Whoever thought building blocks would be an ingenious toy that would gain worldwide popularity and become a timeless icon? One Danish carpenter did, back in 1932. Ole Kirk Christiansen from Billun, Denmark fashioned the pieces from wooden blocks and thus was borne Lego (from the Danish words “leg godt” meaning “play well.”).

Although Christiansen started the company back in the 1930’s it took over 30 years before they were able to get the design and the proper materials to produce the interlocking blocks. Now, 75 years later, Lego is the world’s biggest construction toy manufacturer and the sixth largest manufacturer of toys. With global sales of over US$1.3 billion Lego is still making good play.