If you spent your childhood in the ’80s, you know we had the most epic toys. Seriously, some of them have stood the test of time and are still fun for kids today. Sure, they’ve had some upgrades—our Pound Puppies didn’t come with stylish carriers, our medical kits were a bit less sophisticated, and our viewfinders didn’t come with a “virtual reality” label. But they were still a blast, and I remember being over the moon when I found them under the tree.
Here are a few of my all-time favorites that I can’t wait to share with my kids this Christmas:
Alphie Robot
Oh, Alphie! I adored that little guy. I bet he’s been updated a ton since he first came on the scene in 1978, but back then, sliding cards into his stomach to get him to talk felt like magic.
Troll Dolls
Trolls have taken off recently thanks to the movies, but I loved carrying those fluffy-haired guys around as a kid. Fun fact: the troll doll craze started in the early ’60s when Thomas Dam carved one for his daughter. I remember brushing their wild hair and creating little villages for them!
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels have been around since 1968 and are still popular today. I didn’t have many, but I spent countless afternoons at a friend’s house with an amazing setup of tracks. It was pure joy.
Lite Brite
I’m thinking of getting one of these for my 6-year-old this Christmas—shhh, it’s a surprise! I loved mine, and I can’t wait to play together.
Pound Puppies
Do you remember grabbing Pound Puppies at McDonald’s? I think I consumed a mountain of Chicken Nuggets just to collect them! Now they come with fancy carriers, but the cuteness is still there, and my kids love snuggling with them.
Easy Bake Oven
This is one of my biggest regrets—I never got my hands on one! Now that I have a real oven, I find I don’t even want to use it.
Care Bears
While there are high-tech Care Bears now, I remember just enjoying the simple plush versions. They were just happy bears, and that was enough.
Medical Kits
Just look at how cool this kit is! I’m pretty sure my kids could save my life with the tools in there, so it’s a solid investment.
Fashion Plates
My older son loves Project Runway Junior, and I bought him these a couple of years ago. They’ve been around forever and are still a hit! Although, I wish they had some male fashion options too.
See ‘n Say
This classic toy has stood the test of time. It might drive parents a little crazy if kids love it too much, but hey, our parents survived!
Spirograph
I have vivid memories of making those magical shapes with Spirograph. The layering of colors and the challenge of speed made it a timeless favorite.
Cabbage Patch Dolls
If you’re my age, you probably remember your first Cabbage Patch doll. My grandpa got mine from the back of a truck, and it was a big deal. My mom even made me a doll that looked a bit like one!
View-Master
These have evolved into virtual reality glasses now, but they look just like the viewfinders I had as a kid. I’m curious to see how they compare!
Tonka Trucks
You can’t go wrong with a sturdy Tonka Truck for the little ones. They’re tough, mobile, and perfect for crashing!
My Little Pony
My Little Ponies are still everywhere today! They first launched in 1981, and there’s now a whole aisle dedicated to them in stores.
Mr. Potato Head
My kids love playing with Mr. Potato Head in the bath. It might be quirky, but he’s a classic!
Simon Says
This game was a childhood favorite. My parents still have our original one, and it still works!
Rubik’s Cube
A few years back, my son became obsessed with watching YouTube videos on how to solve a Rubik’s Cube. I felt like it was cheating, as I struggled without any guidance!
Rainbow Brite
I had a serious crush on Rainbow Brite as a kid. I even dressed up as her for Halloween—no judgment, please.
Tinker Toys
Lastly, Tinker Toys are a building paradise, albeit a bit messy. If your kids love to construct, they’ll have a blast!
So there you have it—if you grew up in the ’80s like me, these toys likely evoke fond memories of Christmases past. They may be retro, but they’re all about creativity and imagination. We had simple fun back then, and so can our kids!
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