Only 80s children can indentify these 5 must-have toys | History | News
The 1980s were a golden decade for children’s toys. Before iPads, YouTube, and Netflix, teens had to create their own entertainment in their spare time using figurines and other interesting items.
There are some products that people who grew up during Margaret Thatcher’s time in power will instantly recognize, either because they were introduced within the first decade or because they reached the peak of popularity in those years.
Some will undoubtedly trigger fond memories of spending precious time alone in your bedroom or with friends and family.
Toy #1 – Slinky
Invented by engineer Richard James in 1943, sneaky electronics became hugely popular in the 1950s. Still a classic toy today, it was particularly popular in the UK during the 1970s and 80s and many people who grew up during these years will enjoy playing with this toy.
Toy #2 – Action Man
Action Man action figures, released in the UK by Palitoy in 1966, were very popular in the UK in the 1980s. They often appeared in Argos and Toys R Us catalogues, and were listed as one of the best Christmas toys of the decade.
Toy #3 – Care Bears
Care Bears were created by American Greetings in 1981 as characters appearing on greeting cards. They were later released as stuffed toys in 1983 and very quickly evolved into books, TV shows, and even animated series. They sold very well in the 1980s and were stocked in stores such as Woolworths and Argos.
Toy #4 – Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids were created by Xavier Roberts in the United States in 1978 and were initially branded as “Little People”. They were later rebranded and mass produced as Cabbage Patch Kids by Coleco in 1983-84. They became popular in the UK in the mid-80s and were sold by Argos and Woolworths, among others.
Toy #5 – He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man action figures were created by Mattel in 1982. The series quickly expanded to include other characters, including heroes, villains, and vehicles. They were designed to be sold alongside the cartoon series, which became a huge hit and increased toy sales.
