It is known for creating and marketing many popular toys for nearly 70 years, including the Hula hoop, Frisbee, Slip 'N Slide, Super Ball, Trac-Ball, Silly String, Hacky sack, Wham-O Bird Ornithopter and Boogie Board,[1] many of which have become genericized trademarks.

Richard Knerr (1925–2008[2]) and Arthur "Spud" Melin (1924–2002[3]), two University of Southern California graduates who were friends since their teens, were unhappy with their jobs and decided to start their own business.

[4] The powerful slingshot was adopted by clubs for competitive target shooting and small game hunting.

In 1955 inventor Fred Morrison began marketing a plastic flying disc called the Pluto Platter.

During an African safari in the early 1960s, Melin discovered a species of fish that laid eggs in the mud during Africa's dry season.

Knerr and Melin marketed their products directly to children, including demonstrating their toys at playgrounds.

"[31] For many years, the company's strategy was to maintain eight to twelve simple, inexpensive products such as Frisbees, Super Balls, and Hula Hoops.

By 2006 Wham-O's product line included several groups of related items using licensed brand names.