Hello there! Do you think you can recognize the most beloved toys of the 80s? From action figures to board games, the 80s was a decade of colorful and imaginative toys with a powerful grip on children’s imaginations. Dive back into this weird, fantastic, neon-colored era – or experience it for the first time. See the toys the cools kids on the block played with back in the 80s.
Distinct cultural trends and technological advancements defined the 80s. It was the time when everything changed. For the first time, kids experienced the joys of having a computer at home, and video games lived through their heyday. Toys played a crucial role in shaping a generation’s childhood memories during this time of upheaval.
As soon as the pudgy-cheeked dolls appeared in the early 80s, the Cabbage Patch Kids became a must-have toy. Parents were so desperate to get them for their children that some even resorted to violence. There have been cases of people getting trampled in the stores, adults grabbing the dolls away from children, or customers fighting each other. Who knew these soft, homely fake babies could cause people to be out for blood?
Transformers were a line of action figures that could transform from robots into vehicles and other objects. The toys were only one part of a hugely popular franchise. Transformers sold millions of figurines globally and got a dedicated fan base. Kids in the 80s went to countless make-believe battles with these little guys.
Hungarian sculptor Ernő Rubik invented this puzzle game in 1974. First named the Magic Cube, it became a cultural sensation in the 80s, with millions trying to solve the puzzle’s complex algorithms. Rubik’s Cube is still widely known and used.
One of the first home gaming consoles in the world became an absolute hit from the moment it hit the market. The console was a must-have for many kids and adults alike and included classic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong.
The Care Bears were a line of plush teddy bears, each with a unique symbol on their belly reflecting their personality. They were first supposed to be used on greeting cards before turning them into plush creatures. The Care Bears were marketed to encourage kindness and empathy, with each bear carrying a unique message. Kids loved them, and the cuddly bears even earned their own TV show and several movies.
Pogo Ball was a toy that combined a pogo stick and a ball. It included a small platform with a handle on top and a rubber ball on the bottom. The objective was to jump up and down on the platform and bounce on the ball. Pogo Ball was a well-liked outdoor game that gave kids a chance to get their energy out and impress their friends with tricks.
Monster in My Pocket was a line of small, collectible rubber figures that featured monsters and mythical creatures from mythology, religion, literature, and film. The toys – small enough that a kid could fit several of them in a pocket – came in blind bags, meaning the figure inside was a surprise. Monster in My Pocket was a huge hit with children, with millions of units sold worldwide. Except for toys, the franchise included trading cards, comic books, clothes, stickers, and many other items.
Teddy Ruxpin was a popular animatronic teddy bear that could “read” stories aloud to children. The toy used cassette tapes that synchronized with Teddy’s movements, creating a lifelike experience for children. Teddy Ruxpin became a cultural phenomenon, with millions of units sold and a dedicated fan base.
Monchhichi was a line of stuffed monkey dolls with soft plush bodies, human baby faces, and thumbs they could “suck” on. The dolls first appeared in Japan, but their cuteness quickly took over the world. Monchhichi dolls, which came in a variety of sizes and outfits, were favored collectibles – and remain that way to this day.
Do you know all of the best toys from the 80s era? Can you recognize Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Pony? Test your grasp of toys from the 1980s. Good luck!
