Playing with toys has always been fun for me. I remember, during my childhood days, I was fond of playing with toys and still I have many toys such as building sets, board games, skateboards, airplanes, trains, kid-friendly drum sets, and picture books. Among these, many are gifts that my Mama and Papa gave me on my birthdays and the times when I made them proud by scoring distinctions.
Toys are more than just playthings. These toys like Clackers are keys to unlocking memories and imagination. Childhood memories are often made up of simple joys: laughter, and adventure, and the toys add or bring us endless pleasure.
My most prized toy is the one that my uncle brought for me from the US. It’s an amazing clacker. I am sure you have seen it several times but many of you don’t know its real name. 
Clackers are popularly known as Click Clacks or Clackin' Balls. The toy consists of two plastic balls connected by a string or elastic cord. When swung, the balls click or clack together, creating a rhythmic sound.
The beginning of Clacker Toys is itself a story that tells us how and why it was made, and how they add joy to our leisure time. Clackers are iconic, deafening, and addictive toys that brought delight to the children in the 1970s. The exact origin of Clackers is unclear, but they are believed to have emerged in the late 1960s or early 1970s. 
It is believed that Clackers became a cultural phenomenon in the early 1970s, particularly among children and teenagers. They were marketed as a fun, easy-to-use toy that could be played with anywhere. The distinctive clicking sound became a staple of 1970s playgrounds and homes.
Due to its growing popularity in schools, colleges, towns, and cities, safety concerns rose. The Clackers were immediately banned in some schools and cities due to noise complaints and fears of eye injuries from the flying balls. 
Despite their relatively short-lived popularity, clackers remain a nostalgic favorite among many who grew up with them. They have also inspired variations and similar toys over the years. Today, vintage Clackers are sought after by collectors, and modern versions can still be found in toy stores and online.    
The original Clackers can be traced back and its classic version, typically made up of plastic or acrylic, with two identical balls connected by a string or elastic cord. There were also metal Clackers. These were a variation featuring metal balls, often with a more robust sound. Wooden Clackers were Eco-friendly versions made from wood, sometimes with a more muted sound. Balls in non-spherical shapes, such as animal-shaped Clackers like cats, dogs, and birds, and fruit-shaped Clackers such as apples and bananas were also among popular Clackers in the early days. Last but not least is colored Clackers sets featuring balls in various colors, sometimes with matching or contrasting strings.
Clackers, with their rhythmic clicks and nostalgic appeal, have left an enduring mark on the world of toys. From their humble beginnings in the 1970s to their resurgence as collectibles today, these iconic toys continue to captivate children and adults alike.
As I reflect on my childhood memories, I can't help but smile at the countless hours spent playing with my trusty Clackers. The simple joy of swinging the balls, listening to the satisfying sound, and feeling the rhythm in my hand is a treasure I cherish.
While the popularity of Clackers may have waned over the years, their legacy lives on. Whether you're a child rediscovering the magic of a classic toy or an adult seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Clackers offer a timeless source of entertainment and joy.