The hula hoop was very popular in 1979 when it first emerged as a toy that could be spun around the waist or limbs. It is made of plastic and was invented by 11-year old Paulette Robinson, who took 5 hours to create the first hula hoop in a factory. People use hula hoops for fun and exercise, both individually and with others, as it can be played with anywhere like outside, at home, or at school.