Burt Meyer, the visionary designer behind toys like Rock’em Sock’em Robots, Lite-Brite, Mouse Trap, and Toss Across, has passed away at 99. “The kinds of toys that lit up living rooms, sparked lifelong friendships, and turned ordinary afternoons into unforgettable adventures,” his creations shaped childhoods across generations.
Meyer emerged in post-World War II America, a time of rapid technological change. Plastics became cheaper, electronics entered homes, and parents sought new opportunities for their children. Meyer combined “the imagination of a child” with “the disciplined mind of an engineer,” turning whimsical ideas into functioning toys that were innovative, durable, and endlessly fun.
Lite-Brite, one of his most iconic inventions, was inspired in 1966 by a glowing Manhattan window display. While engineers doubted its feasibility, Meyer designed “a child-safe illuminated box” with black paper sheets and colorful pegs that glowed when lit. Tim Walsh wrote that “while ideas are abundant, execution is the true test of imagination. Meyer passed that test.” Lite-Brite became one of Time magazine’s 100 greatest toys and remains popular today.
Meyer also reinvented Rock’em Sock’em Robots. After a real boxing controversy, he shifted the concept to robots, saying, “This is too good to pass up. Let’s take it away from humanity — let’s make it robots. And we won’t have them fall over; we’ll have something funny happen.” The result, with Red Rocker and Blue Bomber, became a chaotic, unforgettable hit.
Burt Meyer’s legacy lives on through the memories his toys created: glowing Lite-Brite art, Mouse Trap’s chain reactions, robot battles, laughter, and imagination. “Your toys didn’t just entertain us — they shaped our memories, strengthened our friendships, and taught us how to explore the world with imagination and curiosity.” His influence continues to shine across generations.
