Iconic Toys of the 1980s
As we turn back time to the 1980s for ‘Spamtown, USA,’ take a trip down memory lane with some classic toys of that decade.
Children of the ’80s had some amazing IRL toys, many of which have made comebacks in recent decades (did you see that Cabbage Patch dolls are back? …we aren’t sure how we feel about this). Gen X children were also the very first to play video games, a brand new form of entertainment, when Atari released in the late 70s. So let’s begin with our top 10 iconic toys that launched in — and defined — the 1980s.
#1 Nintendo and SEGA Entertainment Systems
In 1983, Nintendo released its very first game console, which ushered in color to the gaming experience, and by 1985 hit North American homes. The practice of bundling the system with games helped to make Super Mario Bros one of the best-selling video games in history. At the same time, Sega released its SG-1000 and Master System into North American markets. A big question in neighborhoods everywhere was, “Are you a Nintendo or Sega fan?” “Mario Bros or Sonic the Hedgehog?” It is fair to admit that both companies revolutionized the gaming industry. But still, #teamsega.
#2 Rainbow Brite dolls
Rainbow Brite was a combo television, film, and toy concept launched by Hallmark to break into creating and licensing characters for children. Responsible for all the colors of the universe, she is a young girl with powers over nature. Rainbow Brite made her animated and toy debut in 1984, starred in a feature length movie in 1985, and has had five generational design shifts as late as 2016 with a five-issue comic series in 2018. Children everywhere wished they could ride rainbows on Starlite, her magic horse. (I know I still do …)
#3 Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids hit the market in 1982, quickly becoming one of the most popular toy fads of the 1980s and one of the longest running doll franchises in the United States. By 1984, Cabbage Patch branded products came close to a record setting $2 billion in sales.
#4 Garbage Pail Kids cards
A gross and controversial fad sprung up in 1985 when the Topps card company introduced Garbage Pail Kids, which were designed to parody Cabbage Patch Kids. In fact, many schools banned because they were a distraction in classes. In 1987, Topps was sued by the makers of Cabbage Patch Kids for trademark infringement due to the resemblance to their products. By 1988, production of the cards ceased, but in 2003 Topps reintroduced the GPK to the world in all their disturbing glory.
#5 He-Man and She-Ra action figures
By the power of Greyskull, the toy line for He Man began in 1982 at the same time He Man’s continual battle against Skeletor hit comic books. In 1985, He Man’s twin sister, Adora a.k.a. She Ra, got her own television series, action figures, and multiple spin offs. In fact, recently Netflix aired both original animated series for a short while ushering in a new generation of fans. #ihavethepower!
#6 Glo Worm
Introduced in 1982, the plush, pajamaed worm body contained a battery-powered device that when squeezed would light up the toy’s vinyl head from within, creating a soft glow. The original toy was such a success, that Hasbro released a new Musical Glo Worm toy, a series of story books, night lights, videos, and other merchandise that continued until the early 1990s.
#7 My Little Pony
My Little Pony. The franchise that continues to evolve and remain highly relevant today got its start in 1981, officially launching into market in 1982. 150 million ponies were sold during the 1980s. The toy revived in 1997, but were discontinued two years later. However, the brand saw another popular revival in 2003 and which continues today with the explosively popular Friendship is Magic animated series. In 2015, My Little Pony began grossing over $1 billion annually worldwide.
#8 Pound Puppies
Pound Puppies production began in 1984 in Canada. They originally came in a cardboard box with an adoption certificate. For every dog lover, there is, of course, a cat lover, so the Pound Pur-r-ries began production shortly thereafter. The toy line was discontinued in 2002; however, the 2010 series of the same name was produced by Hasbro Studios and aired on The Hub in 2010. The toy line was relaunched in 2014 by Funrise and they are still available in stores today.
#9 Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin is an animatronic children’s toy in the form of a talking Illiop, which looks like a bear, that debuted in 1985. The toy’s mouth and eyes move while “reading” stories played on an audio tape cassette deck built into its back. Like many toys of the ’80s, Teddy Ruxpin also had his own television series, running from 1986–1987.
#10 The Rubik’s Cube
This frustratingly difficult (for some of us) puzzle box was invented in 1974 by Ernő Rubik and hit the market in 1980. Although it is widely reported that it was built as a teaching tool to help his students understand 3D objects, his actual purpose was solving the structural problem of moving the parts independently without the entire mechanism falling apart. At first, it was never intended to be a toy! To date, over 350 million Rubik’s cubes have been sold worldwide. The world record for solving the Rubik’s cube is 5.55 seconds. Can you solve a Rubik’s Cube?
What were some of your favorite toys that launched in the ‘80s?
Spamtown, USA, is a moving portrait of Austin, Minnesota during the 1985 Hormel strike. While five kids dream of space camp, tennis teams, and out-of-state college, they find their families and community suddenly divided by picket lines and opposing agendas. This is the story of having the strength to stand up for what you believe in, the challenge that comes in disagreeing with those you love, and the humor that helps keep friendships alive.
Don’t miss Spamtown, USA beginning February 16 — get tickets today.
— Article by Melissa Ferlaak
