The best 80s toys that will take you straight back in time

Leg warmers, bold 80s makeup and The Breakfast Club are three things that defined the 1980s – admit it, just reading the words almost takes you back in time. But the same goes for the toys and games of that era. Whether you yourself were an 80's baby, or simply coming of age around that time, you’ll probably remember some of the most popular 80s toys which - even after 40 years - remain iconic.

The Sony Walkman, Pound Puppy and Cabbage Patch Kids – feeling nostalgic yet? If you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane, we’ve created a list of the most-bought and most-talked about retro toys of the 80s. Most of these 80s toys are still available for purchase if you feel like reliving some of your best childhood memories, or if you simply want to gift someone a piece of the good ol’ days.

Related: 70s toys for some playtime nostalgia

The most popular 80s toys

Pac-Man

Pac-Man, the most loved and most successful arcade game in history, was released back in the early 80s. The popular video game was created as a nonviolent alternative to the violent video games that dominated the industry. Instead of fighting, Pac-Man’s concept revolved around food, and the goofy but addictive game quickly became a sensation all around the world.

Care Bears

It can be hard to wrap our head around nowadays, but these colourful teddy bears were the 80's version of viral. Initially starting as characters drawn on greetings cards, Care Bears quickly developed into a toy line and even starred in their very own TV show and movies!

My Little Pony

If you were a young girl in the 80s, we’re sure that My Little Pony is firmly engrained in your memory as one of the most in-demand 80s toys. The franchise of colourful ponies with long hair and accessories gained popularity at the start of the decade, becoming the first-ever horse doll for girls.

Star Wars Figurines

Initially released in 1977, the Star Wars movies brought with them a line of figurines that every child throughout the 80s longed for. Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo and Darth Vader figurines were particularly sought-after by kids all over the world.

Cabbage Patch Kids

Coming across a shop stocked with Cabbage Patch Kids in the 80s was no easy feat, and when you did, it was usually a battle of which parent would snap it up first. The round-faced dolls with hair made of yarn were popular because of how unique and special they were; each doll had different coloured eyes, hair and clothing and came with their own birth certificate. It’s safe to say if you were a child in the 80s, you’d have been all over them.

Simon Game

Named after the popular children’s game Simon Says, the Simon game was an electronic game of memory skill. We’re sure you’ll remember Simon being played at birthday parties, sleepovers and play dates, as the game slowly emerged as a pop culture icon of its era.

The Walkman

Okay, we know this isn’t technically an 80s toy, but we just couldn’t help ourselves. The Walkman was the first-ever introduction to portable music, initially released by Sony in the form of a cassette tape player. Every kid in school wanted one, and if you were lucky enough to have one, all your friends wanted to have a listen. The Walkman revolutionised music as we know it, allowing teens and adults everywhere to make music part of their everyday lives, rather than just something they enjoyed at parties and discos!

Koosh Ball

While it’s not uncommon to come across a Koosh ball today, if you’re an 80's kid you’ll remember where it all began. The soft and colourful balls with long rubber strands were easy to catch and throw, and their squishiness also made them a perfect stress reliever.

Transformers Figurines

In the mid-80s, the transformers saga begins, bringing with it the most sought-after toy line that every child dreamed of getting their hands on. More specifically, the Optimus Prime figurine was all the rage back in the day.

Pound Puppy

If your parents didn’t let you have a real dog, you’d have to settle for one of these. A Pound Puppy was an extremely popular line of 80s toys, advertised as lovable puppies that needed a home. Their droopy eyes and soft fur made them attractive to young children, and parents everywhere rejoiced at their children settling for make-believe versions instead.

Teddy Ruxpin

What beats a cute and cuddly bear? A cute and cuddly bear that talks. Teddy Ruxpin was the first-ever talking bear, telling kids of the 80s some of the best bedtime stories via cassette tape. While some people thought Teddy Ruxpin was what nightmares were made of, other children became attached to the storytelling bear, and Teddy Ruxpin quickly became an 80s phenomenon.

Nintendo Game Boy

The more-than iconic Game Boy just makes the cut, being released at the edge of the decade in 1989. If you were around in the late 80s and 90s, there’s no doubt you, or someone in your household owned one. Siblings argued relentlessly over whose turn it was, and kid’s favourite pastime was trading Game Boy games during playtime.

What to read next:

The best 3D puzzles for adults

The school dinner evolution – retro lunches over the decades

Our favourite retro sweets

Toys that take us back to the 90s