The Top Toys When Millennials Were Kids

Invented in 1974 and released internationally in 1980, this 3-D puzzle toy was all the rage in the early ’80s, and was popular with both adults and children. Multiple best-selling books in 1981 were dedicated to helping people solve the puzzle.

Originally introduced in a Belgian comic book in 1958, these blue forest creatures rose in popularity in the U.S. after a 1981 television series. Soon, Smurf plush toys and action figures became some of the most sought-after children’s gifts.

Although many toys’ popularity coincides with a television show launch, these colorful pony dolls with brushable manes were a hit with girls for years before an animated series finally came out in 1986. Over 150 million My Little Ponies were sold in the 1980s alone.

Inspired by a series of “adoptable” doll babies invented by a Kentucky artist, Cabbage Patch Kids became so popular in 1983 that crowds of Christmas shoppers seeking the cloth dolls became violent and caused injuries in numerous locations around the U.S.

A re-branding of a Japanese toy line, Transformers are a series of robot toys that can be rearranged to become vehicles, weapons, animals, and other objects. The toys hit the American market in 1984 along with related comics and an animated television series, and together with a series of live-action films launched in 2007, Transformers has become one of the most successful media franchises of all time.

A classic plush teddy bear combined with cutting-edge technology, Teddy Ruxpin was the first commercially available animatronic toy. He was outfitted with a cassette tape and could tell stories, sing, and blink his eyes. The first year after Teddy hit the market, over 1.3 million of the toys were sold.

Originally painted as greeting card characters, Care Bears became plush toys in 1983 and an animated series in 1985. With a signature color and belly icon, each bear was engendered with a special personality trait. Between 1983 and 1987, over 40 million Care Bears were sold.

Launched in the U.S. in 1985, this family game of physical prowess became one of the most popular toys available in 1987. Its appeal has hardly worn off, as it remains a go-to in many family game closets and giant jenga sets can be found at bars and in parks to this day.

When Nintendo launched its pilot entertainment system, only 17 games were available. One of these, Super Mario Bros., became the quintessential Nintendo game, far surpassing the other first-generation games in popularity. The Super Mario Bros. franchise has since become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.

Basically a portable, pocket-sized Nintendo gaming console, the Game Boy was released in 1989 and quickly became the most popular toy on the market, selling out its first U.S. allotment of one million units in a matter of weeks.

Originally a comic book series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were released as action figures to coincide with an animated television series in 1987. The franchise was so successful that a live action movie was premiered in 1990. It became the highest-grossing independent film up to the point of its release.

With graphics that were twice as detailed (and a price tag twice as high) as the original Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo sold well despite competition from the new Sega Genesis gaming console. Over the course of its lifetime, over 49 million Super Nintendos were sold.

The Talkboy, conceived as a prop for the 1992 Christmas movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” was a portable audio recorder and playback machine. The Deluxe Talkboy, released a year after the original, included the variable speed voice-changing option that featured prominently in the movie. The latter version became one of the most sought-after toys during the 1993 holiday shopping season.

Introduced in 1993 by businessman Ty Warner, Beanie Babies became an internet sensation in 1995 and a high-value collectors’ item due to the limited batches of certain models. The original release consisted of nine animals, including a dog, a whale, a platypus, and a frog. Eventually the collection grew to over 800 types of animals.

Released alongside a 1993 live action television series, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers action figures became the best-selling toy during the 1994 holiday shopping season. A QVC special sale that year sold $1.9 million worth of Power Rangers toys in two hours.

Pixar’s first full length film, “Toy Story,” featured a flashy astronaut toy voiced by Tim Allen. The film was released in November 1995 and by Christmas, demand for Buzz Lightyear action figures already exceeded the limited supply that had hit store shelves.

A plush toy that laughs and shakes upon being squeezed, Tickle Me Elmo created a shopping hysteria in 1996. As the toys retailed for $30, many stores underestimated demand, leading to fights in store aisles, tramplings, and parents chasing down delivery trucks to secure a doll for Christmas.