What was your favourite childhood toy? Were you passionate about Pokemon, or riveted by a Rubik’s Cube?
We can help create memorable childhoods for our own kids by buying them toys that will stand the test of time – and introduce them to new versions of the toys that send us parents straight back to our own wonder years!
Travel back through the decades with us to find toys that are just as fun today as they were when they were when we were kids.
1950s
Barbie: It’s been Barbie’s world since 1959 – and we’re still living in it, thanks to last summer’s Barbie blockbuster. More than a billion dolls have been sold worldwide since Barbie’s debut in 1959 – and The Entertainer is opening the doors to Barbie’s World with a huge range of Barbie toys including dolls, vehicles, accessories and houses. The Barbie Mini Barbieland Dreamhouse with Rainbow Dress Doll is £9.60.
1960s
Chatter Phone: This cute pull-along toy might have been entertaining kids when The Beatles burst onto the world stage, but it’s still a simple and engaging hit today. It looks much the same, and it will help get your baby chatting like a pro as they turn the number dial and pull it around the floor for endless fun. You can find the Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone at the Early Learning Centre at The Entertainer for £10.20.
1970s
Star Wars: Star Wars was an instant sensation when it was released in 1977 – and the toys were just as successful as the film. Expand your children’s Star Wars universe with the extensive range at Cool Merch – celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace with the Darth Maul On Bloodfin Speeder vinyl bobblehead, £30. Or put your brain to the test with the 72-piece Grogu 3D puzzle ball, £18, at GoGoGadget.
1980s
Rubik’s Cube: The colourful 3x3x3 block was an instant hit, with kids everywhere trying to align the colours on all sides. Update your Rubik’s game at The Entertainer, where there are several different variations on the iconic original. Enjoy hours of fun with the challenging Rubik’s Cube Magic Star Spinner, £5.
Care Bears: Crazy about Care Bears? We’re not surprised – over 40 million Care Bears were sold between 1983 and 1987, and the animated series became cult viewing. Introduce the cuddly characters to a new generation with Typo’s Care Bear collab, featuring slounge arounds, slippers, mugs, bowls, notebooks and more.
1990s
Pokemon: If you grew up in the 90s, you’ll remember the global Pokemon craze – and you can still introduce your kids to these cuddly characters with plush Pokemon toys, games and accessories from Miniso. Pick up the Pokemon Trading Card Game Twilight Masquerade, £4.29, or a cuddly Pokemon Charmander, £15. You’ll also find great Pokemon products at Kushti Comics, which is always worth checking out for the best vintage collectibles and comics.
Late 1990s/early 2000s
Tamagotchi: One of the biggest crazes over the turn of the century was the Tamagotchi – a tiny toy with a huge impact. Children everywhere looked after their handheld virtual pets, which grew with proper feeding, attention and discipline. Introduce your kids to their own Tamagotchi Original for £19.99 at Miniso.
2010s
Playstations and Nintendo Switch: There was a fierce rivalry between the two best-selling game systems of the past generation in this golden era of gaming. Visit HMV for all the best classic games and new releases.
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