While the original Wacky WallWalkers were designed to "walk" down walls using their eight legs, the design eventually evolved into the simplified "hand" shape attached to a long, stretchy tether. This variation became a staple of vending machine culture in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its low production cost made it an ideal "quarter toy." One enduring characteristic of the toy is its tendency to collect dust, hair, and lint, which neutralizes the tackifier; however, the stickiness can usually be restored by washing the toy with mild soap and water to remove surface debris.

The physical properties of these toys come from a sticky elastomer, typically a synthetic rubber-like material such as styrene-butadiene copolymer. To achieve its signature "stick," the material is impregnated with tackifiers—often hydrogenated polyterpene resins or mineral oils. These chemicals give the surface a high-tack, pressure-sensitive quality that allows it to adhere to smooth surfaces like glass or painted walls while remaining elastic enough to be stretched and "slapped" against targets.

The 'Sticky Hand' toy is a direct descendant of the Wacky WallWalker, a sticky octopus-shaped toy that became a massive fad in the early 1980s. The technology originated in Japan as a toy called Tako (Japanese for octopus). In 1983, entrepreneur Ken Hakuta purchased the American rights for $5,000 and rebranded them. The toy’s popularity exploded after a feature in The Washington Post, eventually selling over 240 million units and earning Hakuta the nickname "Dr. Fad."