Written and first recorded by Tom Paxton (1962).
Hit versions by The Chad Mitchell Trio (US #43/MOR #20 1963); Peter, Paul & Mary (1969).
From the wiki: “‘The Marvelous Toy’ was written in 1962 by folk singer Tom Paxton, and was first released on his album of songs recorded live at the ‘Gaslight Cafe’, Greenwich Village, I’m The Man That Built The Bridges. The album liner notes opine that
‘[T]his LP marks Tom Paxton’s achievement. Taped at the Gaslight on a series of warm Autumn afternoons in 1962, it is his own interpretation of the songs he has given America – and a promise of the many fine songs yet to come … The singer is at home in the whimsical world of children, too. ‘THE MARVELOUS TOY’, with its zip, bop noises is a constant favorite with Village audiences.’
“The following year, in 1963, the Chad Mitchell Trio would cover ‘The Marvelous Toy’ as the promotional single from their album Singin’ Our Mind. It just missed the US Top-40 but peaked at #20 on the MOR chart.
“Another folk trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, recorded a version in 1969 for the album Peter, Paul and Mommy which would peak at #12 on the Album chart and received Gold record status. The album would go on to win the 1970 Grammy Award for Best Album for Children.”
The Chad Mitchell Trio, “The Marvelous Toy” (1963):
Peter, Paul & Mary, “The Marvelous Toy” (1969):