Whichever decade you grew up in, you’re sure to think it was the period when the best toys were released.
For me, it was the 80s. There were definitely some classics that hit the shelves during those ten years that still grace the shelves of toy shops now. I don’t know about you, but I love seeing my kids play with toys I used to enjoy.
Here are some that both they and I are fans
of:
Mr Potato Head
Mr Potato Head has been around since 1952 but he hit the headlines recently when it was announced the brand will become known simply as "Potato Head" and that children will be able to create a complete re-branded potato head family later in the year. Of course, Mr and Mrs Potato Head’s roles in Toy Story only furthered children’s interest in the product. My 8-year-old used to have great fun with his one and has kept it aside to pass down to his little brother.
LEGO and DUPLO
There’s something about building that brings out kids’ creativity and even now I find it therapeutic. LEGO and DUPLO have been around since I was born, and both my boys love them. My eldest has all his favourite creations displayed but my youngest enjoys destroying his buildings as much as he loves putting them together. A trip to LEGO Land is on our wish-list so here’s hoping we get a chance to go next year.
Rubik's Cube
When my 8-year-old announced he was saving up his pocket money to purchase the iconic Rubik’s Cube I was half happy, half horrified. There’s definitely something enjoyable about twisting and turning all the squares, attempting to get at least one side uniform. However, it can quickly become frustrating, especially when you find out there are 43 quintillion combinations. At least our kids have YouTube tutorials to help them try and figure it out.
Play-Doh
Play-Doh is one of my favourite smells; probably because I used to have so much fun playing with it. In fact, I’m sure you can now buy a Play-Doh scented perfume so I can’t be the only one who’s a fan! My 2-year-old currently loves creating Peppa Pig figures with his, but we’ve previously enjoyed creating ice-creams and dinosaurs. Of course, it’s easy enough to make your own but it’s good to always have a few tubs as a back-up when you’ve got a million other things to do.
Guess Who
Guess who got Guess Who from Santa last year?! My eldest received his in his Christmas sack. While it used to be a firm favourite of mine, he now enjoys it too. I admit I might have had a word in the big man’s ear, after all, I’m the one that will be playing it with him. It’s great how diverse the characters are now and I’m sure this game will be around for a long time to come.
Transformers
My hubby used to be a huge Transformers fan (I used to have one too) and my 8-year-old has followed suit. They’re more satisfying to twist and turn than a Rubik’s Cube and with the introduction of Rescue Bots. they’re now accessible from a young age. The fact that they feature in blockbuster movies helps keep them in demand (an impressive Bumble Bee toy takes pride of place in my son’s room) and the films are something adults and kids can enjoy together.
My Little Pony
Sadly, my sons have no interest in My Little Pony’s which were a firm favourite of mine. I even still have my original toys. I used to love prancing them around and making their hair look pretty; Lickety-Split was the star of my collection. Maybe if there were life-sized versions that you could ride, they’d pay them more attention!
