Ethan Clarke
The plastic Easter egg was first introduced in London in the 1950s, with Peoria Plastics Co. entering the market in 1958. However, it wasn't until 1978 that the father-and-son duo of Erwin and Donald Weder from Illinois patented the hinged plastic Easter egg, revolutionizing the post-holiday clean-up process for parents. The hinged design, with a small plastic hinge binding the two halves together, allowed treats to be concealed while also reducing the number of discarded egg pieces to pick up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year plastic eggs came out | 1978 |
| Inventor | Erwin and Donald Weder |
| Inventor's company | Highland Supply Corporation of Highland, Illinois |
| Inventor's industry | Floriculture |
| Inventor's U.S. patents | 1,413 |
| Inventor's father | Inventor of the beauty corsage container in 1937 |
| Plastic egg type | Hinged |
| Plastic egg features | A small plastic hinge binding both pieces together |
| Plastic egg contents | Candy, toys, figurines or any other items |
| Plastic egg size | 2 ⅜ inches long and 1 ½ inches wide |
| Plastic egg material | Safe, recyclable, lead-free, FDA-approved |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic Easter eggs were patented in 1978
The abstract for the patent describes the egg as follows:
> “the Easter egg may be opened or closed to enable candy, toys, figurines or any other items desired to be placed therein so that they will appear to be inaccessible but yet the e [gg] can be reopened for the enjoyment of the person finding the egg.”
The Weder family has a history of invention. Erwin Weder, the son's father, invented the beauty corsage container in 1937, using parts from a wringer washing machine and a treadle sewing machine. Donald Weder, the son, is one of America's most prolific inventors, with over 1,400 U.S. patents to his name—more than Thomas Edison. He is the president of Highland Supply Corporation of Highland, Illinois, a major player in the floriculture industry, which inspires many of his inventions.
While the Weders' hinged plastic Easter egg was patented in 1978, plastic Easter eggs had been in production since the 1950s. In 1958, Peoria Plastics Co. was described as a "newcomer to the egg market," and the company began producing Easter eggs that decade.
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Father-son duo invented them
The plastic Easter egg, a staple of modern Easter celebrations, was first introduced to the market in the 1960s, but the idea for these colourful, reusable eggs can be traced back to the creativity of a father-son duo, Richard and Peter Irenyi. Their invention, the 'Magic Egg', revolutionized Easter traditions and offered a more durable and environmentally friendly alternative to real eggs.
Richard Irenyi, a Hungarian refugee who fled to the United States in 1956, settled in Los Angeles and worked as a tool and die maker. Together with his son, Peter, they ran a small business making plastic items like hangers and toys. It was during this time that they had the idea to create something special for Easter. Peter, who was a teenager at the time, came up with the concept of a two-part plastic egg that could be filled with candy and hidden for children to find. The Irenyis set to work designing and creating a prototype.
The 'Magic Egg' was born out of their innovation and creativity. These plastic eggs consisted of two halves that snapped together securely, ensuring that whatever treats were hidden inside would stay safely in place. This design also allowed for the eggs to be reused year after year, a significant improvement on the traditional practice of using real eggs, which were fragile and perishable. The Irenyis' invention offered a fun and practical solution, ensuring that Easter egg hunts could be enjoyed by children and families for years to come.
Recognizing the potential of their invention, Richard and Peter Irenyi began selling their 'Magic Eggs' to variety stores and five-and-dime stores in the Los Angeles area. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and soon, their plastic eggs became a popular choice for Easter celebrations. The Irenyis' small business grew, and they began mass-producing the eggs, supplying them to stores across the country. Their success inspired other manufacturers to create similar products, leading to the widespread availability and variety of plastic Easter eggs that we see today.
The impact of the Irenyis' invention extends beyond convenience and durability. Plastic Easter eggs have become a beloved symbol of the holiday, with people getting creative in how they use and decorate them. They have become a canvas for self-expression, with people painting, glittering, and adorning them to create unique works of art. The humble plastic egg has also inspired new traditions, with many families now opting to include plastic eggs in their Easter celebrations, creating lasting memories and continuing the legacy of the Irenyis' invention.
Today, plastic Easter eggs are a ubiquitous sight during the spring holiday season, and their popularity continues to grow. The father-son duo of Richard and Peter Irenyi may not have imagined the enduring impact their invention would have, but their 'Magic Egg' has left an indelible mark on Easter traditions, bringing joy and creating memories for families worldwide. Their story serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of traditions adapted for modern times.
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Used for treats
Plastic eggs have been used for treats since at least 1978, when the "Hinged Plastic Easter Egg" was patented by father-and-son inventors Erwin and Donald Weder from Illinois. Their invention, which features a small plastic hinge binding both halves of the egg together, is designed to conceal treats such as candy, toys, and figurines inside. This design significantly reduced the post-holiday clean-up process for parents, as they no longer had to match discarded egg halves with their correct pieces. Instead, they only had to deal with one whole egg.
Today, plastic eggs continue to be used for treats, especially during Easter and Halloween. National Entertainment Technologies, Inc. offers plastic eggs containing one toy or piece of candy, as well as bulk empty Easter and harvest eggs that can be filled with desired treats. These eggs are made from safe, lead-free, FDA-approved, and highly recyclable materials. They are also approximately the size of a real egg, measuring 2 ⅜ inches long and 1 ½ inches wide.
The use of plastic eggs for treats has become a popular alternative to traditional real eggs, which symbolize birth, resurrection, and fertility. Plastic eggs offer a more durable and reusable option, making them ideal for Easter egg hunts and other festive events. They also provide a fun and interactive way to present treats to children, adding an element of surprise and excitement.
In addition to treats, plastic eggs can also be used for decorative purposes, such as Halloween-themed events and Easter celebrations. The versatility of plastic eggs allows for creative and festive displays, enhancing the overall holiday experience. Whether filled with treats or used as decorations, plastic eggs have become a staple for many seasonal traditions, bringing joy and delight to people of all ages.
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Used in Easter egg hunts
Plastic eggs are now commonly used in Easter egg hunts, but they weren't always available for this purpose. In fact, it was only in 1978 that the plastic Easter egg was patented by father-and-son inventors, Erwin and Donald Weder, from Illinois. Their invention was a simple yet effective concept: a hinged plastic Easter egg that could be filled with treats such as candy, toys, and figurines. This design meant that children could no longer see the treats inside, adding an element of surprise to Easter egg hunts. Additionally, the hinge reduced the number of plastic pieces that parents had to clean up after the holiday, making it a convenient option for families.
The Weder family has a history of innovation. Erwin Weder, the father, invented the beauty corsage container in 1937 using parts from a wringer washing machine and a treadle sewing machine. He also claimed to have invented the folding Christmas tree and the aerosol can, although credit for these inventions went to other inventors. Donald Weder, the son, is the president of Highland Supply Corporation in Illinois, a company that is a major player in the floriculture industry. Many of his inventions and patents are inspired by this industry, including the first Florist Foil and its successor, Plastifoil, flower pot covers, and decorative grass-like plastic material used in Easter baskets.
The hinged plastic Easter egg invented by the Weders has had a significant impact on Easter traditions, especially Easter egg hunts. These plastic eggs are now widely available and can be purchased in bulk, filled with candy or small toys. They are made from safe, recyclable materials, ensuring that children can enjoy their treats without harming the environment. The ability to fill the eggs with treats of choice also allows for customisation and creativity in Easter celebrations.
While some may prefer traditional real eggs for Easter egg hunts, the convenience, durability, and versatility of plastic eggs have made them a popular choice for many families. They eliminate the mess and fragility associated with real eggs, ensuring a stress-free and fun experience for both children and parents during the Easter holiday.
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Also used for Halloween
Plastic eggs, which became popular in the 1970s, are typically associated with Easter. They are often filled with candy and used in Easter egg hunts. However, plastic eggs have also found a place in Halloween celebrations. N.E.T. Egg's Halloween eggs, also known as Harvest Eggs, are half orange and half black, and they glow under a black light. These plastic eggs can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your Halloween festivities.
One way to use these glowing plastic eggs is to create a spooky ambiance for your Halloween gathering. You can string them up as part of a garland or hang them from trees to create a spectral effect. For a more eerie display, nestle them amidst faux cobwebs or place them in shadowy corners, creating unexpected luminous accents. If you want to add an interactive element, try crafting a "glowing graveyard" by partially burying the eggs among tombstone decorations, inviting guests to explore with blacklights.
Another idea is to organise a Halloween egg hunt with a twist. Choose a suitable indoor or outdoor space, dim the lights, and scatter the glowing eggs in various hiding spots. Provide participants with blacklight flashlights to navigate the eerie quest. To enhance the fun, incorporate Halloween-themed challenges or puzzles that participants must solve to find the eggs. You can even set up themed zones, such as a "Witch's Lair" or "Vampire's Crypt," for a more immersive experience.
Additionally, these plastic eggs can be filled with unique treats and surprises, making them perfect for trick-or-treaters or community egg exchanges. With their blacklight responsiveness, N.E.T. Egg's Halloween eggs offer a creative and exciting way to celebrate the holiday, engaging both children and adults alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic Easter eggs were patented in 1978 by Erwin and Donald Weder, a father-son duo from Illinois.
Plastic Easter eggs are used to conceal treats such as candy, toys, and figurines. They are also used for decoration.
Plastic Easter eggs are more convenient than real eggs as they do not need to be matched with their corresponding halves during post-holiday clean-up.
Plastic Easter eggs can be purchased from companies such as National Entertainment Technologies, Inc.
