If you grew up in the 190s or 1990s, you are probably familiar with these stuffed plushes. We’re, of course, talking about the Glo Worm, a Hasbro’s Playskool toy that had a worm body and a light-up head. When you took this plush with you to sleep, you could squeeze its body, and the battery would activate the light. Then, a peaceful slumber was guaranteed!
The original Glo Worm plush toy was released in 1982, and it became an instant success (so much so that I remember having one whole growing up in Argentina – where toys were usually few and costly). The first version was the familiar green Glo Worm with the yellow head, but Hasbro saw the great numbers as the perfect opportunity to create more toys for the Glo Worm line.
In this article, I will share everything you need to know about Glo Worms, from how they were conceived to their rising popularity and the versions of the toy that followed us up to even this day! So, let’s get started, shall we?
Want to go shopping? Go to our Glo Worm merch page to see all the available products inspired by this vintage toy line.
The First Glo Worm Toys
The first ever Glo Worm plush was manufactured in Pawtucket, Rhode Island 🔗. The brand behind the successful toy was Hasbro, and the worm was designed by the Playskool division.
So, what animal is the Glo Worm supposed to represent? The agreement seems to be: A larva. Yep, you read that right. A larva in pajamas. Of course, glow worms are also an inspiration for this toy’s design, but they are not the cuddly green soft toy you might imagine. Glow worms are, in fact, beetles. They do have bioluminescent bodies, so Hasbro got that right. The purpose of the light? To attract mates. So, yeah, not the same thing!
How Did the Glo Worm Toy Work?
The mechanism behind the Glo Worm‘s success was quite straightforward: The worm body had a battery-powered device (did you open your Glo Worm? I did mine, of course, and broke it!). When you squeezed this device, the toy would light up the vinyl head, which had a lamp inside. The resulting glow was warm and comforting, the reason why so many kids have incredible memories of this lovely vintage toy. Today, most of the original battery containers (in the vintage Glo Worm toys) are no longer functional. So, many collectors remove the whole thing or replace it with a newer system that uses LEDs and rechargeable batteries instead.
Hasbro's Glo Worm Line and Related Toys
Hasbro and Playskool quickly saw that Glo Worm had the potential to boost the company, so they immediately jumped at the chance to expand the line. The toy that followed the original worm was the Musical Glo Worm, which included various merchandise such as night lights, storybooks, videos, and other products. These actually continued well into the 1990s.
In 1986, several other items were created and sold by Hasbro and Playskool. These were typically called “Glo-” something and were usually made of vinyl. Most of them, however, did not glow like the original worm. The toys received the name Glo Friends, and were made popular in particular because they were distributed by the fast-food chain Wendy through the late 1980s.
In 1989, Wendy also released 13 soft vinyl Glo Worm toys (they were Glo Snugbug, Glo Cricket, Glo Snail, Glo Butterfly, Glo Grannybug, Glo Clutterbug, Glo Doodlebug, Glo Bug, Glo Bashfulbug, Glo Skunkbug, Glo Bookbug, Glo Bopbug, Glo worm, and Glo Nikkibug). There were also a few other characters, including the Glo Turtle which was a case you could use to carry your toys.
When Did Hasbro Stop Selling Glo Worms?
Unfortunately, Hasbro had to stop the production of the Glo Worm and the Music Glo Worm line in 2005. The reason was that the products were seen then as potentially harming children. In particular, because the head vinyl contained something called phthalates, or phthalate esters. This is a plasticizer that can be dangerous if ingested. Hence, the toy line as we knew it originally was discontinued.
Find Original Vintage Glo Worm Merch and Gifts
Luckily, many kids who loved their Glo Worms have kept them in excellent condition, so it’s still possible to find playsets and toys today. Below, you will find the original vintage toys; you can click on them to read more about each and find a link to try and locate some of this merch second-hand. See all Glo Worm merch and gifts here >
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Nikkibug
Known for its stylish flair and glowing presence, Glo Nikkibug adds a touch of glamour and confidence to the Glo Friends, inspiring kids to express their unique style.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Skunkbug
Recognizable by its soft glow and skunk-like appearance, Glo Skunkbug is a playful, misunderstood friend who brings humor and heart to the Glo Friends group.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Cricket
Known for its love of music and gentle glow, Glo Cricket adds a melodic charm to the group, often seen strumming its tiny instrument and bringing joy to bedtime.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Bopbug
Known for its playful and bouncy personality, Glo Bopbug stands out with its glowing body and springy design, bringing fun and excitement to the Glo Friends group.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Butterfly
Known for its beautiful wings and gentle, glowing presence, Glo Butterfly embodies elegance and freedom, offering comfort and inspiration to children at bedtime.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Bashfulbug
Recognizable by its gentle glow and endearing, bashful demeanor, Glo Bashfulbug provides quiet comfort to children, embodying the gentle spirit of those who are a little more reserved.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Clutterbug
Known for its slightly messy and scatterbrained personality, Glo Clutterbug stands out with a glow-in-the-dark body and a design that reflects its love of collecting and organizing knick-knacks, making it an endearing and relatable companion for kids.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Grannybug
Distinguished by her grandmotherly appearance, including a tiny bonnet and glasses, Glo Grannybug glows softly in the dark and offers comfort and guidance to the other Glo Friends, embodying the warmth of a caring elder.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Bug
Known for its bright and cheerful personality, Glo Bug is characterized by its glowing body and friendly, insect-like appearance, providing comfort and companionship to children during bedtime.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Doodlebug
Known for its playful and artistic personality, Glo Doodlebug stands out with its vibrant, glow-in-the-dark body and a paintbrush tail, embodying creativity and imagination. It became a cherished companion for kids, particularly as a soothing presence at night.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Snail
Glo Snail, known for its gentle and kind nature, features a soft, glow-in-the-dark body with a cozy, snail-shell backpack. Like the other Glo Friends, it has a charming design aimed at providing comfort and companionship to children, particularly at bedtime.
Vintage Glo Worm Friends: Glo Snugbug
The Vintage Glo Worm Friends series features Glo Snugbug, a beloved toy from the 1990s. Glo Snugbug has a cute, insect-like design with soft plush fabric and a bright color palette.
Vintage Glo Worm Musical Glo Land Hasbro 1985
The Vintage Glo Worm Musical Glo Land from Hasbro, released in 1985, includes the Glo Worm, a musical swing, and various pieces of furniture, creating an imaginative environment for young children.
World’s Smallest Glow Worm (Lights Up!)
The World’s Smallest Glow Worm is an officially licensed Hasbro product that captures the nostalgic charm of the original Glo Worm in a compact size. This adorable miniature version features a squeeze-activated mechanism that lights up.
New Glo Worm Soft Stuffed Soother Doll Hasbro Playskool
The New Glo Worm Soft Stuffed Soother Doll from Hasbro Playskool is a comforting companion for babies and toddlers. Equipped with a smart cry sensor, it detects a baby’s cries and activates soothing sounds and a gentle glowing light.
Original 1980s Vintage Glo Worm Doll Hasbro Playskool
Featuring a soft, plush body and a light-up head activated by squeezing, this beloved toy provides comfort and a soothing glow for little ones at bedtime. A perfect keepsake for both collectors and parents.
