We're taking you down a trip to memory lane with these 25 popular toys from the past. Ranging anywhere from the 1960s to the 1990s, these toys bring us back to simpler times, back when toys were all we cared about. Keep scrolling to see how many of these toys you played with yourself!

1. Furby (1990s)

Launched in the late 1990s, Furby took the world by storm - it was a must-have toy! Resembling a hamster/owl-like creature hybrid, this robotic toy could "learn" and speak more English over time. As a fascinating blend of toy and new technology, it was an invention that intrigued parents and children alike thanks to its amazing interactive capabilities.

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2. G.I. Joe Action Figures (1960s)

First released way back in the 1960s, G.I. Joe action figures were among the first to be marketed as "action figures" to boys. These military-themed dolls came with various uniforms and accessories, but its biggest appeal was how it allowed young kids to create fun adventures.

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3. Rubik's Cube (1970s)

The Rubik's Cube is an iconic toy of the 1980s that was initially invented back in 1974 by a man named Erno Rubik. It was a challenging 3D puzzle that had everyone obsessed with learning how to solve it. Its challenge lies in aligning all sides to a single colour and despite its simplicity, has and continues to entertain millions around the world.

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4. Star Wars Action Figures (1970s)

Following the release of the original Star Wars trilogy that is still hugely loved, Star Wars action figures quickly became a must-have toy for any and all fans. These figures allowed kids to recreate their favourite epic scenes from the movies, crafting their own intergalatic adventures right in the palm of their hands.

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5. Cabbage Patch Kids (1980s)

A strange phenomenon in the early 80s, Cabbage Patch Kids became a widely beloved adoptable doll that even came with their own birth certificates. They had soft bodies and distinct, hand-stitched faces that skyrocketed them into popularity among children.

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6. Transformers (1980s)

Transformers toys made their debut in the 1980s, captivating children with their amazing tech: transformable bodies! Changing from robots to vehicles, animals, and other objects, this innovative functionality makes it no surprise that it became such a massive hit with the kids.

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7. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1980s)

The NES, released in the mid-1980s, revolutionized home entertainment and brought arcade-quality video games into the living room. Iconic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda became staples of childhood gaming sessions, titles still loved and played around the world today.

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8. Tamagotchi (1990s)

Introduced in the mid-90s, the Tamagotchi took the world by storm. It's a handheld digital pet that kids could care for, feed, clean up, and play with. Its main appeal lies in its amazing portability - you could take this little thing anywhere you went! And with such a fun interactive nature, it quickly became a constant companion for many children years onward.

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9. Beanie Babies (1990s)

Beanie Babies, soft plush toys filled with plastic pellets ("beans"), became a massive collectible craze in the 1990s. Each Beanie Baby had its own name and birthday, making them highly sought after for both play and collection.

daryl_mitchell from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on Wikimedia Commons

10. Etch A Sketch (1960s)

Remember this classic old toy? Introduced way back in the 60s, the Etch A Sketch fascinated children with its simple yet magical mechanics. By turning the two white knobs at the bottom of the device, kids could use black lines to create drawings on the screen. Have to start over? Just give it a good ol' shake and you're back to square one!

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11. Lincoln Logs (1960s)

First introduced all the way back in 1916, Lincoln Logs still remained a popular toy throughout the 60s. They're a timeless toy that allowed children to build their own structures using interlocking wooden pieces. They've got a similar vibe to Legos! With such simple design that was able to inspire endless creativity, it became a staple toy in many households.

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12. Lite-Brite (1970s)

Launched in the late 1960s and gaining popularity throughout the 70s, Lite-Brite was a simple toy that captivated children with its colourful light-up pegs. The idea is simple; kids could create glowing pictures or phrases using these coloured plastic pegs and placing them onto a lit-up board. It was a magical experience during that era!

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13. Hot Wheels (1960s)

First hitting the market in 1968, Hot Wheels quickly became a favourite among children thanks to their detailed designs and cool high-speed track sets. These miniature cars weren't only fun to race with, but also to collect, sparking a lifelong passion for many that is still ongoing today.

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14. Stretch Armstrong (1970s)

Introduced in 1976, Stretch Armstrong was a gel-filled action figure that could be stretched up to four feet. Its unique, stretchable properties made it a fascinating toy for kids, offering hours of pulling and twisting fun.

Alex Beattie on Flickr on Wikimedia Commons

15. Speak & Spell (1970s)

The Speak & Spell, launched in the late 1970s, was an educational toy that combined learning with fun. Its electronic voice and keyboard allowed children to practice spelling and phonetics in an interactive way, making it a hit among parents and kids alike.

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16. Pogo Stick (1970s)

Although the pogo stick was invented long before, it saw a massive resurgence in popularity during the 1970s. Offering kids a fun outdoor activity that only required a bit of open space, bouncing around on these spring-loaded sticks provided endless hours of fun.

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17. Teddy Ruxpin (1980s)

A teddy bear taken to the next level, Teddy Ruxpin was brought to life in the mid-1980s. He could talk and even move his mouth to read stories played on audio cassette tapes. Blending the traditional plush toy with new technology, children loved this toy for his magical storytelling experience.

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18. My Little Pony (1980s)

Launched in the early 1980s, My Little Pony featured a collection of colorful ponies with unique symbols on their flanks, known as "cutie marks." These toys, along with an animated TV series, captured the hearts of children, encouraging imaginative play and friendship stories.

Eliot Phillips from Santa Monica, CA, USA on Wikimedia Commons

19. Polly Pocket (1990s)

Targeted at young girls, Polly Pocket made waves in the 1990s. It was a line of teeny tiny dolls and playsets that could easily fit in a pocket or small case. Their compact, portable nature was a massive hit, allowing kids to easily take their playsets on the go.

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20. Super Soaker (1990s)

Making summer break all the more fun, the Super Soaker was a high-powered water gun introduced in the early 1990s, revolutionizing outdoor summer play. With its ability to shoot water so much farther and much more strongly than traditional water guns, it was a must-have toy among children.

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21. Magic 8-Ball (1950s)

Though the Magic 8-Ball was invented in the 1950s, its popularity endured through the decades, making it a nostalgic item for many. Asking the ball a yes-or-no question and then turning it over to reveal a vague but often amusing answer provided endless entertainment and a bit of mystery for children and adults alike.

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22. View-Master (1960s)

Although it was first released in the 1930s, the View-Master became a beloved item in the 60s thanks to its simple but engaging interactivity. Able to transport kids to faraway places through 3D images, this toy had interchangeable reels that allowed kids to go on their own little personal adventures.

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23. Simon (1970s)

An electronic memory game that provided a fun challenge to players, Simon was launched in the late 1970s and became incredibly popular. Requiring players to follow increasingly complex sequences of flashing lights and sounds, its gameplay was seriously addictive, capturing the attention of kids all over the world.

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24. Skip-It (1980s)

The Skip-It, a toy popularized in the late 1980s, was a simple yet captivating outdoor game. Attached to one leg while skipping over it with the other, the counter on the ball tallied the number of skips, turning physical activity into a fun challenge.

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25. Bop It (1990s)

Introduced in the late 1990s, Bop It is an interactive toy that tests players' reflexes and memory with commands to bop, twist, or pull it. Its catchy phrases and fast-paced gameplay made it a party favorite, encouraging active play and friendly competition.

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