Toy Hoops that twirled around the body has been enjoyed since time immemorial. But it was only in 1958 when the lightweight plastic version was invented by the Wham-O toy company. It was called the Hula Hoop. And it became a best-seller and international sensation, with sales reaching more than 100 million units in two years. The toy has since been inducted to the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.