George Lerner

George Lerner was an American inventor best known for creating the first toy that became a popular treat—Reese's Pieces. In the 1940s, he developed small, colorful, candy-coated peanut candies meant to be used as animal-shaped confetti or party favors, called "Coodle-Toys." These candies later inspired the creation of Reese's Pieces, a successful brand of peanut butter candies manufactured by The Hershey Company. Lerner's innovative idea helped bridge the worlds of novelty toys and confections, ultimately influencing the development of popular snack products enjoyed worldwide today.