These days, all the hottest toys seem to have a screen or downloadable software attached to them. Sure, technology has enabled our kids to grow up with some pretty cool stuff, but when you see youngsters' eyes glued to a screen, it's easy to wish they were playing with the simpler toys of your childhood instead. The problem, of course, is that all the cool toys you grew up with seem to be in scarce supply nowadays. It would be impossible to get your hands on one of them now… or would it?
It's no secret that vintage toys are becoming more and more sought after as time goes on. In fact, if you still have any of these old-timey toys, you could strike it rich! But thanks to companies who still take pride in making their toys the same way they did years and years ago, they're much easier to find than these old-school arcade games that you and your friends loved to play when you were younger.
Check out these vintage toys that you can still buy today, and consider getting them for your kids instead of all the expensive, high-tech gadgets. I'd forgotten all about number 3, but now I'm definitely getting it for my young niece.
Make sure you SHARE these vintage toys with everyone you know!
1. Hasbro 'Operation' Game
The game that inspired your childhood self to believe you could totally be a surgeon is still on the market! Hasbro's Operation has been a beloved way to improve your hand-eye coordination for years, and now you can challenge your kids to see who the real surgeon in the house is. Did you know the classic original game is now selling for over $400!? Of course, you can get newer versions for around $20.
Get it here.
2. Basic Fun 'Simon' Game
Remember when you became the cool kid on the block when you found one of these under your Christmas tree? This battery-powered memory game from Basic Fun was once the high-tech version of Simon Says, and it's just as much fun today!
Get it here.
3. Fisher-Price 'Classic Chatter Telephone'
Am I the only one who wants one of these way more than the newest smartphone? This smiling drag-along rotary phone from Fisher-Price was once the best way to get a hold of your imaginary friends, and I'm willing to bet they'd still pick up if you called them today.
Get it here.
4. The 'Original Slinky'
5. Smethport 'Wooly Willy' Toy
Thanks to this guy, you didn't need facial hair of your own to create a killer 'stache. With your help, Smethport's Wooly Willy was a trendsetter in the beard, eyebrow, nose hair, and ear hair game.
Get it here!
6. Milton Bradley's 'Barrel of Monkeys'
These little guys were always fun to hook together, but let's face it: you mainly used them to try (unsuccessfully) to retrieve objects you dropped behind the couch. Milton Bradley's classic plastic monkeys are still causing mischief today, and your kids will have just as much fun with them as you did!
Get them here.
7. Mattel's 'Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots'
Step aside, boxing video games — these two had the greatest rivalry of all time. Mattel's Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots will always be the ultimate toy warriors, and you can still get your own fists on them today!
Get it here for $30!
8. Duncan Yo-Yo
Whether you were a yo-yoing prodigy or just lucky to get the thing to go up and down without smacking yourself in the face, you can't deny that there was something special about this thing on a string. Duncan's classic yo-yo is a childhood staple for many of us, and you'll never be too old to try to perfect the tricks that once made you famous in the third grade.
Get it here for $4.29!
9. Etch A Sketch
Before we had drawing apps on our tablets, there was the Etch A Sketch. This magical creative outlet from Ohio Art helped bring out the artist in us… even if we could never make our own temporary drawings appear as cool as the ones in the advertisements.
Get it here.
10. Westminster 'Magic Balancing Bird'
The first time you got a hold of one of these birds, you probably spent ages wondering exactly how it worked… then gave up and just had a blast seeing how many things you could balance it on. Today, you can continue mystifying both the kids and adults in your life with Westminster's balancing bird. Just don't be surprised when it starts showing up in strange places!
Get it here.
11. Fisher-Price 'Little Snoopy' Toy
This little dog was the best. He never pooped or barked, was cute as can be, and followed you around without any complaints! Fisher-Price's Little Snoopy was your best pal as a kid, and now, he can be your own child's most treasured companion.
Get it here.
12. Warm Fuzzy Toys 'Bozo Bop Bag'
Possibly the only thing that kept you and your siblings from taking out your rage on each other, the Bozo Bop Bag from Warm Fuzzy Toys was (and is) the perfect way to punch something without causing significant damage to anything or anyone important.
Get it here.
What's your favorite childhood toy? Tell us in the comments below.
And with the holidays right around the corner, make sure you SHARE these retro toys with everyone you know!
