It’s almost Black Friday, the most famous shopping day of the year. With toys on our shopping lists, we inevitably think about our own childhoods — and what we wanted for the holidays back then. The 1980s and 1990s were a strange golden age of bizarre, absurd toys. Take a stroll down memory lane with some of our favorite commercials.
1. Teddy Ruxpin
When I was a kid, my parents bought my sister and I a talking and moving Teddy Ruxpin (aka. Mr. Robear), which I promptly wrecked when I tried to feed it quarters and other loose change. Which, you know, caused the bottom of his jaw to fall off. My sister still hasn’t forgiven me.
2. My Buddy & Kid Sister
All I’m going to say is the fact that this toy was an inspiration for Chucky. Creeeeeeepy.
3. Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie
That puffy dress is the stuff ’80s princess dreams are made off. And you can still actually buy it (though it isn’t cheap).
4. Tamagotchi
My favorite thing about these digital pets when I was a kid (because I had several)? The fact that they pooped in the shape of Hershey kisses.
5. Pound Puppies
Adorable. Who doesn’t want a super cute droopy puppy?
6. Pogo Ball
There’s a new version, now with LED lights, because it’s 2017.
7. Glow Worm
Remember the 1980s, back when they thought glow worms were things kids actually wanted?
8. Speak & Spell
Not surprisingly, I had one of these, which I credit for all my good spelling.
9. Nintendo Gameboy
The real question is, what color was yours? Mine was green. I still have it actually — and, yes, it still works.
11. B’loonies
I always wanted one of these, but my parents never got me one, which, looking at them all these years later, was probably a good idea).
12. Puppy Surprise
Could be a good way to learn about the birds and the bees.
13. Rockett’s New School
Purple Moon, the girls gaming company that created “Rockett’s New School,” no longer exists. But the memories of this early computer game do. It was interactive and you could decide on the protagonist’s next move.
14. Dream Phone
This early 1990s game was all about figuring out who had a crush on you. I distinctly remember my sister being upset when she was not the one being crushed on.
15. Cabbage Patch Kids
These dolls always kind of freaked me out, to be honest. But my mom loved them.
16. My Little Pony
Who doesn’t love rainbow-colored ponies with better hairstyles than you? And they’ve had a comeback!
17. Jem & the Holograms
They were the most epic, all-girls, 1980s hair band you could ever dream of. Truly outrageous!
18. Lite-Brite
It’s art, it’s light, it’s both!
19. Easy -Bake Oven
For all the budding Martha Stewarts out there.
