The 1980s were a decade of innovation and creativity, especially when it came to toys. From action figures to board games, the ’80s produced some of the most iconic and beloved toys of all time. However, not all of these toys stood the test of time. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the forgotten ’80s toys that may have slipped your mind.

While some of these toys may have been popular at the time, they have since been overshadowed by newer, more advanced toys. Others may have been short-lived due to manufacturing or marketing issues. Regardless of the reason, these toys hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the ’80s.

So, join us as we revisit some of the most obscure and forgotten toys of the 1980s. From talking robots to interactive video games, we’ll explore the toys that captured our imaginations and provided hours of entertainment.

The Boom of 80s Toys

During the 1980s, the world saw an explosion of toys that captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere. From action figures to dolls, board games to video games, the 80s was a time of innovation and creativity in the toy industry. Many of these toys have become iconic, and continue to be popular to this day.

One of the reasons for the popularity of 80s toys is nostalgia. Many adults today grew up in the 80s, and have fond memories of playing with these toys. As a result, they are often eager to share their love of these toys with their own children, passing on the tradition of play that they themselves enjoyed.

Another reason for the success of ’80s toys was the rapid advancement of technology during that time. Toys such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Atari 2600 brought video gaming into the home, while the introduction of the personal computer opened up a whole new world of educational and entertainment opportunities. These technological advancements allowed toy manufacturers to create toys that were more interactive and engaging than ever before.

Finally, the success of many ’80s toys can be attributed to the rise of toy franchises. From the Transformers to G.I. Joe, toy companies realized that creating a story and characters around a toy line could help boost sales. This led to the creation of iconic toy franchises that continue to be popular to this day.

Overall, the 80s was a time of innovation and creativity in the toy industry. The nostalgia, technological advancements, and rise of toy franchises all contributed to the success of 80s toys, and continue to make them popular with children and adults alike.

Iconic 80s Action Figures

The 80s were the golden age of action figures, and some of the most iconic ones were released during this era. Here are some of the most memorable action figures from the 80s:

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was a popular animated TV series and toy line that was created by Mattel in 1982. The toy line featured muscular, sword-wielding heroes and villains, and the TV series followed the adventures of He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, as he battled against the evil Skeletor and his minions.

The He-Man action figures were highly detailed and came with a variety of accessories, including swords, shields, and battle axes. Some of the most popular figures in the line included He-Man, Skeletor, Beast Man, and Man-At-Arms.

Transformers

Transformers was another hugely popular toy line that was created by Hasbro in 1984. The toys were based on a line of Japanese toys called Diaclone and Microman, and featured robots that could transform into vehicles and other objects.

The Transformers toys were highly detailed and came with a variety of accessories, including weapons and other gadgets. Some of the most popular figures in the line included Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Starscream.

G.I. Joe

G.I. Joe was a popular toy line that was created by Hasbro in 1964, but it wasn’t until the 80s that it really took off. The line featured a team of highly trained soldiers who battled against the evil forces of Cobra.

The G.I. Joe action figures were highly detailed and came with a variety of accessories, including weapons, backpacks, and other gear. Some of the most popular figures in the line included Duke, Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, and Cobra Commander.

Overall, these iconic 80s action figures have left a lasting impression on pop culture and continue to be beloved by collectors and fans today.

Popular 80s Toy Brands

The 1980s was a decade of innovation and creativity in the toy industry. Many popular toy brands emerged during this time, and some of them are still around today. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular toy brands of the 80s.

Hasbro

Hasbro is one of the most well-known toy brands of all time. The company was founded in 1923 and has been producing toys ever since. In the 80s, Hasbro produced some of the most iconic toys of the decade, including My Little Pony, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. These toys were not only popular with kids, but also with collectors, and many of them are still highly sought after today.

Kenner

Kenner was another popular toy brand of the 80s. The company was founded in 1947 and was acquired by Hasbro in 1991. Kenner is best known for producing the Star Wars action figures, which were a huge hit with kids and collectors alike. Kenner also produced a number of other popular toys in the 80s, including the Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake dolls.

Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price is a toy brand that has been around since 1930. The company is best known for producing toys for infants and toddlers, but it also produced a number of popular toys in the 80s. Some of their most popular toys from this decade include the Little People playsets, which were a staple in many kids’ toy collections.

Tomy

Tomy is a Japanese toy company that was founded in 1924. The company produced a number of popular toys in the 80s, including the Zoids and Micronauts action figures. Tomy was also responsible for producing the popular water toy, the Waterful Ring Toss.

Parker Brothers

Parker Brothers is a board game company that was founded in 1883. In the 80s, the company produced a number of popular board games, including Clue, Risk, and Monopoly. These games were not only popular with kids, but also with adults, and many of them are still played today.

Playmates

Playmates is a toy company that was founded in 1966. The company produced a number of popular toys in the 80s, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures. These toys were a huge hit with kids and collectors alike, and many of them are still highly sought after today.

In conclusion, the 80s was a decade of innovation and creativity in the toy industry. Many popular toy brands emerged during this time, and some of them are still around today. Hasbro, Kenner, Fisher-Price, Tomy, Parker Brothers, and Playmates were some of the most popular toy brands of the 80s, and they produced some of the most iconic toys of the decade.

Influence of TV and Movies on 80s Toys

The 80s was a decade of pop culture, with TV and movies shaping the toy industry. It was common for popular TV shows and movies to have their own toy lines, and this trend helped to create some of the most iconic toys of the decade.

One of the most significant influences on 80s toys was the Star Wars franchise. The release of the original Star Wars movie in 1977 sparked a craze for sci-fi toys, and the success of the franchise continued throughout the decade. Star Wars figurines were some of the most popular toys of the 80s, and their popularity helped to establish the action figure as a staple of the toy industry.

Another franchise that had a significant impact on ’80s toys was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The popularity of the TV show and movie led to a massive demand for TMNT action figures, playsets, and accessories. The success of the franchise also helped to establish the trend of creating toys based on popular TV shows and movies.

TV shows like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Thunder Cats also had a significant impact on the toy industry. The success of these shows led to a range of action figures, playsets, and accessories, which were some of the most popular toys of the decade.

Overall, the influence of TV and movies on 80s toys cannot be overstated. These shows and movies helped to create some of the most iconic toys of the decade and established trends that continue to this day.

80s Board Games and Puzzles

During the 80s, board games and puzzles were a staple in every household. We spent countless hours playing games like Clue, Monopoly, and Risk with our friends and family. These games provided a fun way to spend time together and develop critical thinking skills.

One of the most iconic 80s board games was Clue. In this murder mystery game, players had to solve a crime by gathering clues and making deductions. Clue was first introduced in 1949, but it gained immense popularity in the 80s. It was a game that required strategy and logical thinking, making it a hit among kids and adults alike.

Another popular game during this era was Monopoly. This classic board game has been around since the early 1900s, but it gained renewed popularity in the 80s. In Monopoly, players buy and sell properties, build houses and hotels, and collect rent from other players. It was a game that taught us about money management and negotiation skills.

Puzzles were also an essential part of our childhood. The Rubik’s Cube was one of the most popular puzzles of the 80s. This 3D puzzle had six faces, each consisting of nine colored squares. The goal was to twist and turn the cube to get each face to display a single color. It was a challenging puzzle that required patience and problem-solving skills.

Parker Brothers was a company that produced many of our favorite board games during the 80s. They were responsible for games like Risk, Clue, and Monopoly. Their games were known for their high-quality components and engaging gameplay.

In conclusion, board games and puzzles were a significant part of our childhood during the 80s. They provided a fun way to spend time with friends and family while also teaching us valuable skills. Games like Clue and Monopoly taught us about strategy and money management, while puzzles like the Rubik’s Cube challenged our problem-solving skills. Parker Brothers was a company that produced many of our favorite games and helped shape our childhood memories.

Electronic and Tech Toys of the 80s

We can’t talk about 80s toys without mentioning the electronic and tech toys that revolutionized the way we played. While today’s kids have smartphones and tablets, the 80s kids have a variety of electronic devices that are just as exciting.

One of the most iconic electronic toys of the 80s was the Atari 2600. It was released in 1977 and quickly became a household name. With its simple graphics and addictive gameplay, it paved the way for the video game industry we know today.

Another classic from the 80s was the Game Boy. Released in 1989, it was the first handheld gaming device to use cartridges and had a monochrome screen. It was a huge hit and sold millions of units worldwide. Many of us have fond memories of playing Tetris on our Game Boys.

Who can forget the Speak & Spell? This educational toy was released in 1978 by Texas Instruments and helped kids learn spelling and vocabulary in a fun way. It had a robotic voice that would pronounce words and spell them out, and it even had a built-in game mode.

Of course, we can’t talk about 80s electronic toys without mentioning the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was released in 1985 and was a huge hit, selling millions of units worldwide. It had classic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, and it even had accessories like the Power Glove, which allowed players to control games with hand gestures.

Overall, the 80s was a decade of innovation and excitement when it came to electronic and tech toys. These toys paved the way for the devices we have today and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Collecting and Selling 80s Toys

As we reminisce about the toys we played with in the 80s, many of us may wonder if they are worth anything today. The good news is that some of these toys can be quite valuable. If you are interested in collecting and selling 80s toys, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Research

The first step is to research the value of the toys you are interested in. One way to do this is to search for similar items on online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon. You can also check out collector websites and forums to get an idea of what people are willing to pay.

Condition

The condition of the toy is a crucial factor in determining its value. Toys that are still in their original packaging or in excellent condition are worth more than those that have been played with extensively. If you are selling a toy, be sure to accurately describe its condition and include clear photos.

Rarity

The rarity of a toy also affects its value. Toys that were produced in limited quantities or were only available for a short time are more valuable than those that were mass-produced. Keep in mind that some toys may have been popular at the time, but are now rare because they were not well-preserved.

Selling

When it comes to selling your 80s toys, you have several options. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon are popular choices, as they offer a wide audience and the ability to set your own price. You can also sell your toys to collectors directly, either through online forums or at collector conventions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, collecting and selling 80s toys can be a fun and lucrative hobby. Do your research, accurately describe the condition of your toys, and consider rarity when determining their value. With a little effort, you can turn your childhood memories into cash.

Forgotten 80s Toy Lines

The 1980s was the golden age of toys with many iconic and memorable toy lines. However, there were also many toy lines that were forgotten despite having interesting premises. In this section, we will look at some of the forgotten 80s toy lines that deserve to be remembered.

Super Naturals

Super Naturals was a toy line released by Tonka in 1987. The toy line featured holographic figures that changed from regular figures to ghostly warriors when viewed through a special lens. There were two different factions of ghostly warriors: one was led by the heroic Lionheart, and the other was led by the evil Skull. The figures also had a unique feature where they could be “possessed” by a smaller figure, which would then control the larger figure.

Food Fighters

Food Fighters was a toy line released by Mattel in 1988. The toy line featured anthropomorphic food characters that battled each other. The characters included Burgerdier General, Major Munch, Lieutenant Legg, and Private Pizza. The toy line also included vehicles such as the Fry Chopper and the Combat Carton.

Barnyard Commandos

Barnyard Commandos was a toy line released by Playmates Toys in 1989. The toy line featured anthropomorphic farm animals that battled each other. The characters included Private Side O’Bacon, Sergeant Wooly Pullover, and General Hamfat.

Army Ants

Army Ants was a toy line released by Hasbro in 1987. The toy line featured plastic ant figures that could be connected to form a marching army. The figures also had a unique feature where they could be “shot” out of a cannon.

Battle Beasts

Battle Beasts was a toy line released by Takara in 1986. The toy line featured anthropomorphic animal warriors that battled each other. The figures also had a unique feature where they had heat-sensitive stickers on their chests that would reveal their allegiance when rubbed.

R.A.M.S and P.O.R.K.S

R.A.M.S and P.O.R.K.S was a toy line released by Kenner in 1987. The toy line featured robotic animals that battled each other. The characters included Razorback, Warthog, and Boar.

M.A.S.K

M.A.S.K was a toy line released by Kenner in 1985. The toy line featured vehicles that could transform into masks and armor for the figures. The characters included Matt Trakker, Miles Mayhem, and Hondo MacLean.

Centurions

Centurions was a toy line released by Kenner in 1986. The toy line featured figures that could be equipped with different weapons and accessories. The characters included Max Ray, Jake Rockwell, and Ace McCloud.

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light was a toy line released by Hasbro in 1987. The toy line featured figures that could be equipped with holographic chest plates that revealed their powers. The characters included Leoric, Darkstorm, and Arzon.

Sky Commanders

Sky Commanders was a toy line released by Kenner in 1987. The toy line featured figures that could be attached to zip lines and other accessories to simulate aerial battles. The characters included General Plague, Raider Rath, and Jack Rabbit.

Ring Raiders

Ring Raiders was a toy line released by Matchbox in 1989. The toy line featured planes that could be attached to rings that were worn on the finger. The planes also had a unique feature where they could be launched from a catapult.

Computer Warriors

Computer Warriors was a toy line released by Mattel in 1989. The toy line featured figures that could transform into computer components. The characters included Romm, Megahert, and Microchip.

These are just a few of the forgotten 80s toy lines that deserve to be remembered. Despite their short-lived popularity, these toy lines left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who played with them.

Other Popular 80s Toys

Cabbage Patch Kids

One of the most popular toys of the 80s was the Cabbage Patch Kids. These dolls were created by Xavier Roberts and were first introduced in the late 70s. They became a huge hit in the 80s and were known for their unique look and adoption certificate. The dolls were sold with a variety of different outfits and accessories, and collectors would often go to great lengths to get their hands on rare or limited edition dolls.

My Little Pony

My Little Pony was another popular toy for girls in the 80s. These colorful ponies were first introduced in 1982 and quickly became a hit. The ponies had unique names and personalities, and each one came with a brush and a ribbon. There were also a variety of playsets and accessories available, including a Dream Castle and a Paradise Estate.

Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin was a popular toy in the 80s that combined a teddy bear with a cassette player. The bear would “read” stories from cassette tapes, and its mouth and eyes would move along with the story. Teddy Ruxpin was a huge hit and was even featured in his own animated TV series.

Pound Puppies

Pound Puppies were a popular toy for both boys and girls in the 80s. These soft, plush puppies came with adoption certificates and were sold in a variety of different sizes and colors. There were also a variety of playsets and accessories available, including a Puppy Pound and a Puppy Carrier.

Micro Machines

Micro Machines were miniature toy cars that were a huge hit in the 80s. These tiny cars were sold in sets and were often themed around popular movies or TV shows. Micro Machines were known for their attention to detail and were a favorite of collectors.

Lite-Brite

Lite-Brite was a popular toy that allowed kids to create their own glowing art. The toy came with a blackboard and a set of colored pegs. Kids could place the pegs into the board to create different designs and patterns. The board would then light up to reveal the finished creation.

Koosh Ball

The Koosh Ball was a popular toy in the 80s that was made up of a bunch of rubbery strings. The ball was soft and squishy, and kids could toss it around or play catch with it. The Koosh Ball was also available in a variety of different colors.

Glo Worm

Glo Worm was a popular toy for young children in the 80s. The toy was a soft, plush worm that would light up when squeezed. Glo Worm was available in a variety of different colors and was a favorite of kids who needed a comforting night light.

Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite was a popular toy for girls in the 80s. The toy was based on a popular animated TV series and featured a colorful doll with rainbow-colored hair. There were also a variety of playsets and accessories available, including a Rainbow Roller and a Color Castle.

Roller Skates

Roller skates were a popular toy for kids in the 80s. These classic skates were available in a variety of different colors and styles, and kids could often be seen skating around their neighborhoods or at local roller rinks.

View Master

View Master was a popular toy in the 80s that allowed kids to view 3D images. The toy came with a set of reels that featured different scenes and images. Kids could insert the reels into the View Master and then look through the lenses to see the images in 3D.

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots were a popular toy for boys in the 80s. The toy featured two robots that could box each other. Kids would use the controls to make the robots punch and try to knock each other’s heads off.

Spirograph

Spirograph was a popular toy in the 80s that allowed kids to create intricate designs and patterns. The toy came with a set of gears and wheels that kids could use to create different shapes and designs. Kids would then use pens or markers to trace the designs and create colorful patterns.

Monchhichi

Monchhichi was a popular toy for young children in the 80s. The toy was a soft, plush monkey that had a unique look and was available in a variety of different sizes and colors. Kids would often carry their Monchhichi around with them as a comforting companion.

Transition to 90s Toys

As we moved into the 90s, we saw a significant shift in the types of toys that were popular among children. While some of the classic 80s toys continued to remain popular, many new toys emerged that captured the attention of kids all over the world.

One of the most iconic toys of the 90s was the Tamagotchi, a small digital pet that required constant attention and care. Kids would carry these devices around with them everywhere they went, feeding, playing with, and cleaning up after their virtual pets. The Tamagotchi was a huge hit, and it spawned countless imitators and spin-offs.

Another popular toy from the 90s was the Super Soaker, a high-powered water gun that allowed kids to soak their friends and family with ease. These toys were a huge hit during the summer months, and they continue to be popular to this day.

The 90s also saw the rise of collectible toys, with products like Beanie Babies and Pokémon cards becoming hugely popular among kids and adults alike. These toys were often traded and collected, with rare or valuable items fetching high prices on the secondary market.

Finally, the 90s saw the emergence of a new type of toy: the virtual pet. Along with the Tamagotchi, products like the Giga Pet and Nano Baby allowed kids to care for digital pets on a small LCD screen. These toys were a precursor to the modern smartphone and tablet apps that allow kids to interact with virtual pets and characters.

Overall, the transition to 90s toys was marked by a shift towards digital and collectible products, as well as an increased focus on interactivity and customization. These toys paved the way for the modern era of toys and entertainment, and they continue to be beloved by kids and adults alike.