Uncovering the history and culture of one of the world’s most popular toys, a short publication documenting history, artwork and textures.

In the early 1990s, a cardboard craze swept over playgrounds across the world. Samll, round and brightly decorated. Milk caps or POGs became more than just a game. They were a cultural phenomenon, a collectible obsession, and a vibrant snapshot of the era’s bold and chaotic design aesthetic. Originally inspired by a simple game from Hawaii, milk caps exploded into mainstream popularity almost overnight. Featuring everything from cartoon characters and skate brands, to surreal graphics and slogans, these caps became a canvas for creativity and culture, but also acted as little billboards for a variety of brands. For a brief moment, slamming stacks of cardboard was the coolest thing a kid could do.

It was 1927 in Hawaii, and a new brand of fruit juice called POG was introduced. On top of each bottle was a small round cardboard lid/cap.

The 1930s were the years of the Great Depression, where thousands of people lost their jobs, and had no money to spend on toys. This led to children making their own games, one of which involved the caps from the juice drinks. The idea was to flip the caps, and it became known as POGs. The children drew designs on these caps and made Kinis (slammers) which were 3 caps glued together. Popularity eventually faded. Until Blosson Galbiso, a school teacher who had played POGs growing up with her friends in the 30s introduced the game to her pupils in 91. The game of POGs spread once more. In 93, POGs spread to California, then state after state. National tournaments were organised, and other brands were formed to compete. POGs were then launched in the UK at the beginning of 95, where the craze only lasted a brief year before dying once more.

A 180 page art book, each copy including an authentic cap.

“Life is more fun if you play games.” 

~Roald Dahl