Let’s board the playtime express and explore 10 decades of marvelous toys. Generation after generation has a toy that they will always remember fondly. The list of outstanding toys is overwhelming. However, each decade had their own outstanding toy that rose to the top. Kids couldn’t wait to get their hands on them. In fact, some of them didn’t seem to be that big of a deal. That was, until you tried it out. Then the toy hooks you right away!
While this list only touches on two toys per decade, there are so many more fantastic toys that could have been mentioned. So please, be aware that this isn’t an all inclusive list. If you had a favorite toy not listed, please leave me a comment! With Christmas right around the corner, wouldn’t it be great to share your favorite toy with the little ones in your life? All aboard!
1930’s
- Monopoly: I am sure that all of us have played this game at one point in our lives! The game changed over the years, even names, since the initial design. The concept for the game was sold to Parker Brothers in 1935. Sales of the game did much better than expected. It is still one of the most popular board games on the market today.
- Buck Rogers Toy Ray Gun: Buck Rogers, introduced in a comic strip in 1929, was wildly popular. When the Buck Rogers Toy Ray Gun came out in 1934, children couldn’t wait to pretend they were a futuristic hero! This would be the first of several introduced throughout the next 10 years.
1940’s
- Slinky: Undoubtedly, a simple spring looking toy became the rage with kids. Who would have thought it would be such a hit for decades to come! According to Smithsonian Magazine in an article dated August 29, 2019, the invention of the Slinky was actually an accident. Out of that accident came a toy that has survived decades and has even been part of a Disney movie – Slinky Dog in Toy Story. The toy debuted in 1944, and since then has sold over 300 million!
- Little Green Army Men: Raising boys, I have done my share of stepping on these lovely little green toys. However, besides being a pain to feet, they provide hours of imaginative play. Highly popular in the 1940’s with the height of World War II, they are still popular today. Of course, the iconic green plastic men and have evolved since keeping up with modern Army weapons and equipment.
1950s
- Barbie: This doll needs no introduction! Even today, Barbie is popular with little girls. Barbie could have been moved to the 1960’s, however, her launch was in March of 1959. In addition, the first year saw 300,000 dolls sold! Barbie has evolved with the times, and has had a great number of careers. She let little girls imagine what their futures could be like. What about Ken and Skipper? They came along starting in the 1960’s followed along by other friends over the many decades. Barbie’s friends now include different ethnic groups, body types, hair and eye colors.
- Play-Doh: Believe it or not, Play-Doh started out as wallpaper cleaner back in the 1930’s. Yes, that’s right, wallpaper cleaner. This product , re-imagined into a fun creative children’s toy, made an appearance on the Children’s show Captain Kangaroo. As a result, it’s popularity soared. Without a doubt, Play-Doh is still one of the most enjoyed toys.
1960s
- Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots: A toy, consisting of two “Robots” that you controlled, were on a lot of Christmas lists in the 60’s. Friends or siblings would square up for a mini boxing match. One red and one blue robot in a yellow boxing ring with levers for your to control your robots punches and fancy footwork. However, the best part was the upper hook to make your opponents head pop up! Lots of screams, laughter and giggles. If you haven’t experience this game, they are still available today!
- Operation: A board game like no other, Operation was a unique experience for kids and adults alike! Players found themselves playing a doctor/specialist operating on patient “Cavity Sam”. Players would draw a card, learning what needed to be removed from their patient. But hold your horses, it’s not that easy! The edges of the couldn’t be touched in the process. If it was, Cavity Sam’s nose would light up and a loud buzz would surprise everyone, sparking laughter.
1970s
- Skateboards: The skateboard had been around awhile but really took off as better wheels were invented for a smoother ride. The first skate park according to Doseskateboarding.com was opened in 1965 but 1976 seems to be the year that saw more parks opening around the United States. Consequently, skateboarding took off and hasn’t slowed down!
- Lite Brite: Officially released in the late 1960’s, this phenomenally simple toy became one of the most popular toys in the 70’s. I know, I had one! Indeed, I remember spending hours in my darkened room creating all kinds of pictures with the colored pegs. By far one of my all time favorite toys as a child.
1980s
- Atari: I cannot tell you how excited my sister and I were to get one for Christmas. Even though we could only afford two games, we spent hours playing. Our favorite game was Donkey Kong. Not having to get a ride to the arcade, or save up quarters to play a video game was amazing!
- Cabbage Patch Dolls: Luckily for my parents, I was too old for dolls when they became popular. They were doubly lucky that our aunt was extremely talented. She sewed a doll that rivaled the best Cabbage Patch doll out there. Consequently, they didn’t have to face the riots to try to grab a doll for Christmas that year! Yes, that’s right…riots. Black Friday shopping was a whole different experience back then.
1990s
- Socker Boppers: My boys weren’t old enough yet for these, but we did get them some later. I think their dad and I had more fun with them at the time then they did! Nothing was more fun than a pair of blow up plastic pillows that fit on your hands for you to punch, with softness, your favorite siblings or friends.
- Tickle Me Elmo: Wow was this a popular one for Christmas back in the day! My boys didn’t have one, but we’d stop and try one out at the toy store when we were out. Indeed, it was fun and had my kids giggling, but I think I would have lost my mind after a while. Nevertheless, Elmo made many kids very happy.
2000s
- Yu-Gi-Oh! cards: Now these cards were wildly popular. My oldest, especially, was all about them. Trading, collecting, playing. In spite of this, I really didn’t understand how they were played. But, they weren’t expensive, and were great stocking stuffers and rewards for good behavior. In fact, I think I still have a notebook full of them in a closet somewhere.
- Bratz Dolls: I didn’t have girls, but these dolls were all the rage. I bought Bratz accessories and dolls for my boys’ friends that were girls when they had birthday parties. Accordingly, they seemed to be a sassy alternative to Barbie and all the rage!
2010s
- Minecraft: The introduction of this video game that allows free play where players, alone or with friends, can build a world of their own from different materials collected. The video game was a phenomenal idea that sparked unique toys bringing this creative world to life.
- Nintendo Switch: This was a “game” changer! A game system that could not only connect to a TV but could be used on it’s own too. There wasn’t anything like it as it made gaming portable.
2020s
- Magna Tiles: Building blocks and Legos have always been a go to for kids. Additionally, it doesn’t matter is you are a girl or boy. Imagination has no end when you can build your own creations from scratch. Magna Tiles takes the fun of building and puts a magnetic twist to it! These are, frankly, an amazing idea. Who doesn’t like magnets? And being able to construct your own work of art or design will keep the kiddos occupied for hours.
- Baby Yoda: Alright, yes, I know. Star Wars toys have been around for decades. However, there was nothing quite like Baby Yoda. How can anyone resist this bundle of cuteness? Need I really say more? With such a wide array of Baby Yoda toys available, you’re sure to find something delightful for everyone!
To sum it up, toys are an important item in children’s lives. In addition, they don’t have to be crazy expensive to be beloved. If they spark imagination, and bring smiles that’s all that matters. Some of the most popular toys weren’t made to break the bank of parents. This Christmas, if you are looking for a gift for a child in your life, consider one of the above toys! Most of them are actually still available today! But if you can track down some vintage toys, that would be a great gift for the adult kids in your life. Happy Shopping!
