America's first toy oven was introduced in 1963, giving boys and girls the chance to bake safely on their own with the heat of a light bulb. Today some celebrity chefs - like Bobby Flay - say childhood Easy Bake Ovens inspired their careers, reports HowStuffWorks.com.

Sadly, the creator of this innovative toy died last week at the age of 83, according to report in the Consumerist. Ronald Howes was best known for the Easy Bake Oven, but he contributed to the development of countless beloved toys - it was Howes who helped reduce the toxicity of Play-Doh so it was safe for children.

But the Easy Bake Oven will live on. In Howe's honor, it might be worthwhile to take a look at how the Easy Bake Oven has developed over the years. Contexts.org provides a nice overview of the evolution of the beloved American toy.

When it first came out in 1963, the turquoise toy came with a traditional light bulb and a small stove top. Then, in in 1975 - the first year microwave sales exceeded those of gas ranges - the Easy Bake Oven took the appearance of contemporary microwave ovens, complete with a digital clock.

Today, the Easy Bake Oven is sold in the original turquoise color, but it looks just like a microwave. Perhaps the Easy Bake Ovens of tomorrow will switch to energy-saving light bulbs and actually become microwaves since the heat emission will be reduced.

Eco-friendly light bulbs, and LED light in particular, are becoming increasingly popular in children's toys. Respondents at Wired.com think LEDs might help increase the popularity of certain video games.