The 1980s saw an explosion of amazing toys. Some of these can still be found new today and are perfect for getting kids off the iPad or the TV screen. Here are the ones I recommend based on my experience as a kid during that time.
Low tech creative fun. I can't believe these are still made new!
Lite Brite Classic
I absolutely loved View-Master when I was a kid and got it for my kids 20 years ago. These are still tons of low-tech fun!
Classic View-Master
Who didn't have a slinky in the 1980s? Still fun today, especially if you have access to stairs in your house or apartment.
The Original Slinky Walking Spring Toy
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I spent ours with this as a kid. So happy to see they are still sold new. A wonderful creative outlet.
Spirograph Design Set Collectors Tin
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These are great for young kids learning to read. Same 80s design!
Speak & Spell Electronic Game
This is fun for adults too! Great for developing hand eye coordination and quick thinking and memory for kids.
Hasbro Simon Handheld Electronic Memory Game
Rubik's Cube has withstood the test of time. So much fun!
Rubik's Cube
Still fun for kids and adults. Always good to have one around for helping with tough questions.
Mattel Games Retro-style Magic 8 Ball
What is not to love about the high stakes game of operation?
Operation Electronic Board Game
I always enjoyed playing with these and think kids today will too.
Parachute Toy for Kids
My dad was a huge fan of model airplanes. I loved these balsa wood planes.
Balsa Wood Airplane Kits
Yes! You can still buy Polaroids for instant gratification. So much fun!
Polaroid Go Generation 2
I had an Atari 2600 back in the 80s and loved it. Here is a newly made Atari with HDMI video. And guess what? You can use cartridges with it!
Atari 2600+ Console & Joystick HDMI 10 Games
Hot wheels were by far my favorite toy as a kid. They have indeed persisted and have some retro 1980s cars like this one.
Hot Wheels DMC Delorean
Have kids today seen Mad Libs? Funny and fun!
80s Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game
I always had one of these nearby and often used them for colorful fun.
Classic Tin Kaleidoscopes
Masters of the Universe was a huge cartoon in the 1980s. I can't believe they still sell the action figures!
Masters of Universe Origins Invisible Skeletor
Nintendo dominated the video game market in the late 1980s. You can buy a new one with HDMI video.
