2. Our Version of Video Games
Nothing better than running water through Waterful Ring Toss and gathering plastic rings on the spikes. Every 90s child’s childhood consisted mostly on this, and fortunately, it still exists now. After hours of searching for every ring, successfully felt like winning the child lotto. Still, dropping a ring down the sink was a true heartbreak; the first of many adult ones to come.
Parents used to take their children to the dentist’s office solely to have them excited about one thing: receiving these as a prize at the end of the visit. The Waterful Ring Toss tested hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and skill as much as it was a game. Recall the annoyance of almost having all the rings and then having that final one fiercely object to cooperate? Alternatively the gratification of at last perfect technique mastery allowing all the rings to land in record speed. Our version of success was unlocked long before video game systems were mainstay in homes: these basic water games Not to mention the inventiveness it inspired—from attempting to cheat by tilting the game (which never actually worked) to designing our own challenges for extra difficulty. The best aspect is Just a little water and a lot of will are needed; no batteries. Many times, these games taught us perseverance, the delight of little successes, and how to handle little failures, so preparing us for the demands of adulthood. Who knew a plastic toy loaded with water could be such a great life lesson?
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