If you grew up in the 80s, you’ve probably owned or (wished to own) many of these classic toys.
Our toys may not have been as complex back then as they are now, but they were definitely much better. Some were so awesome that they’re making it back to the toy shop shelves.
Here are just some toys we remember having as a child – memories!
1. Rainbow Brite Dolls
What gay youth didn’t play with Rainbow Brit Dolls. In fact didn’t this rainbow propaganda turn us all-gay – with their bold colours, yarn hair, and drag-queen make-up.
2. Jem and the Holograms Dolls
Well, if you couldn’t actually BE Jem, at least you could play with the dolls, especially with the bad girl trio – the Misfits – who kicked ass.
3. Barbie and the Rockers
In the mid 80s Barbie all of sudden became cool and rebranded herself. She had a mic, shoulder pads and a pink bow (Jem influence – we think yes).
4. She-Ra: Princess of Power
She-Ra was the ultimate 80s badass who didn’t take shit from anybody. Plus, she was actually an action figure and not a doll.
5. Walkman
Not just a toy but a way of indicating to other people that you were cool and your music taste was of course amazing.
6. Fisher-Price Medical Kit
Why, doctors and nurses – hello! See back then we were saving stuffed animals’ lives before Doc McStuffins was even a gleam in Disney’s eye.
7. Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
They smelled great, they were adorable dolls and they had TV show which was addictive.
8. My Little Pony
MAGICAL PONIES that came in every colour combination imaginable. Apple Jake just ruled – not a boy but a butch little pony.
9. Glo-worm
We didn’t have this because we were scared at night. Honest.
10. Barbie Corvette
The 80s were about excess, and nothing reflected that better than this silver Corvette (also it was a welcome relief from all that pink!).
11. Fisher-Price 1-2-3 Roller Skates
These magical devices meant you could skate and wear your sneakers at the same time.
12. Care Bears
You were convinced a good “Care Bear Stare” would get your parents to stop grounding you and making you eat your vegetables.
13. Sharp Boombox
In the 80s everyone who was anyone was making mix-tapes with songs recorded on the built-in radio. A must have.
14. Speak and Spell
The original and best iPad. Can still be seen in the Toy Story films. Yay.
15. Boglins
Surely it is time to bring Boglins back – but without the weird plastic smell that lingered on your fingers.
16. Thundercats Lion-o’s sword
This wasn’t necessarily yours but your brothers, but it was perfect for attacking your younger relatives.
17. Talking Teddy Ruxpin
Back then, he was the magical storytelling bear with the slightly creepy voice whose lips moved.
18. Castle LEGO
Couple of hours to build it up. Just 15 minutes for your younger siblings to completely destroy it.
19. The Smurfs
There were a zillion smurfs to collect, but in every kids toy collection you had around 2 to 3 of these little blue things, one of which was lady smurf and papa.
20. Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
You wanted this more than anything. Then you released the limitations. Crushing ice is not fun. 2 drink sashes means you have to look for alternatives, which never work.
21. Game Boy
The ultimate 80s game changer – 2 dimensional gameplay and hours (even years) wasted playing Tetris. In fact the theme tune still haunts me now.
