If you grew up in the ’80s, you know how legendary the toys were. Action-packed figurines, talking teddy bears, and classic board games gave us hours of fun before anyone had heard of iPads or PlayStations. Nothing compares to the magic of being an ’80s kid, and these 14 epic toys will help you relive your childhood.
1. Etch a Sketch
Etch A Sketch wasn’t just any drawing toy—it was pure magic in your hands. With two simple knobs, you could create anything from a house to a masterpiece, and with a quick shake, it was all erased, ready for a fresh start. No paper, no mess—just endless creativity and the satisfying click of those knobs as you brought your imagination to life. It was the closest thing to being an artist with a clean slate, over and over again.
2. Cabbage Patch Kids
Who could forget how these seemingly innocent little dolls caused actual toy store riots back in the day? Each Cabbage Patch Kid had its adoption certificate, and no two were identical. If you had one, you knew you had something really special—and if you didn’t, you were probably begging your parents for one.
3. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Action Figures
“He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” wasn’t just a show—it was a full-on phenomenon. Whether you were battling Skeletor or recreating He-Man’s epic fights with your friends, these toys gave us hours and hours of fun. And, of course, no one could play with their He-Man action figures without yelling, “I HAVE THE POWER!”
4. Lite-Brite
There was something so satisfying about poking those tiny, colorful pegs into the black paper and creating a mini-masterpiece. Lite-Brite was the ultimate solo activity as a kid. Whether you followed the template or went rogue, there was no satisfaction like creating something cool.
5. My Little Pony
With their bright colors, luscious manes, and adorable cutie marks, My Little Ponies were the ultimate collectible. You’d spend hours brushing their hair, lining them up, and making up stories about their magical adventures—and who could forget that distinct plasticky smell they had?
6. Transformers
Transformers were the ultimate action figures that we all wanted. One minute, it’s a robot, the next minute, it’s a car, or a plane, or a truck. Whether you were loyal to the Autobots or secretly rooting for the Decepticons, Transformers were a highlight of our childhood.
7. TMNT
Skip-It was the perfect toy for when you had energy to burn. You’d loop it around your ankle and see how many skips you could rack up before tripping over it—and let’s be honest; you always fell over eventually. If you were bored with your toys or had to kill some time alone, this was the best way to challenge yourself in your backyard.
8. Care Bears
Care Bears took up all the space on our childhood beds. Whether you had plush Care Bears or one of the plastic figures, these cuddly creatures brought comfort and happiness to so many childhoods. Admit it—you probably still have one (or two) saved.
9. Nintendo Game Boy
The Game Boy was a total game-changer (pun intended). Being able to play video games on the go was mind-blowing. Games like Tetris or Super Mario kept us hooked for hours on long car rides or lazy weekends. That chunky gray brick and the tiny pixelated screen may seem archaic nowadays, but we still have a soft spot for it.
10. Rubik’s Cube
This cube looked so simple, but it was seriously tough to master. For most of us, the Rubik’s Cube was a fun (sometimes frustrating) puzzle that kept us occupied for hours. Even if you never managed to solve it, twisting those colorful squares was addictive—and a solved Rubik’s Cube was a status symbol.
11. G.I. Joe Action Figures
The G.I. Joe action figures were all about adventure and imagination. Whether you were sending them on covert missions or staging epic battles in your living room, everyone and their brother had at least one G.I. Joe lying around.
12. Troll Dolls
Troll Dolls weren’t just any collectible—they were your quirky little good luck charms. With their wild, colorful hair and goofy grins, these little guys brought a fun, mischievous vibe wherever they went. You could dress them up, swap their outfits, or keep them on your desk for a bit of cheer. They were like tiny, joyful companions that made you smile every time you looked at them, and who didn’t love that bright shock of hair sticking up everywhere?
13. Pound Puppies
Who could forget Pound Puppies? These floppy-eared stuffed dogs were irresistible and cute. Pound Puppies came in their cardboard kennel, and adopting one felt like such a big deal as a kid. With their sad puppy-dog eyes and soft, cuddly bodies, they were almost as good as getting a real puppy.
14. Speak and Spell
If you had a Speak & Spell, you probably remember that robotic voice too well. It was like having your own mini spelling tutor, making learning feel like a game. That bright orange device was so fun that you’d forget you were learning something.
