My children never miss a chance to enlighten me about the latest trends. They’re certain that my penchant for leggings and my lack of interest in Top 40 hits means I’m not as “with it” as I should be. Sure, my wardrobe may not be the most fashionable, and I might not know who the latest pop stars are, but I can still rap every line of “Rapper’s Delight,” thank you very much.
Taking full advantage of my ‘80s nostalgia, my kids are always eager to “introduce” me to their new toys. They genuinely believe they are unearthing the newest and coolest gadgets, rescuing me from my pop-culture ignorance. Ironically, many of these so-called “new” toys are the same ones I cherished during my own childhood. As the saying goes, what’s old is new again.
Rubik’s Cube
Currently, my children are captivated by the Rubik’s Cube, which now comes in a variety of funky shapes. From triangular to hexagonal designs, these modern cubes can be quite perplexing. Just a few minutes of fiddling with one can send me into a frenzy, but they keep my kids entertained for a decent chunk of time (even if it’s only a few minutes—I’ll take it).
Spirograph
The Spirograph was one of my all-time favorites as a kid, so I was thrilled when my son received one as a present a few months ago. There’s an oddly calming quality to creating intricate circular patterns that I can’t quite put my finger on.
My Little Pony
Who didn’t adore My Little Ponies growing up? If you didn’t, we might need to rethink our friendship. I was completely enamored with these colorful characters, and it’s delightful to see them making a resurgence across different age groups and genders. Personally, I aspire to be Princess Twilight Sparkle when I grow up. #LifeGoals
Mad Libs
Long family road trips often meant passing the time with Mad Libs alongside my siblings, and now my children are loving the same. What’s not to enjoy? It’s silly, entertaining, and educational, teaching them about grammar—despite the fact that their favorite nouns tend to be poop, penis, or pee.
This article originally appeared on May 1, 2017, and it’s clear that classic toys continue to bring joy across generations. For more insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, or dive into our guide on preparing for parenthood at Modern Family Blog.
In summary, nostalgic toys are making a powerful comeback, bridging the gap between generations and reminding us that sometimes, the classics truly are the best.