25 Nostalgic Toys You Had Growing Up You Can Still Buy for Your Kids
With all the new technology kids have today, like the latest iPhones, interactive droids, and even virtual reality games, it's not crazy to think back to all the toys we had growing up and secretly wish the youngins could play with those instead. Well, truly, there's still plenty of gadgets and games from our youth available to purchase today. If you want to expose your children to all the retro devices still out there, look no further. Here are 25 of the most nostalgic items you can buy right now for the next generation to treasure.
1. Learn-To-Play Harmonica
Remember all the fun times you had learning (what you thought were) songs on your learn-to-play harmonica? This will surely be a great stepping stone for the little future musician in your life, and is always a fun sound to hear.
BUY IT HERE.
2. Magnetic Drawing Board
We used to be preoccupied for hours with our little magnetic drawing boards, also sold as an Etch-A-Sketch, practicing how to draw various animals, landscapes, our names, and more. Creativity awaits!
BUY IT HERE.
3. Scrabble
Who can say no to a classic game of Scrabble? This is an awesome way to get the whole family or friend group together to challenge each other on all things words. This will surely make your kid more well-versed and better at school subjects such as Language and Literature.
BUY IT HERE.
4. Sock Puppet
The sweetest buddy a young kid (or any age, truly) can have! Sock puppets are cute and cuddly, not to mention most are made of easy-to-wash fabric in case the kids get them messy. It's a needed addition to the crew of stuffed animals.
BUY IT HERE.
5. Silly Putty
We get your hesitation in buying something that could potentially be messy, but remember how much fun we all had with Silly Putty!? It was a distraction for hours, honestly. Something so simple yet so entertaining cannot be passed up.
BUY IT HERE.
6. Mini Trolls
Truly a throwback. These troll dolls with a long history are adorable, silly, and so much fun. Kids can still collect a bunch of them and choose to either act out scenes between them or hang them up for all to see. Probably a great idea to introduce the young ones to before they go see the new film Trolls World Tour!
BUY THEM HERE.
7. Mr. Potato Head
If anyone's ever seen the Toy Story movies, chances are they've wanted a Mr. Potato Head doll. These guys provide endless fun, and come in all different varieties. Begin your kid's collection now with the original figure and branch off from there.
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8. Slinky
A kid's always got to experience a Slinky at least once. These spring toys were first created in the 1940s, and it's no surprise they're still rockin' today. The simple fun of bouncing the helical shape down the stairs is kind of unbeatable.
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9. Classic Xylophone
Another solid toy for your aspiring musician is a kids' xylophone, which is a must for any inquisitive young mind. They'll look so cute banging on the instrument, you'll want to teach them all about music.
BUY IT HERE.
10. Wind-Up Chattering Teeth
Does everyone remember these? Just your everyday set of teeth you can wind up and watch move. We couldn't tell you exactly why, but these things are just so fun and silly. Don't let your child miss out!
BUY THEM HERE.
11. Whoopee Cushions
Okay, mind you, these might be a little annoying, so maybe save these for you and your friends before introducing them to your little ones. But having a whoopee cushion is a classic part of growing up. And once your kids start seeing the prank done in movies, they'll be asking all about buying one.
BUY THEM HERE.
12. Hair-Do Harriet
Similar to an Etch-A-Sketch, the Hair-Do Harriet game challenges you to make as many cool shapes, and in this case, 'dos, as you can. Using the magic wand to move around the magnetic dust can take up hours of fun and concentration.
BUY IT HERE.
13. Jacks Game
Jacks is an easy-to-learn activity that's guaranteed to bring great memories between family members and friends. It's the perfect example of a fun retro game to get your kids (or just adults) involved in quality time.
BUY IT HERE.
14. My Little Pony Retro Rainbow Mane Toys
These retro Hasbro figures are the cutest and most mystical animals out there. Inspiring the ever-popular TV show in the 1980s, My Little Pony toys are a win-win for kids who love to play with dolls.
BUY THEM HERE.
15. Lincoln Logs
Toys that'll keep your kids busy for hours. Lincoln Logs are a solid stepping stone in playtime, teaching children how to create buildings, houses, cabins—you name it. The list is kind of endless with these throwback blocks.
BUY THEM HERE.
16. Lite-Brite Classic
Another great way to practice drawing shapes, objects, animals, and really anything you can imagine, is a Lite-Brite. These toys are fun and look super cool with their fluorescent colors. It's an attention-grabber for all kids!
BUY IT HERE.
17. Strawberry Shortcake Doll
The iconic Strawberry Shortcake actually started with greeting cards, and turned into a whole franchise of TV shows, movies, and of course, dolls. This sweet toy is perfect to cuddle with and a great addition to the stuffed animal collection.
BUY IT HERE.
18. Bop It
This simple game is seriously addicting. Although there have been a handful of different versions of the toy over the years, the original can't be beat, and should be an essential part of anyone's childhood.
BUY IT HERE.
19. Echo Microphone
And yet another great idea for the young music lover in your home! Or really anyone who wants to have a loud voice. The Echo Microphone is a totally fun way for your kids to act out a music video, a news broadcast, or anything they dream of.
BUY IT HERE.
20. Rubik's Cube
A classic way to really test your mind (and your patience) is a Rubik's Cube. Fun for adults and kids, any family would benefit from having one of these in their homes.
BUY IT HERE.
21. Clue
Just like Scrabble, Clue is a great idea for the whole crew at home to get involved in. Created all the way back in the 1940s, the dice-based game has spawned various spinoffs, as well as numerous books and even a movie.
BUY IT HERE.
22. Cat's Cradle Book Kit
This awesome (and seriously old) string game challenges two or more players to make various shapes and objects, and you'll likely need a book kit to help come up with ideas. This guide will show you all different figures you can make.
BUY IT HERE.
23. Tin Kaleidoscope
What an easy way to get lost in another world in the palm of your hand! A classic kaleidoscope is bound to take up a ton of your child's time as they look at all different shapes and colors it makes. A curious mind will need one of these.
BUY IT HERE.
24. Snap Bracelets
Fun and fashionable? Must be the snap bracelets. These throwback accessories are a needed purchase for anyone who loves repping bright colors, designs, and the thrill of putting them on.
BUY THEM HERE.
25. Chinese Finger Traps
This gag gift is guaranteed to entertain kids (and probably many adults). Use these in a goodie bag or simply to have fun for a few spare moments and it'll be basically revolutionary to the young ones.
BUY THEM HERE.
