Do you ever feel like you woke up one day an adult and wondered where your childhood went?
Warning: A lot of Ah-Ha and Oingo Boingo was played during the writing of this post….
Wasn’t it just yesterday I was playing Parsec on my Texas Instruments computer with my brother after we just binge watched some Brady Bunch reruns? You know you’ve hit middle age when the Oldies stations play music from your childhood and when hit shows about the 80’s like Stranger Things are considered “nostalgic.” Yes, Gen-Xer’s we have turned into our parents….
Okay aging aside, one of the perks of being a parent is reliving your own childhood complete with revisiting your favorite childhood toys and games with your kids. I love buying “old school toys” for my kids. And I have been pleasantly surprised at how all of these have stood the test of time and how much my kids love them! And man was it fun pulling this list together.
So go ahead listen to this and have fun perusing this list…
…oh and if I missed your childhood fave please tell me in the comments below!
Gen-X Toys Your Kids Will Love
NOTE: The products listed below are available on Amazon. Click the link to be redirected to the Amazon page. Where possible I have linked to the retro version of the toys and games though many can also be purchased with updated boards and boxes.
This post contains affiliate links.
Toys
- Rubik’s Cube Ages 8+
- Tinker Toy Ages 3+
- Pin Art Board Ages 8+
- Viewmaster Ages 3+
- Yoyo The original Duncan is here or get an updated one here Ages 6+
- Magic 8 Ball Ages6+
- Pogo Stick Ages 9+
- Smash Ball Ages 7+
Creative Activities
- Fashion Plates Ages 4+
- Shrinky Dinks Ages 5+
- Spirograph Ages 8+
- Etch a Sketch Ages 3+
- Lite Brite Ages 4+
Games
Clearly I spent a good portion of my childhood playing board games…
- Mastermind Ages 8+
- Clue Ages 8+
- Uno Ages 7+
- Trouble Ages 5+
- Operation Ages 6+
- Simon Ages 7+
- Parcheesi Ages 8+
- Hungry Hippos Ages 4+
- Connect 4 Ages 6+
- Battleship Ages
- Life Ages 10+
- Boggle Ages 8+
- Monopoly Ages 8+
For Parents
NOTE: Some of the products below are via Etsy.
And for all you parents, go ahead and buy yourself a nostalgic gift this year. I know a Swatch Watch is on my Christmas list….
- Polaroid Camera
- Record Player
- Swatch Watches
- 80’s Nostalgia Poster
- Minimalist John Hughes Movies Posters
- 80’s Pillow Case
- Save Ferris Button
Nostalgic Finds
- Garbage Pail Kids Collector’s Set
- Madballs
- Cabbage Patch Dolls
- Nintendo NES Classic Game Console
- MTV Limited Edition Polaroid
Alright now go watch some Stranger Things and get into the Gen X spirit!
What was your favorite toy? Let me know in the comments!
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