What were the most popular 80s toys? Here’s a look back!
Ready to dive into this awesome blast from the past? Let’s go!
Cabbage Patch Kids: The adoption craze
Move over, baby dolls; there’s a new kid in the nursery. Cabbage Patch Kids exploded onto the scene in the early ’80s, complete with adoption papers and unique names.
The demand was so high, stores often had shortages, leading to literal stampedes to adopt these soft, chubby-cheeked dolls. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a phenomenon, making Cabbage Patch Kids a must-have for any ’80s kid.
The robots in disguise: Transformers
Transformers came screeching onto the scene in 1984, with the tagline “Robots in disguise.” Clever, right? They were action figures that could transform into vehicles, and they brought endless possibilities to playtime.
With good guys (Autobots) and bad guys (Decepticons), kids could stage epic battles or just enjoy the intricate transformation process. Today, the Transformers brand is still going strong, with movies, TV shows, and of course, toys.
Pound Puppies: The original rescue dogs
Before everyone was scrolling through pet adoption websites, kids were begging for a Pound Puppy. These stuffed dogs came in a cardboard kennel, complete with an adoption certificate.
Soft, cuddly, and just begging (woof!) to be snuggled, Pound Puppies became a fast favorite, and there were playsets and books galore to continue the theme. Bonus: no walks required.
Barbie: The OG fashionista
Barbie was already a hit before the ’80s, but this decade brought her into new realms — career-wise and wardrobe-wise. With the addition of Day-to-Night Barbie, Astronaut Barbie and even Presidential Candidate Barbie, the world was her oyster.
And who could forget her trendy leopard-print clothes and teased hair? She was the epitome of ’80s glam.
Rubik’s Cube: The brainy bestseller
In an era of physical toys, the Rubik’s Cube stood out as a cerebral challenge. Introduced to the world in the late ’70s, but gaining mass popularity in the ’80s, this colorful cube was both fascinating and frustrating. Solving it was a badge of honor, and everyone wanted to twist and turn their way to bragging rights.
Simon: The ultimate memory test
Simon made its colorful debut in the late ’70s, but its light-up, sound-matching gameplay was a hit throughout the ’80s. Kids and adults alike would press the colored buttons in the same sequence as the game, trying to keep up as the pattern got longer and faster.
A genuine brain workout disguised as play, Simon was that rare toy that even parents didn’t mind taking a spin at. A catchy tune, a glowing interface, and a test of memory — what’s not to love?
Care Bears: The power of emotions
With colorful fur and belly badges that signaled their special power, Care Bears were the emotional superheroes of the world of 80s toys. Each bear represented a feeling like love, friendship, or courage, teaching kids it was okay to wear their hearts on their sleeves — or, in this case, bellies.
Ideal for snuggles and life lessons, Care Bears were the cuddly companions every kid wanted, especially when navigating the tricky terrain of emotions.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga, dude!
When a group of mutant turtles trained in martial arts by a rat sensei became a thing, kids couldn’t get enough. Launched in 1987, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures were an instant hit. Whether it was Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael, these heroes in a half-shell made playtime action-packed.
Game Boy: The start of portable gaming
Nintendo released the Game Boy in 1989, making it technically an ’80s toy. The compact device took gaming from the TV screen to the palm of your hand. With the introduction of games like “Super Mario Land” and “Tetris,” the Game Boy became an instant classic, kicking off a revolution in portable entertainment.
So much more 80s-style fun & games!
That’s a quick look at some of the most unforgettable ’80s toys, but trust us, there’s a lot more where that came from. To really step into the time machine, check out the pages below — including a few dozen that we’ve snagged from the 1981 Sears Wishbook below. It’s like peeking at the exact Santa lists kids were scribbling down for the holidays.
And if you’re feeling some ’80s vibes but want a 2020s twist, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our handpicked selection of modern toys inspired by those ’80s toy classics. Ready, set, play! -BB
Star Wars figurines: The galaxy in your pocket
1980s toys: Star Wars figurines in the 1981 Sears Catalog Wishbook
80s toys: Star Wars, Clash of the Titans, the Lone Ranger & Dukes of Hazzard figurines
Strawberry Shortcake: The sweetest doll in the patch
It’s the year of the Shortcake, according to toy stores (1981)
This Christmas, many little girls are asking Santa to fill their stockings with Strawberry Shortcake. Now, don’t cancel out on that Christmas fruitcake and start collecting shortcake recipes. It’s only a doll.
But Pensacola toy merchants and salespersons said Saturday that the 3-1/2-inch doll, along with the Rubik’s Cube, the “Dukes of Hazzard” race car, and the Atari video games, are about the most popular toys for Christmas — so far.
“We’re selling them as fast as they come in,” said Paula Goonian, a sales clerk at Playland in Cordova Mall.
Ruth Griffin, a salesperson at Woolco’s on Davis Highway, said the Strawberry Shortcake doll was the store’s bestseller Saturday. And Howard Bean, a group manager at Zayre’s toy department on Ninth Avenue, said the Strawberry Shortcake doll and the Atari video games were popular there.
“Last year, it was Star Wars and the hand computer games. But this year, it’s changed some,” he said.
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Hundreds of 1980s toys, games & fun for kids for sale in the 1981 Sears Catalog Wishbook
Toys of the 80s: Micro-cassette player & record players
Pinball games for your 80s home arcade
80s sleeping bags – Winnie the Pooh, Bugs Bunny, Benji, Pink Panther
80s toys: Sports equipment
Sleeping bags for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys from the 80s: Race track sets
Remote control cars in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Vintage RC Corvette, Porsche 917K and radio-controlled Jeep CJ toys
Vintage games with no reading skills needed
Games shown included Kitchen Panic, Ants in the Pants, Cootie, Pair-Ups, Operation, Swervin’ Derby, Jaws, Frog Hoppers, Space Shoot game
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Vintage preschool toys – play phones, See ‘n Say and a pretend pay phone
Fisher Price schoolhouse, jetport, farm, plane and more preschool toys
Weebles wobble and spin around but never fall down – Weebles playsets
Roadmates auto park – Crank operated elevator vintage toy
Vintage Brix Blocks building sets and alphabet blocks
Brix Blox, Erector sets, Lincoln Log sets and other classic toys
Stomper SSC Super Cycle Daredevil loop set, Shell gas station toys and Ruff Truk vehicles
Tonka Jeep, Off-road Racer, Nylint Rhino, Ertl Tractor and more truck toys
Roadmates city play environment and city vehicle sets
Roadmates country play world and vehicle sets – Mattel Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash
Train sets for kids – Bachmann Big Husky and Chessie System
Sunny Bunch Collectibles – dolls, accessories and furniture
Popular 80s toys: Big Wheels, Slick Racers, tricycles and more ride-on fun for little kids
80s toy: Little Tikes Railroad – A train ride for kids with its own track
Model kits for kids – Imperial Star Destroyer from Star Wars, Dukes of Hazzard, USS Constitution and more
Sports equipment for kids – Football, Baseball, Boxing, Basketball
Novelty 80s toys – Dukes of Hazzard, Mickey Mouse, Tic-Tak-Toe games and more
Child-size kitchen appliances and accessories
Tuckaway Tabletop 3-in-1 kitchen set and accessories – plus Mattel Tuff Stuff Shoppin’ Basket
Kombi Play Kitchen, supermarket food set, Winnie-the-Pooh cook N serve set
1980s toy furniture for kids – tables and chairs made from wood
Chemistry lab sets, Ant city, nature field kits, gold and mineral prospecting kits
Craft kits for kids – Rock tumbler, Master Caster, Paint N Swirl, Woodburning kit
Vintage drawing, painting and other artistic activity toys
Retro record players and vintage portable phonograph toys
Dress-up dolls and beauty parlor toys, hair styling, makeup – Plus Christie and Barbie with Quick Curl hair
Small and toy sewing machines – Sew Perfect, Knit Magic and more
Vintage dollhouses and doll furniture – Dream House
Retro electronic learning toys – Computron, Speak & Spell, Speak & Math, Speak & Read
Easels and drawing board for kids – plus Vintage Play-Doh fun
1980s toys: Coloring, drawing, learning and playing for little kids – including Crayola, Disney and Lite Brite
Vintage electronic sports games on handheld LED screens – Football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys from the 80s: Handheld electronic games
1980s toys: Merlin and more handheld electronic games
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Vintage games – including Flippopotamus, Fishing Ducks, Space Ballistic Missile Wars
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Toys, games and fun for kids in the 1981 Sears Catalog
Pink Panther, Sylvester, Tweety, Big Bird and other plus characters and vintage stuffed animals
Vintage vinyl play tunnel, play houses, Little Tikes teeter tooter see saw and other backyard fun for kids
Vintage toys – ambulance, emergency room, flight school set and Mickey Mouse matching game
Vintage preschool toys – train, wagon, farm set, Bert and Ernie
Vintage Fisher Price houseboat, chatterbox phone, music box record player and more preschool fun
Fisher Price Jolly Jalopy, Basketball bean bag game, Play desk, Hiking set, Cash register and more
Play doctor! Medical set, doctor and nurse toy kits – also play mower and play camera
Vintage toy of Mr Pibb cannon jump – Joie Chitwood Thrill Set
Vintage puzzles, Mr Potato Head, Teeter Totter watches, block picture puzzles, US Map puzzle
Vintage wooden blocks – Unfinished wood Kindergarten Blocks
Discover Toys for preschoolers – plus Mickey Mouse Spin & Pop Pinball Game
Vintage Crazy Coaster, Jungle Express, Moto Drive, Space Galaxy toys
Vintage Brix Blocks toy sets
Stomper 4×4 Mountain, and Desert Rally set, Mystery Action vehicles
Vintage Roadmates toys, auto transport, service center and more
Freight train sets and other railroad toys for kids
Imaginary world play sets: Fort Union, Highway Patrol, Cavalry and Indian toy set
Rockers and furniture for kids
Child-size rockers, desks, storage chests, toy boxes and more small furniture
Happy Valley design furniture for kids – plus toy bins, desk and chair
Sunny Bunch Furniture – cute country-style bedroom furniture for girls
Wagons and wheelbarrows for kids
’80s toy cars, tractors and ride-ons for kids
Pretend motorcycles and other electric battery-powered ride-on toys for kids
Pines Plane, Wrangler 4×4 Pickup and Volkswagen Rabbit ride-on toys for kids
Hobby Horses and ride-on horse toys
Sit n ride toddler toys – Cozy Coupe Cars and other ride-on toys for preschoolers
Adorable plush cuddle n rock rockers – stuffed horse toys – pluse ride-on toys & Sit n Spin by Kenner
Washable toys for babies – Winnie the Pooh, Snoopy, more – Peek a Boo Picture Tube
Crib and playpen toys for babies and toddlers – Winnie the Pooh
Colorful crib & playpen fun with vintage Pooh, Mattel and Action Stacks toys
Bathtub toys and bath time fun for little kids
Vintage musical toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Plush pets and pals – stuffed animal toys and dolls
Trampolines and other sports and fitness fun for kids
Western play sets and character outfits – costumes for kids
Little homemaker cooks up hours of homemade fun – pretend kitchen toys
Mini kitchen toys for kids – including a Holly Hobbie-style set
Funtime Electric Oven, Pillsbury Bake and Decorate sets, Electronic Sonar Range toy oven
Frosty Snowman Sno-cone Maker, inflatable furniture, toy housekeeping sets, bean bag chairs and more
Vintage folding chairs and chair and table sets for kids
Leatherworking tools for kids, clock kits, child-size weaving loom and more craft kits
Toy typewriters – Sears Writer 1, 2, 3 and 4 – Plus pretend cash registers
Minu play tool kits, workbenches and real telescopes for kids
Vintage drawing toys – Etch-a-Sketch, Dial-a-Design, Hasbro Skedoodle
Guitars and drum kids for kids – Toy instruments
37-key Deluxe Spinet piano and other vintage musical instrument toys
Walkie Talkies, vintage play phones, sound FX machines and toy intercoms
Electric organs and keyboards – and the PianoSaurus
Breyer Horses, including the Black Stallion
Neat Nails and Face Case, Barbie Perfume Maker, Lip Gloss Lockets and more vintage beauty toys for kids
Retro creative toys: The Bead Machine, Fashion Designer Center, Fashion Plates, and sewing and craft kits
Deluxe dollhouse and all kinds of miniature furniture for the dolls
Colonial-style dollhouse and furniture for the play home
Victorian-style dollhouse, English Tudor-style dollhouse, Powder Puff Sweetheart playhouse
Quiz-A-Tron toys, Touch ‘N Tell and Little Professor – Vintage educational toys
Children’s Discovery System learning system – Mathquiz/Calculator & 2XL The Talking Robot
Show ‘N Tell Phono Viewer – Record player with view screen – and more retro AV for kids
Science! Vintage Sears Microscopes with make-your-own slides kit
Wooden Barbie doll house furniture – plus kitchen, dishes, dinnerware, food and more
Barbie doll carrying cases for her wardrobe
Barbie clothes: Fashion outfits for Barbie, Lindsey & Ken dolls
Lindsey fashion doll with waist-length hair and a versatile wardrobe
Barbie and Ken head west with their Palomino horse and pink Jeep car
Barbie’s backyard pool and cabana with Malibu Barbie, Ken and Skipper
Barbie Dream House with furniture – from Mattel – also Hispanic and Black Barbie, and Barbies’s Corvette sports car
Doll toys and furniture – high chairs, beds, cradles and more
Doll baby carriages and strollers, plus playpens and swings for dolls
Dolly loves to go riding in these bright and beautiful doll carriages and strollers
Drinking and wetting toy doll with cradle, stroller, car seat and layette from the 80s
Play School Nursery from Fisher Price – Life and Load Offshore Cargo base toy
Big plus teddy bear and children’s rocker
Retro electronic sports games with LED action display screen – Coleco
Roadmates Rippin’ Around Raceway and Roadmates Auto Ferry
Big rag doll and Winnie-the-Pooh crib playground for babies
Baby doll Carol and her nursery
Keepsake-quality fashion dolls – elegant and perfectly-dressed
Vintage dolls and accessories – Missy, Real Sister, Baby Linda, Sweet Cream
Retro dolls including Little Babs, Baby Wide Eyes, Sweet Tender Touch and others
Dolls: PattiCake, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Cowboy and Cowgirl, Annie and more
Lovable baby dolls and accessories, including Love N Touch, Baby Crawl Around and Big Beautiful Baby
Ventriloquist dolls – Howdy Doody, Groucho Marx, Simon Sez
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Christmas toy sales are up
Al Shemaria, owner of Cordova Toy and Hobby, said his store had only four Strawberry Shortcake dolls left out of 60. The strawberry-scented rubber doll, which looks like a cross between the Ju-Ju dolls and Mattel’s Liddie Kiddies of the late 1960s and early 1970s, was popularized this spring in a special cartoon series.
Shemaria, who has sold toys for 32 years, said he believes the popularity of the doll reflects parents’ memories of their childhood, which they’re trying to share with their children by giving them toys similar to those they received as children.
A Santa Claus at Cordova Mall said children often are requesting traditional toys. “Girls are still going strong for the Barbie dolls, Strawberry Shortcake, and believe it or not, roller skates,” he said.
Rubik’s Cubes — plastic puzzle cubes where the trick is to get, all of the sides to match colors is a best-all-around seller. Shemaria said he sold between 100 and 150 this month — mainly to persons aged nine and older. Mildred Sanderson, a merchandising assistant at University Mall’s J.C. Penney, said the store’s supply of 1,000 Rubik’s Cubes had dwindled Saturday to 200.
MORE: See all kinds of vintage toys here!
Most of the merchants said “Star Wars” dolls were the most popular toys last Christmas. This year, children aren’t requesting them as often. The Miss Piggy Doll also is losing ground this year.
“I only had one request for Miss Piggy this year. I had lots of requests for it last year,” the Cordova Mall Santa said. Most of the merchants say television popularity and advertising play a big role in which toys are popular each Christmas.
“Whatever is advertised on a Saturday morning cartoon, they’ll be in here to buy it,” Darlene Aldridge, Playland’s manager, said. She said the Dukes of Hazzard race car, General Lee, also seems to sell fastest on Saturday mornings — the day after the “Dukes of Hazzard” television series airs.
Gary King, assistant manager at Cordova Toy and Hobby, said he believes the country’s political climate also has a lot to do with the toys children choose.
He said war toys, such as the G I Joe and toy guns, were popular at the beginning of the 1960s, and lost popularity at the end of the decade and during the early 1970s because of the anti-war mood. But dolls, western toys and technical toys have become popular again with the conservative mood of the Reagan administration.
