The History of Slime: From Toy to Stress Reliever

We all feel stressed sometimes. That's why people are always looking for new ways to relax. One surprising way is slime—that gooey, stretchy stuff that kids (and grown-ups) love to play with. But how did slime go from being just a sticky toy to something that helps people relieve stress?

Examining slime's history will help you better understand why it has captivated people of all ages.

Are you a parent curious about its benefits, a teacher using it in the classroom, or someone exploring ways to relax?

In this article, we'll talk about where slime came from, how it changed from a kid's toy to a stress-relief tool, and whether it really helps people relax.

What is the origin of slime?

Our ancestors first discovered the first slime recipes in ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, for example, a simple glue made of water, flaxseed, and animal fat was used. Animal hooves were used by the ancient Romans to create glue that resembled the original glues used to make slime.

Chemist James Wright accidentally discovered the recipe for Silly Putty in 1943 while working on a project to create synthetic rubber.

Although Silly Putty was not the sticky material we now associate with slime, it was a major advancement in the development of new, tactile materials.

In reality, slime began as a toy in the 1970s. Mattel's "Flubber" toy was based on the sticky substance from the Disney movie The Absent-Minded Professor. Slime was first marketed as a toy, and it thrilled children and piqued their curiosity about the squishy, stretchy material.

Produced from borax (sodium tetraborate) and guar gum (polysaccharide), the substance would hold its semi-solid shape for a considerable amount of time, provided that you put it back in its designated "trash can" and sealed it tightly after playing. Those who neglected this crucial step later discovered their gooey substance had become a crunchy and rigid mess.

It was close to the top of most Christmas lists for its 14-year run till 1990. Of particular note for this was the "gross fun" kid set, which included worms, rubber insects, and even eyeballs in their reissues.

In the late 1970s, Mattel also developed a board game called Slime Monster. In this game, players move about the board while dodging the repulsive green Slime monster that awaits them if they are unlucky enough to land on the space beneath it.

The evolution of slime

Like many popular things, slime didn't stay the same. It changed a lot over the years, both in how it was made and how people used it. Other businesses and brands imitated and produced their own slime.

Kenner and the Ecto-Plazm Play Gel

The second business to develop and use a slime variant in multiple ways was Kenner. This time, the emphasis was on its Real Ghostbusters toy line. The Real Ghostbusters animation includes the characters from the 1984 live-action Ghostbusters movie.

Kenner produced a purple/pink slime variant in 1987 that they dubbed Ecto-Plazm Play Gel. Red, yellow, and blue were eventually added to the line. Kenner then used and included its Ecto-Plazm in five action toys and one play set.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Toys

The second toy line to use Slime was Playmates' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle series of toys. In reference to the turtles' manufacturing process, the slime used in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is called Retromutagen Ooze.

This moniker links the slime to the substances that gave rise to the Turtles (as well as Marvel's Daredevil's abilities, as suggested in the first independent comic). The Retromutagen Ooze was first exclusively offered in a closed bucket, just like its counterparts. Eventually, Playmate began including the Ooze in their toy sets.

Green Goo from Nickelodeon

Slime gained popularity in the 1980s because of Nickelodeon's green slime. Slime, also known as Gak, was applied to anyone who said, "I don't know," beginning with the children's comedic show You Can't Do That On Television in Canada.

Slime gained so much popularity that it was often used on the Nickelodeon game series Figure It Out, Wild and Crazy Kids, and Double Dare. Some celebrities could get a slime bath at the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards.

The network added slime to game shows like "Double Dare" as an amusing and messy touch. This publicity pushed slime into the public eye and solidified its image as a vibrant and impulsive symbol.

You might also like: Why DIY Crafting is the Perfect Educational Activity.

The internet revolution and Do-It-Yourself slime

The real slime revolution came with the advent of the digital age. Today, slime has reached its peak popularity. A whole industry of slime shops and slime-related products is popping up online.

These stores sell a wide range of slime, including glittery, scented, and even edible varieties, as well as plain white glue slime. Additionally, many of these stores sell DIY slime-making kits that allow kids and adults to make homemade slime.

Slime enthusiasts and influencers have used social media to promote this well-liked toy, which has helped slime businesses expand. However, it also highlights slime's enduring appeal. Stretching a ball of slime in your hands is unquestionably enjoyable and fulfilling, regardless of age.

How effective is slime as a stress reliever?

While there hasn't been a lot of scientific research specifically about slime and stress, there are some reasons why it might help:

• Calming effect: Touching and playing with slime can make it feel good and calming.
• Helps you focus: Playing with slime can help you focus on the present moment, which can be relaxing.
• Can be distracting: Playing with slime can take your mind off stressful things for a while.
• It might remind you of your childhood: For some people, slime might bring back happy memories from when they were kids.
• ASMR connection: For some, slime plays directly into ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), where sensory stimulation can bring a feeling of relaxation. The sound of slime being manipulated, especially varieties that include “crunchy” or textured elements, can trigger a positive sensory response that many people find deeply relaxing.

Many people say they feel more relaxed after playing with slime. Some educators and therapists even use slime to treat patients with anxiety or sensory problems.

However, it is important to remember that slime cannot heal tension or anxiety. It might be more helpful to relieve stress for some people than for others. If you are under a lot of stress or anxiety, speak with your doctor or therapist before using slime by itself.

Takeaway: Slime beyond a toy is a powerful stress reliever

Slime has evolved from a gross-out toy to a do-it-yourself tool and possible stress reliever. Its story shows how our ideas about toys have changed, how social media has affected what we do, and how we're always looking for new ways to deal with stress.

Why not give slime a try today? Make sure the kit meets safety standards and encourages hands-on learning.

The DIY kits at Méli&Mélo are not just stress-relievers; they also provide eco-friendly, hands-on learning experiences. The slime kits are CE-certified and made of recyclable, safe ingredients that meet the highest European standards, making them a sustainable and relaxing way to play.

Get a Méli&Mélo slime kit today. You might be surprised at how good it feels when you squish and stretch it.