There's nothing like being a kid on Christmas morning and finding the toy you've been wishing for all year under the tree. No feeling can compare. Over the decades, the most desired toys have turned from simple board games and action figures to technologically advanced gaming systems and gadgets. It's really no surprise with the way technology plays a role in kid's lives these days, though.
When I was a kid my request pretty much every year was for Barbie, except for the year everyone had to have a Tamagotchi, of course. I would spend hours playing with my Barbie dolls. Seeing them in the store still makes me think of my childhood. I think my parents are still trying to forget about the year my brother and I insisted on getting a Furby though. My mom says those were the second most annoying toys we ever got, following the hundreds of Pokémon cards my brother would spread out all over the living room floor.
Livingly compiled a list of the most popular Christmas toy from each year, starting in 1963. It's astounding to see how much things have changed. But it's also pretty amazing to see that some of the classic best-selling toys and games (like play-doh, G.I. Joe, and nerf guns) are still just as beloved today.
This list of toys weren't just the most popular during the holidays either. These were the toys to have during the time. From the slinky or yo-yo, to cabbage patch dolls and the toys based on our favorite tv shows (Ghostbusters anyone?), toys are not only magical for children. They really have the power of nostalgia for adults to look back fondly on our youth.
This list from 1963-1990 shows what popular toy was a hot commodity the year you were born! Get nostalgic looking at the classics and not the beanie babies, complicated game consoles and razor scooters that most likely dominated the early 90s. And nothing from Disney's Frozen which has been slowly taking over the past few years.
1963: Easy-Bake Oven
1964: G.I. Joe
1965: Operation
1966: Twister
1967: Battleship
1968: Hot Wheels
1969: Chemistry Set
1970: Lite Brite
1971: Space Hoppers
1972: Uno
1973: Walkie Talkies
1974: Tonka Toy Trucks
1975: Pet Rocks
1976: Connect Four
1977: Star Wars Action Figures
1978: Simon
1979: Atari VCS
1980: The Rubik's Cube
1981: Lego Trains
1982: BMX Bikes
1983: Cabbage Patch Kids
1984: Transformers
1985: Nintendo
1986: Laser Tag
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