55 Nostalgic Toys from the '80s and '90s You Used to Love ...

By Lisa

If you were a kid in the ‘80s or ‘90s you probably had some really cool nostalgic toys that you used to love to play with. As simple as they were, I think some of the best toys were invented back then and wish I still had some of my old toys around just so I could see them again! Take a stroll down memory lane with me and see if you spot some of your favorite nostalgic toys from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

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1

Easy-Bake Oven

Easy-Bake Oven Via 55 Toys And Games That ...
The Easy-Bake Oven has to be one of the most popular nostalgic toys from your childhood. Unfortunately, I never had one, but they look like a ton of fun!

2

Water Wiggler

Water Wiggler Via Childhood
I was always dropping these things. I'm not even sure how you were supposed to play with them!

UPD:

The Water Wiggler was like a mini, watery escape in hand. It felt like a squishy tube of water trapped in a colorful, glittery plastic skin, always ready to slip through your fingers when you least expected it. The unpredictable nature of these toys made it rather unclear whether they were made for a specific game or simply for the delight of tactile sensation. The allure? Trying to keep hold of it was the game itself - a playful test of dexterity that had us all enthralled and giggling at our repeated failures.

Frequently asked questions

Nostalgic toys from the '80s and '90s are popular playthings from that era that many people remember fondly from their childhood. Examples include action figures like Transformers, cuddly toys like Care Bears, gaming consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System, and board games like Guess Who?.

People love nostalgic toys because they bring back happy memories from their childhood. These toys often remind them of simpler times, fun with friends, or family moments. They also represent a time in pop culture that many feel a connection to.

Yes, you can sometimes find '80s and '90s toys in vintage or second-hand stores, online marketplaces like eBay, or through collectors. Some toys have even been re-released or updated for modern kids.

A toy from the '80s or '90s can be collectible if it is rare, in good condition, still in its original packaging, or has a high demand among collectors. Toys that were limited edition or discontinued quickly often become collectibles.

Many '80s and '90s toys are safe, but safety standards have changed. It's important to check for any recalls or safety warnings. For very young children, it's best to supervise play with vintage toys as they may not meet current safety requirements.

3

The Clacker

The Clacker Via Childhood Memories
This is another retro toy that I'm not sure qualifies as a toy.

4

Talking Baby Sinclair

Talking Baby Sinclair Via 31 Awesome ’90s Toys You ...
If you liked the show Dinosaurs, this was a must-have.

UPD:

The Talking Baby Sinclair toy was essentially the spunky catchphrase-spouting character from the hit TV series in cuddly form. Press his belly, and you'd hear the iconic “Not the mama!” and other memorable lines that captured hearts of fans everywhere. This lovable little dinosaur was more than a toy; it was a piece of the show that you could hug and interact with. Owning one was like having a slice of the '90s right in your playroom. It's no wonder that even today, this chatty dino still ignites a sense of joyous nostalgia among those who remember the show fondly.

5

Gloworm

Gloworm Via 25 Awesome ’80s Toys You ...
Gloworms are so cute and comforting. How can you resist a sleepy-looking worm?

Famous Quotes

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

George Santayana
6

Pogs

Pogs Via Will Pogs Ever Make a ...
Did you ever play with pogs? Did you know they were originally milk bottle caps?

UPD:

Pogs, those small, colorful discs, became a massive playground craze in the '90s, captivating kids everywhere with their simple yet addictive game of skill and chance. Collectible and often featuring cool designs or your favorite cartoon characters, Pogs had kids challenging each other to "slam" battles, betting on who could flip the most pogs and take them home. The joy of creating a personalized collection of these caps, and the social aspect of playing with friends, made Pogs not just a game, but a genuine cultural phenomenon of the decade.

7

Game Boy Color

Game Boy Color Via my childhood
I remember wanting a Game Boy Color so badly!

UPD:

Suddenly, every long car ride, rainy afternoon, or lazy summer day became an adventure. With its vibrant, colorful screen, the Game Boy Color brought our favorite games to life in a way that the original Game Boy just couldn't. Whether it was swapping creatures in Pokémon Red and Blue or guiding Link through The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, this handheld console was a ticket to uncharted worlds. And the see-through models? Total coolness you could actually see the inner workings! It wasn't just about playing games; it was about showing off the latest tech in the schoolyard.

8

Gak

Gak Via Skip-It, Skip-It: The Best '90s ...
This toy was made by Nickelodeon and was inspired by the show Double Dare. Supposedly it made a fart noise when it went back into its container.

UPD:

Nickelodeon's Gak captivated kids with its squishy, stretchable form and remarkably gross sound effects. The appeal lay in its simple yet endless entertainment value, allowing young ones to squeeze, roll, and plop it to their heart's content. Parents weren't always as enthused, often citing the struggle to remove Gak from carpets and furniture. But the joy it brought to playtimes was undeniable, creating an indelible bond with the slimy side of childhood fun. It's clear why many remember Gak as a quintessential symbol of '90s youth.

9

Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi Via Skip-It, Skip-It: The Best '90s ...
I never had much luck with these things, I always ended up killing my pet.

10

Mouse Trap

Mouse Trap Via Children of the 90s: Toys
I don't remember this game, but it looks like fun!

11

Magnetic Fishing Game

Magnetic Fishing Game Via HAHA
This was one of my favorite games growing up! I would invite anyone I could find to play this with me,

12

Sky Dancers

Sky Dancers Via like it was yesterday
Insert the doll and pull the string to launch the Sky Dancer in the air;

13

Dear Diary Talkback

Dear Diary Talkback Via Blast From The Past :)
Doesn't this electronic diary look like a Sidekick?

UPD:

This quirky gadget was every young tech enthusiast’s dream! Carrying your secrets in an electronic vault felt so cutting-edge. Flipping it open felt like you were about to engage in the most futuristic form of gossip with your BFFs. Remember the thrill when you first got your hands on one? It was like owning a piece of the future. Moreover, the satisfaction of clacking away on the tiny keys was oddly comforting. Lost passwords, however, were the bane of our existence – the trials and tribulations of pre-teen life stored in digital form, possibly gone forever!

14

Guess Who?

Guess Who? Via Childhood
A fun guessing game for the whole family.

15

McDonald's Toys

McDonald's Toys Via McDonald's toys from the early ...
McDonald's had the best toys in the '80s and '90s! You won't see any cute stuff like this these days!

16

Bananas in Pyjamas

Bananas in Pyjamas Via Childhood Memories
This Australian TV show came to American in the early '90's and took over American TV.

17

Magic Copier

Magic Copier Via Electronic Toys: Tiger Hippo-Lot-O-Fun 1980 ...
The '90's version of the iPad.

18

Poo-chi Robot Dog

Poo-chi Robot Dog Via 90s on Tumblr
Who wouldn't want their very own robot dog?

19

Popples

Popples Via Vintage Baby Cribsy Popple Plush ...
Do you remember watching Popples cartoons?

UPD:

These colorful and whimsical creatures captured our hearts with their ability to roll up into a ball and then pop out into a furry friend. The Popples originated from a series of children's cartoons and were subsequently turned into a popular toy line. Kids loved to play with them, transforming them from balls to plush toys, and vice versa. Those who had one of these cuddly companions often remember the delight of taking their Popple to school, tucked away safely in backpacks, ready to surprise friends with a magical unfold at recess. Popples were not just toys; to many, they represented a cherished piece of youthful innocence and nostalgia.

20

Etch-a-Sketch

Etch-a-Sketch Via Childhood Memories
This was a must-have while waiting to be seated at a restaurant.

21

HitClips

HitClips Via 18 Of Your Favorite Toys ...
You could display and play all your favorite songs.

22

View Master

View Master Via As a 90's baby
I always misplaced my View Master reels, but I loved looking through it.

UPD:

View Master was a popular toy in the '80s and '90s, providing hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. It was a 3D viewer, with a viewer and reels of images. You could look through the viewer and see 3D images that changed when you flipped the reel. It was a great way to explore the world, as View Master reels included images of animals, landscapes, and famous monuments from around the world.

View Master was created by William Gruber, an inventor and photographer, in 1939. The first View Master reels were released in 1940 and featured pictures of the Grand Canyon. Over the years, the reels have featured images from popular movies, television shows, and even the Apollo 11 moon landing.

View Master was a great way for kids to learn about the world and explore their imaginations. It was also a great tool for parents to use to teach their kids about the world. Today, View Master is still popular with kids, and the reels are now available in digital form. It's a great way to introduce kids to the world and help them develop their imaginations.

23

Koosh Ball

Koosh Ball Via Remember
It was so fun to toss these around with your friends and pull on the little rubber strings.

UPD:

The Koosh Ball is a toy that became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It consists of a soft rubber ball filled with hundreds of rubber strings. It was designed to be easy to catch and throw, making it a great toy for children to play with. The Koosh Ball was created by Scott Stillinger, an inventor from Oregon, and was originally called the "Noisemaker Ball". It was later renamed the Koosh Ball, after the sound it made when thrown. The Koosh Ball was a toy that could be enjoyed by both children and adults, and it was often used in a variety of games, such as catch and tag.

24

Silly Putty

Silly Putty Via Childhood Memories
I was never into Silly Putty, but it was capable of pretty amazing things.

25

Bubble Necklaces

Bubble Necklaces Via My childhood.
The It accessory that all the cool girls had.

26

Puppy Surprise

Puppy Surprise Via Toys
How many puppies did you find in your Puppy Surprise?

27

Deluxe Talkboy

Deluxe Talkboy Via LOSMADDEN. | TALKBOY
Did you remember watching Home Alone and wanting one of these?

UPD:

The Deluxe Talkboy was a popular toy in the late 80s and early 90s, made famous by Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2. The Talkboy was originally released in 1992 and was a cassette player and recorder with a microphone and a built-in amplifier. It had a variety of features, including the ability to slow down or speed up recordings, change the pitch of the recording, and even record your own sound effects.

The Talkboy was a hit with kids of all ages and was a great way to express their creativity. Kids would record themselves doing impressions of their favorite characters or create their own stories. They would also record their friends and family and play the recordings back to them.

The Talkboy was also popular with adults who wanted to record important conversations, lectures, or meetings. It was a must-have for journalists, lawyers, and other professionals who needed to record conversations without having to carry around bulky recording equipment.

The Talkboy was eventually replaced by digital voice recorders, but it remains a nostalgic reminder of the 90s. It was a revolutionary device that allowed people to record their own sound effects, conversations, and stories, and it was a great way for people to express their creativity.

28

Operation

Operation Via Growing up in the 80s ...
I loved playing the original Operation. I would always jump when I accidentally hit the sides.

29

Mega Stars

Mega Stars Via [Photos] Toys We Used To ...
The only way to decorate your ceiling.

30

Snap Braclets

Snap Braclets Via humorsharing.com
I loved collecting these things!

31

Skip It

Skip It Via Skip-It, Skip-It: The Best '90s ...
This toy was actually named one of the 100 greatest toys by Time Magazine.

UPD:

Skip It was a popular toy in the '90s that allowed children to skip rope without a partner. It was a plastic hoop attached to a metal chain that was looped around the user's ankle. The user swung the hoop around in circles and jumped over it as it swung. It was a great way for kids to get their exercise and have fun at the same time. The toy was so successful that it was named one of the 100 greatest toys by Time Magazine. It was a great way for kids to stay active and have a good time.

32

Full House

Full House Via 10 Toy Lines Based On ...
If you couldn't wait for Full House on Friday night, this doll set was the perfect way to pass the time.

33

Rubber Poppers

Rubber Poppers Via 90's kid
If you ever took these to school, I'm sure you got them taken away. Mine always flew so far!

UPD:

Rubber Poppers were a popular toy among children in the '80s and '90s. They were made of plastic and rubber, and were typically small enough to fit in a pocket. When the rubber popper was pressed down, it would make a loud popping sound and fly across the room. Kids used them to play games or just for fun. Unfortunately, many of these toys were confiscated by teachers, as they could be disruptive in the classroom. Despite this, Rubber Poppers remain a fond memory for many people who grew up in the '80s and '90s.

34

Barbie Casette Tape

Barbie Casette Tape Via 80s on Tumblr
Were you lucky enough to have a Barbie cassette tape?

35

Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin Via Do lots of coke and ...
Although he was a little creepy-looking, Teddy was a great story teller.

UPD:

With his soft brown fur and endearing expression, Teddy Ruxpin brought countless stories to life, making him a beloved playtime companion. Not only could this innovative bear recite tales, but he could also move his mouth and eyes in sync with the audio, captivating children and sparking their imaginations. Despite his slightly odd appearance that lent itself to the nickname "creepy," Teddy was a cutting-edge toy ahead of his time, combining the loveable qualities of a stuffed animal with interactive technology that bridged the gap between play and education.

36

Stick-on Earrings

Stick-on Earrings Via indulgy.com
My mom made me wait forever to pierce my ears so this was my way to pretend I had pierced ears.

37

Doctors Set

Doctors Set Via things from my childhood
I remember always knocking people in the knees and elbows with the reflex hammer.

38

Totally Hair Barbie

Totally Hair Barbie Via 31 Awesome ’90s Toys You ...
Check out the bangs and the awesome crimping on Barbie's hair!

39

Yo-yo

Yo-yo Via One Awesome Decade!
I was never good with the Yo-yo, but there were so many cool tricks I wanted to learn.

40

Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite Via '80s/'90s Toys & Collectibles
I adored Rainbow Brite as a child! She had the coolest ponytail!

UPD:

Rainbow Brite was a popular toy and media franchise in the 1980s and 1990s. Created by Hallmark Cards, she was a colorful character with a mission to spread joy and color throughout the world. The toy line included dolls, plush toys, and accessories, while the media franchise included a TV show and movie. Rainbow Brite was known for her signature ponytail and rainbow-colored outfit, which became iconic for many young girls during that time. The franchise also had a positive message of friendship and teamwork, making it a favorite among children and parents alike. Even today, Rainbow Brite continues to be a beloved character and has a strong fan base of nostalgic adults who grew up with her.

41

Puppy in My Pocket

Puppy in My Pocket Via My Little Pony Trading Post
Cute puppies that conveniently fit in your pocket.

42

Moon Shoes

Moon Shoes Via 31 Awesome ’90s Toys You ...
Moon shoes had little trampolines so you could jump super high.

43

Dream Phone

Dream Phone Via Flashback: 20 Tech Toys We ...
With this game you could have your very own phone to find out who your secret admirer was.

UPD:

Dream Phone was a popular board game in the late 80s and early 90s that allowed players to have their very own phone and find out who their secret admirer was. It was a must-have for any sleepover or girls' night and provided hours of entertainment. The game included a large pink phone with a built-in speaker and a set of cards featuring different boys' names and phone numbers. Players would take turns calling the numbers on the cards and listening to clues from the boys to try and figure out who their secret admirer was. Dream Phone was a fun and exciting way for young girls to explore the idea of crushes and dating in a safe and innocent way.

44

Bop It

Bop It Via 31 Awesome ’90s Toys You ...
An electronic version of Simon Says.

45

Barbie Makeup Head

Barbie Makeup Head Via \'90s Toys and Games for ...
Although this had color changing makeup on the doll itself, I always put my mom's makeup on her. It was too fun!

46

Waterful Ring Toss

Waterful Ring Toss Via Fourth Grade Nothing: Water Ring ...
This game was actually pretty challenging. I have a smaller version now that I like to play when I'm bored.

UPD:

The Waterful Ring Toss was a popular game in the 80s and 90s that has now become a nostalgic toy for many. It was a handheld game where players would try to get small rings onto pegs by using air pressure to shoot water through a small hole. This game was challenging and required skill and concentration to master. It was also a great way to pass the time and was a favorite among kids and adults alike. The game has since been re-released in smaller versions, but the original Waterful Ring Toss remains a beloved classic among those who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

47

Girl Talk

Girl Talk Via \'90s Toys and Games for ...
The game of truth or dare just for girls!

UPD:

Girl Talk is a classic board game from the 90s that is designed specifically for girls. It is a game of truth or dare that encourages players to have fun and get to know each other. Players take turns spinning the wheel and answering the questions or completing the dares that are indicated on the board. Players can also add their own questions and dares to make the game more interesting. The game is suitable for girls aged 8 and up and can be played with two or more players. It is a great way for girls to bond and have fun while learning more about each other.

48

Pinart

Pinart Via Childhood Memories
Admit it, you used to put your face on this!

49

Beanie Babies

Beanie Babies Via 31 Awesome ’90s Toys You ...
Did you have a massive Beanie Baby collection?

50

Creepy Crawlers

Creepy Crawlers Via 31 Awesome ’90s Toys You ...
Custom make your very own creepy crawler.

51

Grow with Me 1,2,3 Roller Skates

Grow with Me 1,2,3 Roller Skates Via 90's Memories
I think everyone and their mom had a pair of these skates!

52

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake Via Graffiti Artist & Street Artists ...
Strawberry Shortcake was my girl back in the day. I loved her striped tights and her big floppy hat.

53

Blossom Russo Doll

Blossom Russo Doll Via Blossom Russo Vintage 90s Toy ...
Blossom and Six were my favorite duo back in the '90's and Joey was the cutest!

UPD:

The Blossom Russo Doll was a popular toy from the '90s that was based on the beloved TV show "Blossom." The show revolved around the life of a teenage girl named Blossom and her best friend Six. The doll was a representation of Blossom's character and featured her iconic flower hat and colorful outfits. It was produced by Blossom Russo Vintage and was a hit among young girls who loved the show. The doll was not only a fun toy to play with, but it also allowed fans to relive their favorite moments from the show and imagine themselves as part of Blossom's world.

54

She-Ra

She-Ra Via 53 Things Only '80s Girls ...
I wanted to be just like the Princess of Power.

UPD:

She-Ra was a popular animated series in the '80s, targeted towards young girls. The show featured a powerful female protagonist, Princess Adora, who transformed into She-Ra, the Princess of Power, with the help of her magical sword. She-Ra was a skilled warrior who fought against the evil forces of Hordak and his minions. The show also had a line of action figures and playsets, which were a huge hit among young girls. She-Ra's strong and confident character resonated with many young girls and inspired them to be brave and independent. The show's popularity led to the creation of a new generation of female superheroes and helped break gender stereotypes in the media.

55

Troll Dolls

Troll Dolls Via Do you remember this
My family was freaked out by these little dolls, but I loved them. I had a troll pencil topper that was THE best!

Do you remember owning or wanting these toys? These toys pale in comparison to the toys kids have now, but I think they're still pretty awesome! What was your favorite toy as a child?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Oh my god I never knew about the moon shoes 😳 is it bad that I still want them? 🙈

I had the original Clackers in the 70's, the ones made of glass that they took off the market. My mom threw ours away but my older sister got mine out of the trash to continue to play with it. Guess who got in trouble when mom found them weeks later! :-(

Guess who was a brilliant game!!

Where is Polly Pocket :/

Love this!

Guess who and tamgotchi 👍

good tiiiimes

#25 Loved these...

#22 Love it

Oh the nostalgia these things bring back! They also remind me of just how old I'm becoming! I loved it.

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