Top 10 Toys That Defined Childhood In The 80s

#10: Lite-Brite

It could often be a struggle of wills between parents who were seeking out educational or artistic toys for their kids, as opposed to just another action figure. This was where Lite-Brite came in, a happy medium where parents could feel good about spending their money, and the kids could spend hours expressing themselves with tiny, illuminated pegs. The toy may have been introduced back in 1967, but ‘80s kids will also likely retain fond memories of experimenting with their Lite-Brites. Or maybe you were one of those kids who decided to make naughtier images with your Lite-Brite? Either way, there’s no denying the enduring popularity of this all-time classic.

#9: Rainbow Brite

It was back during the 1980s that the true symbiosis of media franchises and collectible toy tie-ins arguably first rose to prominence. This was a decade where Saturday morning cartoons ruled, and every kids’ show had to include products on store shelves for the young… and young at heart. “Rainbow Brite” was no exception to this rule, a children’s series that was bright, colorful, and optimistic. The dolls were equally charming and designed to be collected. The popularity of Rainbow Brite continues to this day, as well, with new, retro-minded versions of these dolls able to be found on shelves of superstores such as Target.

#8: Masters of the Universe

Were you one of those ‘80s kids that was already on the ground floor with “Masters of the Universe” prior to the Filmation cartoon series hitting the tube in ‘83? These fan-favorite toys first dropped back in 1981, and included mini-comics detailing the adventures of He-Man as he battled the villainous Skeletor for the fate of Eternia. It was this aforementioned animated series that helped strap a rocket to the MOTU toy line, however, creating a media franchise that lives on today with updated series and toy collabs. It’s the OG Masters of the Universe line that proved unforgettable for ‘80s kids, however, especially if they were lucky enough to own the Castle Grayskull playset!

#7: Teddy Ruxpin

All of us probably had our favorite stuffed animals as children. Maybe it happened to be a teddy bear, and perhaps you had imaginary conversations with your friend as you drifted off to dreamland. This is why Teddy Ruxpin was probably such a success back in the mid-eighties, since this cute little bear’s eyes and mouth actually moved! Teddy would tell stories to kids via the cassette tape in its back, although later models would make the switch to digital. Who are we kidding, though? We’re all about the OG Teddy Ruxpin, and have plenty of fond memories of hanging out with this toy for hours.

#6: Strawberry Shortcake

It’s sort of crazy to think of a greeting card idea graduating from a little piece of paper to a full-blown media franchise, yet here we are with Strawberry Shortcake. She was one of the most beloved toy franchises of the 1980s, after first debuting for the American Greetings company back in 1972. Cartoons, toys, and an extremely popular bicycle were all produced with Strawberry Shortcake and her friends throughout this time, and all proved to be successful. There have been various stop-start attempts at relaunching the Strawberry Shortcake franchise over the years, but it’s the ‘80s that remains the era most closely tethered to its major popularity.

#5: G.I. Joe

The original, large-size G.I. Joe dolls from the 1960s certainly have their place within the toy pantheon, but it was the 1982 relaunch that helped turn this media franchise into a legend. These smaller figures had great articulation and interesting backstories, thanks to the information presented on the backs of their stock cards. Joes and their villainous counterparts in Cobra all had varied and unique personalities, which made G.I. Joe a perfect addition to the Saturday Morning cartoon lineup. There have been multiple reboots and movies over the years, too, proving that this brand still possesses the ability to capture our imaginations, so many years later.

#4: Cabbage Patch Kids

It’s difficult to express, if you weren’t there, the absolute madness that was “Cabbage Patch Fever.” The wide availability of online shopping has essentially circumvented the crowded toy store aisles, filled with parents elbowing each other to grab the latest, hot toy. And make no mistake: Cabbage Patch Kids were beyond hot. They were thermonuclear in popularity and a testament to the imagination and love put into this creation from Xavier Roberts. The adoption papers were a keen selling point for these dolls, as well, making it feel as if parents were introducing these Cabbage Patch Kids to the family when they showed up under the tree on Christmas morning.

#3: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

All it took was the softening of some edges to turn the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from a cult comic collectible into a household name. These heroes in a half shell from Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird had the violence of their origins turned down for the cartoon series and accompanying toy line. Turtle Mania soon took hold, as wave after wave of figures hit the market, together with vehicles and playsets. A big-screen movie in 1990 further fanned the flames of popularity, proving that this lean, green fighting machine was truly unstoppable. It created a forever fandom where generations of TMNT fans shared their memories of playing with these toys to their own kids.

#2: Care Bears

There’s just something to be said about sincerity. That dyed-in-the-wool cuteness and love shared by the Care Bears and their Care Bear Cousins. This almost certainly played into why these adorable little dolls proved to be so popular back in the 1980s. Their little belly designs and intrinsically likable personalities made them impossible to resist, and the variety of friends to collect basically took over the bedrooms of ‘80s kids around the world. It was a media franchise that was very simple in its approach of caring and love triumphing over the often mean and uncaring world. What’s not to like?

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Monchhichi

Japanese Stuffies Licensed to the U.S.A. in ‘85

Glo Worm

Your Best Nighttime Buddy

My Little Pony

Ponies for Bronies… Er… and Kids, Too.

Jem and The Holograms

Or Were You More a Fan of The Misfits?

Pound Puppies

Guilted Into Giving Them Our Love

#1: Transformers

It’s arguably one of the most popular and enduring media franchises of all time, a concept that’s simple, effective, and satisfying. Transforming robots into cars and back again. Making those robots fight each other for the fate of the universe. Rinse, repeat, and have a great time. The Transformers are legends for a reason, after all, with characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee becoming pop culture icons in their own right. It’s a testament to how the Transformers have managed to keep their 1980s popularity going through generation after generation, each one finding out for themselves how these robots are “more than meets the eye.”

Are you an ‘80s kid? Or do you wish you were? Let us know in the comments!