45+ Nostalgic ‘80s Toys That Every Kid Wanted

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Toy collecting expert Eireann Kanzig shares a list of some of the coolest eighties toys for boys and girls
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If you grew up during the 1980s, you probably remember how amazing the toys were. It was a time before electronic devices replaced kids’ entertainment. This decade gave us some of the most iconic action figures, dolls, and games known today, like Transformers, the Care Bears, My Little Pony, Speak & Spell, and so many more! We’re partnering with a toy collecting expert to take a trip down memory lane and share some of the best ‘80s toys. Let’s dive in!

Popular Toys of the 1980s

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Eighties Toys Summary

Toy collecting expert Eireann Kanzig shares that ‘80s action figures like He-Man, G.I. Joe, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were wildly popular. Other iconic and highly coveted toys from this era include the Cabbage Patch Kids, Jenga, Teddy Ruxpin, and the Rubik’s Cube.

1

Transformers

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  1. Transformers were some of the coolest action figures around.
    Before the Michael Bay movies brought them back into the spotlight, kids couldn't get enough of these shape-shifting toys. They came onto the scene in 1984, and a variety of figures were available like Optimus Prime with Trailer, Fortress Maximus, Jetfire, and Megatron Walther. If you happen to own any of the originals, they’re worth thousands now.[1]
    • How to buy today: Buy Transformer toys on Amazon and at many toy stores.
    • Do you want a name that'll help you fit in with the Transformers gang? Try out our Transformers Name Generator to get started!

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Eireann Kanzig is an avid toy collector based in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s built an amazing online community where she shares her collections and awesome finds with other toy collectors.

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2

He-Man Action Figures

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  1. He-Man became a favorite action figure for fans of the animated series.
    The 1983 cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was a hit and led to the creation of figures based on the characters. Besides He-Man, Skeletor, Scare Glow, and Tri-Klops were a few of the other action figures included in this line.[2] According to Kanzig, the ‘80s He-Man toy is still a highly sought-after action figure today.[3]
    • How to buy today: Purchase He-Man and the Masters of the Universe action figures on Amazon and on the Mattel website.
3

G.I. Joe

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  1. G.I. Joe was initially created to rival Barbie.
    Hasbro saw the success Mattel was having with the doll, so they decided to make a toy for boys. They bought the rights to inventor Stan Weston’s idea for a military doll, and so G.I. Joe was released in 1964.[4] These action figures had a revival during the ‘80s after the release of Star Wars inspired Hasbro to reimagine the entire line. These new and improved toys got codenames and a backstory, which kids enjoyed.[5]
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4

Cabbage Patch Kids

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  1. The Cabbage Patch Kid craze started in the early 1980s.
    These dolls were the creation of art student Xavier Roberts, who initially called the collection Little People Originals. They got a lot of publicity, and nearly three million Cabbage Patch Kids were “adopted” in 1983. Since then, the demand for these dolls hasn’t stopped.[7]
5

My Little Pony

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  1. My Little Pony debuted in 1983 and was a favorite with little girls.
    The toys created an imaginary world of innocence and magic that children loved.[8] The ponies came in vibrant colors with brushable hair. The original six characters from the first line were Cotton Candy, Butterscotch, Blossom, Blue Belle, Minty, and Snuzzle.[9] They even got their own animated series in 1986, confirms Toy Collector Chantal Andersen.[10]
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6

Care Bears

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  1. Care Bears were adorable stuffed animals that made kids smile.
    Ten were created to represent ten different emotions. Each one also came with a special symbol on their tummies to distinguish their role. This original group of bears included Bedtime Bear, Birthday Bear, Cheer Bear, Friend Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear, Wish Bear, and Grumpy Bear, explains Andersen.[11] They were meant to teach children about emotions.[12]
7

Nintendo Entertainment System

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  1. What kid didn’t want an NES when they first came out?
    The Nintendo Entertainment System hit the United States in 1985 and revived the video game industry after the "video game crash of 1983." The design had a futuristic look that could fit seamlessly with your VCR at home. Super Mario Bros. was its most popular game, and it continues to be a favorite today.[13]
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8

Game Boy

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  1. Game Boy pioneered handheld gaming when it was introduced in 1989.
    Part of Nintendo, it was first released in Japan, then made its way to the United States a few months later. The U.S. version came with the game Super Mario Land, as well as Tetris, which really helped Game Boy’s popularity soar. Thirty-five million copies of Tetris were sold, making it the best-selling game for the Game Boy.[14]
    • How to buy today: Find similar Game Boy consoles on Amazon.
9

Teddy Ruxpin

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  1. More than just a teddy bear, Teddy Ruxpin was the first animatronic toy.
    Released in 1985, he was a talking bear who told stories. He had a soothing voice and a mouth and eyes that came to life. It’s no surprise he was a child’s best bedtime pal. There was a cassette tape player located on his back where you could switch out tapes to play a different story.[15]
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10

Speak & Spell

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  1. Speak & Spell was an educational toy made to help kids learn new words.
    Although it was created in 1978, it was the 1982 movie E.T. that made the toy popular. Remember how E.T. uses it to phone home? It came with a variety of spelling games and entertained kids for hours. Plus, the red, yellow, and blue color combo makes Speak & Spell instantly recognizable.[16]
    • How to buy today: Buy Speak & Spell on Amazon.
11

Barbie & the Rockers

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  1. In 1986, Barbie started a rock band.
    Maybe it was the rise of MTV that inspired the creation of Barbie & the Rockers. She was edgy and cool with big hair, bold makeup, and a hot pink outfit. This Barbie line was released a year before the Jem and the Holograms dolls, making Barbie and the Rockers the original female-fronted pop group.[17]
    • How to buy today: Buy the Barbie & the Rockers doll on Amazon.
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12

Rubik’s Cube

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  1. The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most iconic puzzles of all time.
    Originally called “Magic Cube” by its inventor Ernő Rubik, the name was changed to Rubik’s Cube in 1980.[18] People loved the challenge of twisting and turning the object to get all the colors to match on every side. Also, did you know that there are over forty-three quintillion variations?[19]
13

Trivial Pursuit

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  1. Trivial Pursuit was the original board game to test your trivia knowledge.
    Creators Chris Haney and Scott Abbott came up with the idea after playing a game of Scrabble. They released the official board game in 1981, and it quickly turned into a sensation. Since then, all kinds of versions have been created, including ones themed around Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more.[20]
    • How to buy today: Buy Trivial Pursuit on Amazon.
    • The game’s trivia questions covered six categories: geography, entertainment, sports and leisure, science and nature, arts and literature, and history.
    • The aim of the game was to be the first player to collect a wedge from each category and reach the center of the board.
    • Become an expert at this game with our guide on how to play Trivial Pursuit!
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14

Skip-It

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  1. Skip-It was a fun way to test your coordination.
    It came with a hoop for your ankle and a ball and chain. Once you had it on, you could go crazy jumping and skipping over the ball. It also came with a counter to keep score of your hops. You could play Skip-It on your own, but it was much more entertaining to do with friends. It came out in 1989 and would remain popular throughout the ‘90s.[21]
    • How to buy today: Buy Skip-It on Amazon.
15

Pound Puppies

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  1. Pound Puppies were the cutest plush dog toys to ever exist.
    They debuted in the mid-1980s, and each puppy came with an adoption certificate. These stuffed animals stole the hearts of children everywhere and found their forever homes in the arms of boys and girls. The toy line was so successful that it inspired a Pound Puppies cartoon series.[22]
    • How to buy today: Buy Pound Puppies on Amazon.
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16

View-Master

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  1. View-Master was an amazing way for ‘80s kids to see the world.
    It came with different circular reels that you inserted into the binoculars. These reels had 3-D images, and every time you pushed down the side arm, a new photo popped up until you made your way around the reel. Today, it’s a special collector’s item, and newer versions have been made.[23]
    • How to buy today: Buy View-Master toys on Amazon.
17

Glo Worm

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  1. The Glo Worm was a cuddly toy that was also a nightlight.
    The doll was dressed in a green onesie with a matching nightcap. Its sleepy eyes and gentle smile made it a wonderful bedtime companion for kids. It would light up when squeezed, offering comfort to any child who was afraid to sleep in the dark.[24]
    • How to buy today: Find variations of the Glo Worm toy on Amazon.
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18

Big Trak

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  1. Big Trak was a futuristic-inspired sci-fi tank.
    While it came out in 1979, it was one of the top toys of the ‘80s. It had advanced features like a photon beam front headlight and a keypad on top. The keypad came with 24 keys that allowed you to program commands to make the toy move in different directions and even fire its photon beam.[25]
    • How to buy today: Find original Big Trak toys on eBay.
19

Etch A Sketch

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  1. Etch A Sketch let kids unleash their inner artist.
    It had a unique way of working, too. You used two knobs to create vertical and horizontal lines to make shapes and images. It’s said that pro Etch A Sketch users know how to draw curved and diagonal lines. While it was introduced in the ‘60s, it went on to be a hit with children during the 1980s.[26]
    • How to buy today: Buy an Etch A Sketch on Amazon.
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20

Lite-Brite

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  1. Kids were hypnotized by the vibrant colors of Lite-Brite.
    Each toy came with a set of designs that were inspired by cartoon characters and other fun images. Kids would place different-colored plastic pegs onto the lighted plastic panel and see images gradually form. It allowed children to get creative and watch designs come to life.[27]
    • How to buy today: Buy Lite-Brite games on Amazon.
21

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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  1. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles went from comic books to action figures.
    The comic series released in 1983 made these characters super popular with readers. In 1988, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo were turned into crime-fighting toy figures. Fans of the comics and ‘80s cartoon series did not hesitate to get their hands on these guys.[28] Kanzig shares that today, original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures are a coveted collector’s item.[29]
    • How to buy today: Buy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Amazon and at most toy stores.
    • Do you identify with Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo? Find out which character you’re most like by taking our Ninja Turtle Character Quiz!
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22

Rainbow Brite

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  1. Rainbow Brite was created to spread happiness across the world.
    The doll was inspired by the Rainbow Brite book series and was dressed in her signature colorful outfit, explains Andersen.[30] There were also dolls made of other characters from the books, like her adorable sidekick, Twink. The Rainbow Brite toys quickly became best sellers and led to the creation of board games, backpacks, and lunch boxes.[31]
    • How to buy today: Buy Rainbow Brite on Amazon.
23

Easy-Bake Oven

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  1. The Easy-Bake Oven made baking fun for kids.
    The first version debuted on shelves in 1963, but in 1983, a special twentieth anniversary edition was released. This model featured two temperature settings, high and low, which could be set by using the oven’s lever.[32] It came with different cake and cookie mixes so children could make their own sweet treats.
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24

E.T. Toys

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  1. E.T. toys blew up with the release of the 1982 film.
    The movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial made lots of kids want their own friend from outer space. There were all sorts of E.T. dolls and action figures and even a special E.T. edition of Speak & Spell. Because of the lasting appeal of the movie and character, toys are still made to this day. For instance, Funko and Build-A-Bear were two toy companies that created special 40th anniversary toys of E.T. in 2022.[33]
    • How to buy today: Buy E.T. toys on Amazon.
25

Playskool's Sesame Street Poppin' Pals

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  1. Playskool's Sesame Street Poppin' Pals debuted in 1980.
    The toy featured five of the show’s most well-known characters: Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch. It was created as an interactive toy for toddlers. When switches were activated, different characters popped up.[34]
    • How to buy today: Find original Playskool's Sesame Street Poppin' Pals toys for sale on eBay.
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26

Strawberry Shortcake

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  1. Strawberry Shortcake was a beloved doll during the early ‘80s.
    She had a head of red curls, freckles, and her classic strawberry-printed bonnet, explains Andersen.[35] Girls everywhere wanted to add her to their doll collection, especially once the animated TV special The World of Strawberry Shortcake came out in 1980. Kenner, the company that first licensed the character, stopped making new items for the Strawberry Shortcake line when the doll's popularity dipped a few years later. But newer versions have been made over the decades by other toy companies.[36]
    • How to buy today: Buy Strawberry Shortcake dolls on Amazon.
27

She-Ra: Princess of Power Action Figures

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  1. She-Ra was a force to be reckoned with when she hit toy shelves.
    The Princess of Power action figures debuted in 1984. They came with different clothing and accessories and had brushable hair. Other creatures were included in sets, like winged horses for She-Ra to ride. The last toy in the series was released in 1987 before it was discontinued.[37]
    • How to buy today: While the original is no longer available, you can buy modern She-Ra action figures on Amazon.
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28

McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

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  1. It wasn’t the fries but the Happy Meal toys we wanted at McDonald’s.
    The fast food chain came out with some of the most iconic Happy Meal toys in the ‘80s, according to Kanzig, including the McNugget Buddies, the Changeables, and the Fry Kids.[38] We also can’t forget the Berenstain Bears, which were also available for a limited time.
    • How to buy today: Find various McDonald’s Happy Meal toys on sale on eBay.
29

Thundercats Action Figures

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  1. Thundercats action figures were fierce and mighty!
    The line of toys debuted in 1985, the same year the animated series came out. The first wave of figures included a mix of good and bad guys, such as Cheetara, Jackalman, Lion-O, Monkian, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, S-S-Slithe, and Tygra. Different playsets came later, like the ThunderTank and the Mutant SkyCutter. The line lasted three years before being discontinued.[39]
    • How to buy today: Buy Thundercats toys on Amazon.
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30

Simon

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  1. Simon tested your speed and ability to focus.
    The game came out in 1978 and was a popular game with kids throughout the following decade. First, you had to watch and listen to a sequence of flashing lights and sounds. Then, you pushed the colored buttons in the correct order. The sequences got harder as you went on and made for quite the mental challenge for children and adults.[40]
    • How to buy today: Buy Simon on Amazon and at most toy stores.
31

Smurf PVC Figures

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  1. Smurf PVC figures were cute and tiny enough to fit in your pocket.
    You could find a variety of Smurf characters in different poses and with different themed sets. Many were shown doing all kinds of activities, from grooming themselves to playing instruments. Like many toys of the 1980s, these guys had their own cartoon series, too.[41]
    • How to buy today: Buy Smurf PVC figures on Amazon.
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32

Popples

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  1. Besides having a fun name, Popples were totally adorable!
    These stuffed animals were multicolored with long ears and a tail. You could tuck the toy into a pouch that made it look like a ball. This line of toys was inspired by the 1986 cartoon, The Popples. In the animated series, the creatures would make a popping sound when they would unfold themselves from being a ball, which is how they got their name.[42]
    • How to buy today: Buy Popples toys on Amazon.
33

Fisher-Price Little People

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  1. The Fisher-Price Little People collection featured a variety of small figures.
    They were made of wood or plastic and came in different sets and with different pieces. They were introduced during the 1950s and were originally called “Play Family” by Fisher-Price. Fans had nicknamed the figures “little people,” so the toy company decided to trademark the name in 1985.[43]
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34

Boglins

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  1. Boglins were cool-looking monster puppets.
    They were made out of foam latex and had hideous but goofy features. They were the perfect balance between horror and comedy. The line started out with just three full-size puppets but expanded to include other characters with fun names like Squidge and Sponk. The original toys were discontinued after a short period of time, but they left a lasting impression on the kids who owned one. The line has been revived with other versions being made.[44]
    • How to buy today: Buy Boglins on Amazon.
35

Ghost Castle

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  1. Ghost Castle was a fun, spooky board game for kids.
    Originally called Which Witch in the 1970s, the challenge was to find your way out of the haunted castle. The board game had a unique 3D, pop-up design that made it all the more exciting to play.[45]
    • How to buy today: Find Ghost Castle board games on eBay.
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36

PoGo Bal

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  1. The PoGo Bal definitely kept kids active.
    The shape of the toy resembled the planet Saturn. It had a rubber ball with a platform circling it. Kids would stand on the platform and bounce up and down while holding the rubber ball with the sides of their feet. The challenge was to maintain your grip and not lose your balance.[46]
    • How to buy today: Find similar versions of PoGo Bal on Amazon.
37

Operation

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  1. The game Operation was a shocker for sure…literally!
    Players had to carefully remove body parts from a patient without setting off the buzzer. If you weren’t careful enough, a buzzer would go off, and the patient’s nose would light up red. The anticipation this game created is what made it so much fun to play.[47]
    • How to buy today: Buy Operation on Amazon and at most toy stores.
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38

Mr. Frosty Ice Maker

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  1. The Mr. Frosty Ice Maker was a popular kitchen gadget for kids.
    More than just a toy, it could actually crush ice to make slushy drinks. It also came with packets of flavored syrups for added sweetness. The snowman design made it a popular holiday gift for children, and it has been re-released over the decades.[48]
    • How to buy today: Find Mr. Frosty Ice Makers on eBay.
39

Millennium Falcon

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  1. The Star Wars movies popularized the Millennium Falcon toy.
    It was initially released in 1979 and then reissued in 1980 for The Empire Strikes Back and again in 1983 for Return of the Jedi. It had cool features like a cockpit that opened up so you could fit two action figures inside. It also had a rotating laser turret and made battle action sounds.[49]
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40

Fashion Plates

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  1. Fashion Plates let kids tap into their inner fashion designer.
    The kit was designed for children ages six and up and allowed them to create a variety of fashion styles. It came with a group of plates with different clothing pieces on them that could be mixed and matched. Once you had the combination you wanted, you placed a white paper over the plates and traced the silhouette with the special crayon that came with the kit. It could keep kids busy for hours.
    • How to buy today: Buy Fashion Plates on Amazon.
41

Jem and the Holograms Dolls

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  1. The Jem and the Holograms dolls were stylish and fun.
    There’s also a bit of drama that surrounds their origin story. Hasbro wanted to create their own line of dolls to compete with Mattel’s Barbie and the Rockers. Inspired by MTV, the toy company gave their dolls a rockstar edge and launched an animated series.[50]
    • How to buy today: Buy Jem and the Holograms dolls on Amazon.
    • Besides their vibrant outfits and hair colors, these dolls also had light-up earrings and mini cassette tapes that played clips of their music.
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42

Monchhichi

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  1. Cute and cuddly are the perfect words to describe Monchhichi.
    The stuffed animal resembles a monkey and has a furry brown body, chubby cheeks, and big doe eyes. It was created by a Tokyo-based toy manufacturer in 1974. It became so popular that it inspired the launch of a cartoon series in the United States in 1983. The adorable monkey is having a comeback and has gone viral on social media after a few celebs have been spotted carrying the plushie.[51]
43

California Raisins PVC figures

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  1. The California Raisins became famous after starring in a TV ad.
    It all started when they first appeared in a commercial for the California Raisin Advisory Board in 1986. The group of claymation raisins were singing Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Soon after, little figurines of the raisins were created and sold, making them a toy sensation.[52]
    • How to buy today: Buy California Raisins PVC figures on Amazon.
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44

Gumby and Pokey Bendable Figures

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  1. Gumby and Pokey have a unique look you can’t miss.
    The pair were originally created for a 1953 claymation short film by animator Art Clokey. When Gumby and his pal horse were turned into bendable action figures, kids loved them! The two haven’t gone out of style, and you can still find these figures today.[53]
    • How to buy today: Buy Gumby and Pokey figures on Amazon and at most toy stores.
45

Guess Who?

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  1. Guess Who? was the ultimate guessing game for kids.
    It was released in 1982 and challenged players to figure out each other’s mystery character. The design of the game makes it the most memorable with its plastic tiles of characters’ faces looking back at you.[54]
    • How to buy today: Buy Guess Who? on Amazon.
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46

Jenga

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  1. The anticipation of Jenga made it infectious to play.
    Trying to remove blocks one at a time while not knocking over the wooden tower can definitely build up a sweat. The excitement it generates is why it’s still played today. And if you’re wondering where the name comes from, “jenga” is Swahili for “to build.” It’s an ode to the game’s roots in East Africa.[55]
47

Garbage Pail Kids

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  1. The Garbage Pail Kids were a parody of the Cabbage Patch Kids.
    They were created by cartoonist Art Spiegelman in 1985. Garbage Pail Kids were featured on trading cards and loved gross stuff. They were funny and filthy. If you were a kid then and loved them, as an adult now, you can appreciate the humor behind these guys even more.[56]
    • How to buy today: Buy toys inspired by Garbage Pail Kids on Amazon.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How important were TV shows in making toys popular during this time?
    Chantal Andersen
    Chantal Andersen
    Toy Collector
    Chantal Andersen is a toy collector based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s been a toy collector for most of her life and developed a passion for toys at a young age. As a 90’s kid, she was interested in popular brands such as Beanie Babies, Puppy In My Pocket, and Littlest Pet Shops. After feeling nostalgia as an adult, she began hunting again for vintage toys in 2023, primarily through thrifting and yard sales. Since then, her collection has grown to include 80's toys like My Little Pony, Care Bears, Rainbow Brite, and Strawberry Shortcake, and she’s begun sharing her experience and her collection on social media @nostalgialanetoys.
    Chantal Andersen
    Chantal Andersen
    Toy Collector
    Expert Answer
    Hugely important for marketing. They were super smart to have the Saturday morning cartoons, and that's what we think of a lot of times for the eighties is you had your Saturday morning cartoons with your cereal. A lot of times, they even made cereal brands of the Saturday morning cartoons, which was a great way to get kids in. I feel a lot of the nostalgia we feel today is tied to the TV shows and other accessories like bedding and clothing, not just the toys. They truly hit on every level possible and it all worked really well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Which 80's toy lines have continued to be released since the 80's?
    Chantal Andersen
    Chantal Andersen
    Toy Collector
    Chantal Andersen is a toy collector based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s been a toy collector for most of her life and developed a passion for toys at a young age. As a 90’s kid, she was interested in popular brands such as Beanie Babies, Puppy In My Pocket, and Littlest Pet Shops. After feeling nostalgia as an adult, she began hunting again for vintage toys in 2023, primarily through thrifting and yard sales. Since then, her collection has grown to include 80's toys like My Little Pony, Care Bears, Rainbow Brite, and Strawberry Shortcake, and she’s begun sharing her experience and her collection on social media @nostalgialanetoys.
    Chantal Andersen
    Chantal Andersen
    Toy Collector
    Expert Answer
    Care Bears and My Little Pony are the two big ones that have always existed from the eighties to now, and they've just had different generations released over time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How did these toys get so popular in the 1980s?
    Chantal Andersen
    Chantal Andersen
    Toy Collector
    Chantal Andersen is a toy collector based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s been a toy collector for most of her life and developed a passion for toys at a young age. As a 90’s kid, she was interested in popular brands such as Beanie Babies, Puppy In My Pocket, and Littlest Pet Shops. After feeling nostalgia as an adult, she began hunting again for vintage toys in 2023, primarily through thrifting and yard sales. Since then, her collection has grown to include 80's toys like My Little Pony, Care Bears, Rainbow Brite, and Strawberry Shortcake, and she’s begun sharing her experience and her collection on social media @nostalgialanetoys.
    Chantal Andersen
    Chantal Andersen
    Toy Collector
    Expert Answer
    A huge part of it came from greeting cards. The American Greeting Corporation started making cards featuring characters like Strawberry Shortcake, Holly Hobbie, and Care Bears. People fell in love with these characters, so they sold the rights to toy makers like Kenner, who turned them into dolls and plushies. After that, the rest is history and those toys just exploded in popularity from there.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/fun/toys/most-valuable-transformers-toys
  2. ↑ https://wertoys.com/lets-talk-toys/the-history-of-heman-and-the-masters-of-the-universe-toys/
  3. ↑ Eireann Kanzig. Toy Collecting Expert. Expert Interview
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  5. ↑ https://www.sideshow.com/blog/toy-history-barbie-gi-joe
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  8. ↑ https://newsroom.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hasbros-iconic-my-little-pony-brand-excites-new-generation-girls
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  1. ↑ Chantal Andersen. Toy Collector. Expert Interview
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  41. ↑ https://serpentorslair.com/truly-outrageous-the-history-of-jem-and-the-holograms-iconic-toy-line-and-cartoon/
  42. ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/monchhichi-fashions-newest-darling-but-its-legacy-is-much-deeper
  43. ↑ https://www.antiquetrader.com/collectibles/remembering-the-california-raisins
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  45. ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/fun/board-games/origins-of-guess-who-board-game
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  47. ↑ https://ripped.topps.com/garbage-pail-kids-history/

About This Article

Eireann Kanzig
Co-authored by:
Eireann Kanzig
Toy Collecting Expert
This article was co-authored by Eireann Kanzig and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA. Eireann Kanzig is a long-time toy collector based in Cleveland, Ohio. She began collecting toys in 2018 to preserve the wonderful memories of her childhood. As a millennial born in the 80’s and raised in the 90’s, her collection includes vintage and retro treasures and modern collectibles alike. Growing up, her grandparents owned an antique store, which allowed her the opportunity to see firsthand how items are tracked down. She was even able to go to Shipshewana, Indiana, to watch her grandfather as an auctioneer. Her mother has been a great influence as well by teaching her how to find collectibles throughout her travels. Eireann has also fostered a vibrant online community, sharing her personal collection and experiences with other toy collectors on social media @toyextraordineire. This article has been viewed 2,087 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: July 11, 2026
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