Do You Remember These Toys From Your Childhood?

For today’s blast from the past, let’s see how many of these toys you recognize from your childhood! Take a look as we walk through the decades of toy history!

1960s: 

Barbie was firmly on the scene in the ’60s. She had an array of outfits and accessories, and although often criticized for her unrealistic body shape (a story that would continue for decades), it didn’t stop the doll from becoming one of the most popular and best-selling fashion dolls of all time. Rock’em Sock’em Robots started endless battles, and G.I. Joe was introduced as an “action figure” who came with a bunch of accessories needed for war. Other popular toys from this decade include the Slip N’ Slide which meant never ending summertime fun, as well as the Easy Bake Oven, which can take credit for way too many partially cooked baked goods!

1970s:

By 1975 Gary Dahl had become an overnight millionaire after popularizing pet rocks! ROCKS! Although the no-fuss pet craze only lasted so long, the term “pet rock” lives on in popular culture. Also widely trendy during the ’70s was Stretch Armstrong, boasted to reach up to 4 feet of elastic fun! Random fact, he was made out of corn syrup! This was also the decade when Star Wars figurines became a wanted toy by every kid. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention fads like the Nerf Ball (finally, a ball you could throw around the house), Speak & Spell, the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, and Pong – the home version of the popular arcade game.

1980s:

Every kid in the ’80s was excited about Transformers – appropriately named for their ability to transform between alien machines and regular automobiles. But one of the most popular trends from this decade were Cabbage Patch Kids. So many parents waited in long long lines to get their hands on the disproportionately large-headed dolls. Supposedly this craze was what inspired the 1996 holiday flick with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jingle All the Way! Remember this? “Care Bear count down! 4,3,2,1!” These plush toys each had a symbol on their tummies to signify an emotion and were always ready for a hug. Other toys from this decade you probably remember are Polly Pockets, My Little Pony, Teddy Ruxpin, Koosh Balls and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

1990s:

The decade of collecting and trading POGs, creepy talking Furbies and amassing the increasingly “rare” Beanie Babies. Other massive trends from this decade you probably remember are the big purple dinosaur that every young kid watched for hours and owned the Barney plush toy. We can’t forget about the infamous “Sky Dancer” – a princess with foam wings, where you pulled the chord and she flew through the air…and into people’s eyes, fireplaces, and ceiling fans (they were eventually recalled). Oh! And everyone’s favourite ’90s tech toy, the Tamagotchi! That’s how all ’90s babies learned about the circle of life.