’ initial modest success selling at a local shopping center quickly snowballed into something much bigger.

Major toy companies soon came knocking. Milton Bradley, Colorforms, Western Publishing, and Skyline Toys all licensed the product, transforming a homegrown craft into a mass-market sensation. Each company created their own themed kits, expanding the reach far beyond what two moms could have managed alone.

By the mid-70s, Shrinky Dinks had gone from mall kiosk curiosity to toy store staple. The rapid expansion demonstrates how quickly a great idea can catch fire in the toy industry—especially when it’s affordable, creative, and delivers that magical “wow” moment kids crave.

4. The Science Behind the Shrink

The first time I saw Shrinky Dinks work, I was convinced it was some kind of sorcery. The truth is even cooler! The magic behind Shrinky Dinks lies in the molecular structure of polystyrene plastic sheets.

During manufacturing, the plastic is stretched out, causing its polymer molecules to become aligned in an unnatural state. When you apply heat (around 325°F), these molecules get energized and snap back to their original positions—like releasing a stretched rubber band. This molecular rearrangement causes the plastic to shrink in surface area while growing thicker.

Astonishingly, the colored designs remain intact throughout this transformation because the pigments are simply along for the ride as the plastic reorganizes itself. Scientists call this property “plastic memory,” and it’s the same principle that makes those expandable water toys work!

5. Pop Culture Explosion

Remember those rainbow unicorns and superhero Shrinky Dinks? My bedroom was practically a shrine to shrunken plastic characters! The craft’s popularity exploded when manufacturers secured licensing deals with the hottest properties of the era.

Star Wars, Barbie, Disney characters, Care Bears, and Strawberry Shortcake all got the Shrinky Dinks treatment. Kids could suddenly shrink their favorite movie and TV characters, creating personalized collectibles at home. For many children of the ’70s and ’80s, these character-themed sets were their introduction to the craft.

Companies quickly realized they could boost sales by tying Shrinky Dinks to whatever pop culture phenomenon was currently capturing kids’ attention. This marketing strategy worked brilliantly, as each new movie or cartoon release offered an opportunity to create themed kits that flew off shelves during holiday seasons.

6. Classroom Craft Revolution

Mrs. Peterson, my second-grade teacher, was the coolest because she incorporated Shrinky Dinks into our lessons! Forward-thinking educators across America embraced this craft as a stealth learning tool, using it to teach everything from art to science.

Teachers created custom educational activities where students would learn about symmetry by folding Shrinky Dinks, explore chemical reactions by watching the transformation, or practice measurement by predicting the final size. Some classrooms even used them for history projects, creating miniature artifacts or timeline pieces that students could take home.

School supply companies noticed this trend and developed specialized educational kits featuring alphabet letters, numbers, and shapes. These classroom-friendly versions helped cement Shrinky Dinks as more than just a toy—they became a legitimate teaching resource that made learning tactile and exciting.

7. DIY Jewelry Trend

My older sister’s homemade Shrinky Dink earrings were all the rage at her high school in 1985. She’d spend hours perfecting colorful designs, punching holes pre-shrink, then adding jump rings and earring hooks after baking.

The craft transcended children’s play when teenagers and adults discovered its potential for creating unique jewelry. Charm bracelets, necklace pendants, pins, and earrings became popular DIY projects. Fashion-forward crafters would create matching sets with coordinated designs, often giving them as personalized gifts.

Teen magazines featured tutorials showing readers how to create their own accessories, and craft stores began stocking special Shrinky Dinks jewelry kits with findings included. This trend expanded the product’s appeal beyond its original demographic, keeping sales strong even as the original users outgrew traditional children’s crafts.

8. Unexpected Scientific Applications

Who would have thought my favorite childhood craft would end up in a laboratory? In 2008, Professor Michelle Khine faced a problem: her university lab lacked the expensive equipment needed to create microfluidic devices for stem cell research. Her brilliant solution? Shrinky Dinks!

Khine drew patterns on Shrinky Dinks sheets, baked them, and used the shrunken, thickened plastic as molds for her microfluidic channels. This MacGyver-style workaround created perfectly sized microscopic structures at a fraction of traditional costs. Her innovation led to published research papers and eventually a company called Shrink Nanotechnologies.

Other scientists followed suit, using the craft material for various research applications from medical diagnostics to environmental sensors. It’s mind-blowing that a children’s toy revolutionized scientific research methods, making advanced technology more accessible to labs with limited resources!

9. The Band That Almost Wasn’t

The guys from Sugar Ray nearly got themselves into a sticky legal situation when they first formed their band in 1992. Originally, they called themselves “Shrinky Dinx” as a playful nod to the beloved craft toy. The name perfectly captured their fun, nostalgic vibe.

Unfortunately, Milton Bradley (the company that owned the Shrinky Dinks trademark) wasn’t amused by the unauthorized reference. They threatened legal action, forcing the band to quickly find a new identity. After some brainstorming, the group rebranded as “Sugar Ray,” named after famous boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.

Ironically, the name change didn’t hurt them one bit—they went on to achieve massive success with hits like “Fly” and “Every Morning.” Still, I can’t help wondering what might have been if they’d stuck with their original craft-inspired moniker. Would we be singing along to Shrinky Dinx on the radio?

10. Recycling Before It Was Cool

My eco-conscious aunt taught me this hack back in the day—not all Shrinky Dinks had to come from a store-bought kit! Number 6 plastic (polystyrene) containers, like those clear clamshells used for bakery items, could be transformed into DIY shrink plastic.

Crafty families would save these containers, cut them into flat pieces, sand them lightly for better marker adhesion, then use them exactly like commercial Shrinky Dinks. This recycling trick became especially popular during the 1980s as environmental awareness grew. Thrifty parents loved the money-saving aspect, while kids enjoyed the satisfaction of turning trash into treasure.

Some teachers even incorporated this recycling technique into classroom science projects, demonstrating both polymer science and environmental responsibility. The practice continues today among eco-friendly crafters who share tutorials online, proving that the Shrinky Dinks concept has timeless appeal even in our sustainability-focused world.

11. The Shrinking Process Revealed

The first time I watched my Shrinky Dinks creation curl up in the oven, I nearly had a heart attack thinking I’d ruined it! Parents everywhere reassured panicking children that this alarming curling was completely normal—even expected.

Here’s what actually happens: as the plastic heats unevenly, some areas shrink faster than others, causing the dramatic curling effect. Eventually, as the temperature equalizes throughout the plastic, it flattens back out into its final, shrunken form. The whole process takes just 1-3 minutes at 325°F.

The finished product ends up approximately one-third its original size but nine times thicker and significantly more rigid. Colors become more intense as pigments concentrate in the smaller area. This transformation fascinated kids and adults alike, with many crafters positioning themselves in front of the oven window to watch the entire magical process unfold.

12. Global Phenomenon

My pen pal from Germany sent me Shrinky Dinks in 1985—I was shocked they had them too! What started as an American craft sensation quickly spread worldwide, eventually reaching over 40 countries across multiple continents.

International versions sometimes featured region-specific characters and instructions in various languages, but the core concept remained identical. In Japan, the craft aligned perfectly with the culture’s appreciation for miniaturization and kawaii (cute) aesthetics. European markets embraced educational versions that taught local history and geography.

The global appeal stemmed from the craft’s universal elements: it was affordable, required minimal setup, delivered consistent results, and provided that magical transformation moment that transcends language barriers.

13. The ’90s Slump and Revival

The arrival of video games and digital entertainment in the 1990s hit Shrinky Dinks hard. I remember my younger cousins choosing Nintendo over crafts—a sign of changing times as traditional toys faced fierce competition from screens and digital experiences.

Sales declined sharply as the decade progressed, with many predicting the end of the beloved craft. The product never completely disappeared but retreated to craft store shelves rather than mainstream toy departments.

Adults who grew up with Shrinky Dinks wanted to share the experience with their own children. Manufacturers responded with updated kits featuring contemporary characters and improved materials. The craft also found new audiences through the growing DIY and maker movements, with crafting influencers showcasing creative new applications on early social media platforms.

14. Collector’s Corner

Would you believe my cousin’s unopened 1978 Star Wars Shrinky Dinks kit sold for $175 at a toy collectors’ convention? Original Shrinky Dinks packages, especially character-themed sets from the 1970s and early 1980s, have become surprisingly valuable collectibles.

Vintage toy enthusiasts particularly prize unopened kits featuring discontinued characters or limited edition releases. The most valuable tend to be licensed sets tied to major franchises like Star Wars, early superhero designs, and holiday special editions.

Online auction sites regularly feature these nostalgic items, with prices ranging from $20 for common used sets to several hundred dollars for rare mint-condition packages.

15. Crafting Communities Form

My mom’s Shrinky Dinks club would meet every other Thursday in our basement—six women trading techniques and templates while sipping wine and laughing. These crafting circles popped up organically across America, bringing together creative minds to explore the medium’s possibilities.

The social aspect of Shrinky Dinks contributed significantly to its longevity. Craft groups would hold workshops, exchange custom-designed templates, and showcase their creations.

These gatherings fostered experimentation with advanced techniques like layering, embedding materials, and creating 3D structures. The community aspect elevated Shrinky Dinks from a children’s activity to a legitimate creative medium with its own devoted practitioners, techniques, and traditions—much like scrapbooking or quilting circles of the same era.

16. Professional Artists Embrace the Medium

The gallery opening I attended in 2012 featured something unexpected—sophisticated Shrinky Dinks art selling for hundreds of dollars! Several professional artists have elevated this children’s craft to fine art status, creating complex pieces that showcase the medium’s unique properties.

Artists like Katy Krantz and April Childers incorporate Shrinky Dinks into mixed media installations, appreciating how the material distorts and intensifies during the shrinking process. Others create intricate jewelry that transcends craft store quality, using specialized techniques to achieve glass-like finishes or complex layered effects.

Some contemporary artists deliberately embrace the nostalgic associations, creating works that comment on childhood, memory, and pop culture through this distinctly retro medium. Art schools occasionally feature Shrinky Dinks in experimental materials courses, introducing new generations to its creative possibilities.

17. The Digital Age Transformation

I nearly fell off my chair when I discovered printable Shrinky Dinks sheets for my inkjet printer in 2005! The craft has successfully adapted to the digital era with specialized printable sheets that run through home printers, allowing for incredibly detailed designs impossible to achieve by hand.

Online communities share downloadable templates and digital designs specifically sized for the shrinking process. Social media platforms feature hashtags dedicated to Shrinky Dinks creations, where crafters exchange tips and showcase their work.

Modern makers combine traditional Shrinky Dinks with contemporary tools like laser cutters for precision shapes or digital design software for complex patterns. This blend of nostalgic craft with digital technology has introduced Shrinky Dinks to younger generations while giving tech-savvy adults new ways to engage with a childhood favorite.

18. The TikTok Renaissance

The 2020 pandemic lockdowns sparked yet another Shrinky Dinks revival that caught me completely by surprise! Confined to their homes, people rediscovered this classic craft and began sharing their creations on TikTok and Instagram, introducing it to Generation Z.

Young creators put fresh spins on the vintage activity, creating everything from anime-inspired jewelry to custom gaming tokens. The hashtag #ShrinkDinks accumulated millions of views as users shared time-lapse videos of the dramatic shrinking process.

Manufacturers reported significant sales increases during this period, with some retailers struggling to keep the product in stock. This latest resurgence demonstrates the craft’s remarkable staying power across generations. Something about watching plastic magically transform in the oven continues to captivate new audiences, regardless of how many digital distractions compete for their attention.

19. The Enduring Magic

Last Christmas, I watched my seven-year-old niece experience the same wide-eyed wonder I felt four decades ago as her Shrinky Dinks transformed in the oven. Some toys come and go, but Shrinky Dinks has achieved something remarkable—multigenerational staying power.

What explains this endurance? Perhaps it’s the perfect blend of creativity, science, and magic. The craft allows for personal expression while delivering a predictable yet seemingly miraculous transformation. The finished pieces become lasting keepsakes that preserve a moment of childhood creativity.

Few toys can claim an active presence in American homes for nearly 50 years. From its humble beginnings as a Cub Scout project to its current status as a crafting classic, Shrinky Dinks has remained essentially unchanged because its fundamental appeal is timeless.