Top 15 Iconic Toys Every 70s Kid Wanted: Relive Your Childhood Favorites
Do you remember the toys that captured everyone’s hearts in the 1970s? This was a decade filled with some truly memorable playthings that every kid dreamed of having.
From simple ball games to early video game consoles, it was a time when toys began to evolve in fascinating ways.
Whether you lived through the ’70s or are just curious about the popular toys from that era, it’s fascinating to see which items made the biggest impact. These toys not only provided hours of fun but also influenced the next generation’s playtime and imaginations.
1) Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube is one of those toys that really made you think.
Invented by Hungarian professor Ernő Rubik in the mid-1970s, this 3-D puzzle didn’t hit it big until the 1980s when it was brought to the U.S.
Once it arrived, it became a sensation.
The cube has six faces, each with a different color.
The goal is to twist and turn the pieces to get each face to be a single color again.
Sounds simple, right? It’s not.
You might’ve spent hours trying to solve it, getting frustrated but hooked at the same time.
It wasn’t just a toy; it was a challenge.
Kids and adults both couldn’t get enough of it.
Even today, the Rubik’s Cube remains super popular.
People hold competitions to see who can solve it the fastest.
Some even learn special techniques and algorithms to speed up their times.
Getting your hands on a Rubik’s Cube felt like holding a piece of the future.
If you had one, you were definitely one of the cool kids on the block.
2) Star Wars Action Figures
When “Star Wars” hit the theaters in 1977, it changed everything.
Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of the galaxy far, far away.
That’s where the action figures came in.
Kenner was the company behind these iconic toys.
They released the first figures in 1978.
Characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Princess Leia became must-haves.
These figures were about 3.75 inches tall.
They were small but packed with detail.
You could pose them, swap weapons, and recreate epic battles.
The rarest figures today, like the Blue Snaggletooth, can fetch big bucks among collectors.
Back then, it wasn’t about the money.
It was about the adventure.
Even if you didn’t have the Millennium Falcon or the X-Wing, just owning a few figures made you feel like you were part of the rebellion.
3) Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong was a toy you couldn’t put down.
Released in the 1970s, this action figure looked like a regular muscular hero.
He was more than that, though.
You could stretch his arms, legs, and torso to nearly four times their original size.
And no matter how much you twisted or pulled, he always went back to his original shape.
This made Stretch Armstrong different from any other toy.
Kids loved trying to see how far they could pull him.
The toy was made from a special rubbery material filled with gel, giving it that unique ability to stretch.
This durability was a huge selling point.
Stretch Armstrong wasn’t just a toy; he was a test of strength and creativity for kids everywhere.
You could twist him into all sorts of funny shapes, knowing he would always snap back.
Whether battling imaginary villains or just competing to see who could stretch him more, Stretch Armstrong was always a hit.
You were always trying new ways to flex his super power, making him a staple in many 70s toy boxes.
4) Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels zoomed onto the scene in 1968 and quickly became a huge hit.
These die-cast cars were known for their cool designs and speed.
Kids loved racing them on their orange tracks, creating loops and jumps.
You could collect different models, each with unique colors and details.
Some cars even became rare collector’s items.
Unlike other toy cars, Hot Wheels used an axle and rotating styrene wheels, making them faster and more exciting.
If you loved cars, you probably had dozens of Hot Wheels in your toy box.
These cars weren’t just toys; they sparked countless childhood memories.
Racing friends to see whose car was faster was a common pastime.
In the ’70s, Hot Wheels tracks expanded with more intricate designs, adding to the fun.
Your imagination made each race feel like a grand event.
Hot Wheels wasn’t just about playing; it was about collecting and trading with your friends too.
The excitement of finding a rare car in the store was unmatched.
Even today, the legacy of Hot Wheels continues, but for 70s kids, they were groundbreaking and unforgettable.
5) Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 hit the scene in 1977 and changed how people thought about video games at home.
It was the first big gaming console where you could swap out cartridges to play different games.
You might remember games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Asteroids.
These games became classics and were super popular among kids and even adults.
What made the Atari 2600 cool was its joystick controller.
Unlike today’s game controllers, this one was simple and easy to use, which made gaming fun for everyone, no matter their age.
The system had 128 bytes of RAM and cartridges that could hold up to 4 kilobytes of data.
This might sound tiny now, but it was a big deal back then.
The graphics weren’t great by today’s standards.
The resolution was only 160×192 pixels, and it had a maximum of 128 colors.
But at the time, it felt like cutting-edge technology.
Owning an Atari 2600 was like having an arcade in your living room.
It was the gateway to hours of entertainment and a perfect escape for kids after school.
6) Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite was a simple and creative toy that every kid in the 70s wanted.
It was a small box with a lightbulb inside and a screen where you could place small plastic pegs.
These pegs came in various colors.
You’d cover the screen with a sheet of black paper.
Then you could push the pegs through to make pictures or designs.
When you turned on the light, your artwork would glow brightly.
It was like making your own glowing masterpiece.
Hasbro launched Lite-Brite in 1967, and it quickly became a hit.
Many kids spent hours making colorful scenes or just experimenting with the different patterns.
Lite-Brite wasn’t just fun; it also sparked creativity and imagination.
Kids could follow templates or make up their own designs.
This made it a versatile toy that appealed to many kids.
It was also a great toy to share with friends or siblings.
You could all take turns adding pegs and creating something together.
Lite-Brite’s simple yet engaging design ensured it remained popular for many years.
7) Big Wheel
The Big Wheel was more than just a toy; it was a rite of passage.
Every kid in the 70s wanted to cruise the sidewalks on one of these brightly colored trikes.
Made of plastic, it was low to the ground, making it safer and easier to ride, even for the youngest kids.
With its oversized front wheel and cool, laid-back feel, the Big Wheel looked different from other tricycles.
You could pedal fast and make sharp turns, skidding around corners with ease.
It felt like you were driving a real race car.
Parents loved the Big Wheel too.
It was lightweight, so kids could drag it back to the top of the driveway for another spin.
It was also durable, surviving countless hours of outdoor play.
For many 70s kids, the Big Wheel represented freedom and fun.
It was a key part of childhood, creating memories of endless summer afternoons spent racing with friends.
You might have outgrown it eventually, but the Big Wheel’s impact was lasting.
8) Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven was a dream come true for kids in the 1970s.
You got to bake your own treats using just two 60-watt light bulbs.
It came with mixes for cakes like devil’s food and yellow cake with chocolate fudge frosting.
Opening it up to reveal the baking pans and pan pusher felt like entering a mini kitchen.
Though the light bulbs weren’t included, the whole setup made you feel like a little chef.
For many, the turquoise model from the early 60s is a prized item.
It’s valued more than the yellow version and sometimes sells for a good amount of money.
Whether you used it to actually bake or just for fun, the Easy-Bake Oven holds a special spot in many hearts.
9) G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe was a must-have toy for any kid in the 70s.
Introduced by Hasbro in 1964, these action figures quickly became popular.
They weren’t just dolls; they were action figures with a military twist.
By the 70s, G.I. Joe had different themes, like the Adventure Team.
This was when the action figures started having life-like hair and even beards.
You could get G.I. Joes with cool accessories like guns, backpacks, and even vehicles.
These toys inspired kids to create their own missions and battles.
The G.I. Joe line included notable figures like Snake Eyes and Flint.
Snake Eyes was known for his mysterious background and ninja skills, while Flint was the tough guy with a beret.
Having a G.I. Joe meant you could join the adventure and imagine yourself as a hero fighting bad guys.
They were more than just toys; they were a gateway to endless stories and fun.
If you had G.I. Joe in your toy box, you were in for some epic playtimes.
From secret missions to intense battles, G.I. Joe figures were always ready for action.
10) Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
If you were a kid in the ’70s, you probably remember Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
This awesome game was first made by the Marx Toy Company in 1964 and quickly became a hit.
You and a friend each control a plastic robot.
There’s a red one and a blue one.
Using joysticks, you make your robot punch the other.
The goal is to knock your friend’s robot’s head up.
When that happens, you win!
The game is simple but so much fun.
It’s like having your own mini-boxing match.
You get to be the boxer and the referee, all at the same time.
This toy was so popular it even popped up in movies and TV shows.
It was just one of those games that everyone seemed to have.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is still around today.
It’s a bit of a classic now, and it shows that sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.
11) Barbie Dream House
The Barbie Dream House was the ultimate dream for many kids in the ’70s.
Imagine having a mini-mansion for your doll, complete with furniture and stylish decor.
It was a game-changer in the world of toys.
Barbie’s first house debuted in 1962, but the Dream House really took off in the late ’70s.
Mattel introduced the classic A-frame house in 1979.
This house had everything—six rooms, working windows, and doors.
Kids loved the bright colors and intricate details.
It was more than just a toy; it was a whole experience.
Setting up each room was half the fun.
You could spend hours arranging the tiny furniture and accessories.
The Dream House wasn’t just big in size; it was also big in popularity.
Every Barbie enthusiast wanted one.
It became a symbol of endless imagination and creative play.
You didn’t need a lot to start.
The house came with several pieces, but there was always room to add more.
It was the kind of toy that could grow with you, fitting in new pieces over the years.
For many, this house wasn’t just plastic and paint; it was where their Barbie adventures came to life.
12) Slinky
Slinky has been a beloved toy since it was launched in 1945.
This simple, coiled spring can “walk” down stairs, making it a staple in many homes.
Richard James invented the Slinky by accident.
He was working on tension springs when one fell and “walked” on its own.
This inspired James to create a toy.
The Slinky is made by flattening 80 feet of steel wire into a 2.5-inch coil.
It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy.
You can stretch it, flip it, and watch it tumble down steps.
Gimbels department store in Philadelphia first sold Slinkys during the 1945 Christmas season.
They sold out quickly, with 400 Slinkys going in minutes.
The Slinky isn’t just for kids.
You might still enjoy its hypnotic movements even today.
If you had a Slinky in the ’70s, you were definitely in on the fun!
13) Magic 8-Ball
The Magic 8-Ball was a must-have toy in the ’70s.
You could ask it anything and it would give you an answer.
Kids loved shaking it and watching the answer reveal itself in the blue liquid inside.
First created in 1950, the Magic 8-Ball became especially popular in the ’70s.
It added a sense of mystery and fun to any playtime.
The toy worked by floating a 20-sided die inside a dark fluid.
Each side had a different answer, like “Yes,” “No,” or “Ask again later.”
You might remember taking it to school and asking it about your crush or if you’d pass a test.
It wasn’t always accurate, but it felt magical.
The black, billiard-style ball still looks cool and timeless.
It has a unique place in toy history and remains popular even today.
14) View-Master
The View-Master was a favorite toy of the 70s.
It was a small, portable device that let you view 3-D images.
You would insert a round reel filled with tiny photos, and with a click of a lever, you could see each image pop into 3-D.
Introduced in the early 1960s, the View-Master was already popular.
But in 1970, the talking View-Master took it to another level.
This version added audio to the images, making the experience even more engaging and entertaining for kids.
You could get reels with scenes from your favorite TV shows, movies, and even educational nature sets.
The diverse reel options made it exciting, and you never got bored.
It also helped spark an interest in travel, science, and storytelling.
The View-Master was not just a toy but also a way to explore new places and ideas from the comfort of your own home.
Kids spent hours clicking through the reels, amazed by the detailed scenes and the magic of 3-D images.
15) Simon
Simon, released by Milton Bradley in 1978, became an instant hit.
This electronic memory game featured a round device with four colored panels: red, blue, green, and yellow.
The game is simple yet challenging.
The device lights up in a pattern that you must replicate by pressing the colored panels.
Each round, the sequence gets longer, testing your memory and reflexes.
Simon was a game changer because it could be played alone or with friends.
It required focus and quick thinking to keep up with the lighting patterns.
The beeping sounds and flashing lights made it addictive and fun.
This toy was often seen at parties and family gatherings in the late ’70s.
If you grew up in that decade, you likely remember the thrill of trying to beat your last high score or competing with friends to see who could go the longest.
Nostalgia of 70s Toys
Toys from the 1970s hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them.
These playthings not only shaped childhoods but also left a lasting mark on pop culture.
Impact on Pop Culture
Toys like the Atari 2600 video game console changed the way kids interacted with technology.
Released in 1977, it brought video games into homes and started a new form of entertainment that continues to this day.
Lite Brite, launched in the late ’60s but popularized in the ’70s, allowed kids to create light-up pictures using colored pegs.
This simple yet innovative toy inspired creativity and became a staple in many playrooms.
The original Nerf ball, released by Parker Brothers in 1970, revolutionized indoor play.
Marketed as safe and soft, it allowed for worry-free fun inside, leading to countless indoor games and activities.
Shared Childhood Memories
Sitting on shag carpets, you probably spent countless hours with your Spirograph set.
This geometric drawing toy let you create endless spiral designs, making it a favorite for artistic kids.
Board games like Ants in the Pants brought friends and families together.
The game’s simple yet engaging design made it a regular feature during family game nights and parties.
Action figures like those from the Star Wars franchise also made a huge impact.
Released in the late 1970s, these figures allowed you to reenact scenes from the movies and created a whole new way to experience your favorite stories.
These toys weren’t just objects; they were companions that defined your playtime and friendship, fostering a sense of community and connection among kids everywhere.
Collecting 70s Toys Today
Collecting toys from the 1970s can be an exciting hobby.
You’ll find it essential to know where to look and what tips will help you get started.
Tips for New Collectors
When starting, focus on toys you’re passionate about.
It makes collecting more fun.
Research is key.
Look up the history and value of the toys you’re interested in.
Condition matters.
Toys in their original packaging are usually worth more.
If you’re buying loose toys, check for missing parts or damage.
Networking helps.
Join online forums or local clubs to connect with other collectors.
They can share valuable insights and even trade or sell items.
Protect your collection.
Store loose toys in display cases and keep boxed ones in climate-controlled spaces to avoid damage.
Where to Find Vintage Toys
Thrift stores and flea markets are great places to start.
You can often find hidden gems at reasonable prices.
Online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy have a wide range of vintage toys.
Check seller reviews and look at photos carefully before buying.
Toy conventions and antique stores are other good options.
These places might have higher prices but often offer rare items.
Garage sales can be surprising sources of vintage toys too.
Always be willing to dig through boxes—you never know what you’ll find.
