During the post–World War II baby boom era, Ideal became the largest doll-making company in the United States.

Morris and Rose Michtom founded the "Ideal Novelty and Toy Company" in Brooklyn when they invented the Teddy bear in 1903.

Weintraub, the son-in-law of Abraham Katz, joined the company in 1941 and rose to become president, chairman of the board, and chief executive officer.

In late 1971, Ideal joined the New York Stock Exchange; valued at $71 million, it was one of the U.S.'s top three toy companies.

The company wanted to build a new plant in College Point, Queens, but was unable to strike a deal with the Lindsay administration.

Consequently, the company opened a new facility in Newark, New Jersey, in the early 1970s, while continuing to operate its factory in Hollis.

[17] In May 1981, Joseph Winkler was named Ideal's president, succeeding Lionel Weintraub, who remained chairman and CEO.

Other toys that originated with Ideal continue to be marketed and sold by other companies, including Rubik's Cube by Hasbro and Magic 8 Ball by Mattel.

[citation needed] In 2023, this license agreement was acquired from The Juna Group by CSN Press LLC, publishers of the weekly newspaper, Comic Shop News.

[citation needed] Ideal began making dolls in 1907 to complement its line of teddy bears.

After that Ideal began making a line of baby and character dolls such as Naughty Marietta (from the Victor Herbert operetta), and Admiral Dot.

[30] The 15-inch boy doll wore a blue and white bloomer suit and held a box of Uneeda Biscuits under his arm.

[1] Master sculptor Vincent J. DeFilippo spent 27 years creating dolls for Ideal from 1963 to 1980[verification needed].