If you were a child of the ’80s, you know that we had the coolest toys! Many of those classic items have endured over time and are still beloved by kids today. Sure, there have been some upgrades—like the Pound Puppies now sporting trendy carriers, or View-Masters marketed as “virtual reality” devices—but the fun they bring remains unchanged. I can’t wait to share some of my childhood favorites with my kids this holiday season.
Here are a few gems I plan to dig up from those festive memories:
Alphie Robot
How many of you remember Alphie? I adored that little robot! It’s likely he’s received numerous enhancements since his debut in 1978, but back then, simply sliding cards into his belly to hear him talk was pure magic.
Troll Dolls
Trolls have recently surged in popularity thanks to films, but I carried those quirky figures everywhere in my youth. The original troll doll craze kicked off in the ’60s when Thomas Dam created one for his daughter. I loved styling their wild hair and setting up entire villages, often clipping them to my backpack for adventures.
Hot Wheels
While Hot Wheels debuted in 1968, their appeal has never waned. I didn’t own many, but I spent countless hours at a friend’s house, racing toy cars on massive tracks she built in her basement. Those were some of the best afternoons!
Lite Brite
I’m seriously considering getting my six-year-old one of these for Christmas—just keep it a secret! I cherished mine as a child and can’t wait to create colorful designs together.
Pound Puppies
Does anyone else remember snagging Pound Puppies from McDonald’s? I can’t count how many Chicken Nuggets I devoured for those adorable plush toys. Nowadays, they come with stylish carriers, like a cute little Shiba Inu. Regardless, they remain a hit with my kids who love to cuddle them and make me feel guilty for not adopting a real dog.
Easy Bake Oven
This is a toy I’ve always wished I had. Ironically, now that I have a real oven, I hardly ever want to use it!
Care Bears
There are now high-tech Care Bears that talk and do who knows what, but I loved the simple plush versions. Just cheerful, cuddly bears filled with joy.
Medical Kits
This kit is a must—seriously, my kids could probably save my life with the tools included, so it’s a worthwhile purchase!
Fashion Plates
My eldest son has recently taken a liking to Project Runway Junior, so I bought him a set of Fashion Plates. They’ve been around forever and are still a hit at our house. He enjoys designing outfits for girls, but I wish they’d include some male fashion options, too. Fashion Plates, let’s step into 2023!
See ‘n Say
This classic toy may drive you a little crazy with the repeated sounds, but you’ve got to hand it to our parents for enduring it!
Spirograph
I fondly recall the enchanting shapes you could create, layering colors and racing to see how fast you could go. Sometimes, the simplest toys are the most enjoyable.
Cabbage Patch Dolls
If you’re around my age, you’ll remember the frenzy over these dolls. My grandpa got mine out of a truck, and I was lucky enough to receive a homemade version from my mom that year. She’s a real overachiever, and Cabbage Patch dolls remain a classic favorite.
View-Master
These are now known as virtual reality glasses, but they look just like the ones I had at eight years old. I’m curious to see how they differ from the originals.
Tonka Trucks
You can never go wrong with a Tonka Truck, especially with toddlers around. They’re tough, moveable, and perfect for some good old-fashioned crashing fun!
My Little Pony
My Little Ponies are still everywhere—Target has a whole aisle dedicated to them! These magical creatures debuted in 1981 and have since expanded with tons of accessories.
Mr. Potato Head
My kids have taken to playing with Mr. Potato Head during bath time. Yes, it’s a little odd, but he’s such a timeless classic.
Simon Says
I loved this game as a kid! My parents still have our original version, and it still works. Just a heads up: kids might want to play in another room to keep your sanity intact!
Rubik’s Cube
Not long ago, my son became obsessed with YouTube tutorials on how to solve Rubik’s Cubes. I felt a twinge of envy watching him learn techniques I had to muddle through without guidance. Spoiler: I never solved one.
Rainbow Brite
I was infatuated with Rainbow Brite as a child, to the point of dressing up as her for Halloween. No judgment, please!
Tinker Toys
Lastly, Tinker Toys are still a fun way for kids to build, though be prepared to find pieces everywhere.
So there you have it! If you grew up in the ’80s like me, these toys are sure to evoke fond memories of Christmas past. They may be retro, but they offer simple joy and endless opportunities for imagination—something our children can benefit from, just as we did.
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Summary:
The nostalgia of ’80s toys is making a comeback this Christmas, with classic favorites like Alphie, Pound Puppies, and My Little Pony still captivating kids today. Simple yet imaginative, these toys bring joy and creativity to the holiday season, reminding us of the fun we had growing up.
Keyphrase: ’80s toys for Christmas
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