The 1980s were a golden age of toys, with each year bringing a new must-have that captured the imagination of kids across the country. Here’s a look back at the most popular toys from each year of the decade, according to the Strong Museum of Play (via Wired Magazine):
1980: The Rubik’s Cube The Rubik’s Cube burst onto the scene as a colorful, mind-bending puzzle that challenged kids and adults alike. With its twistable sides and seemingly endless permutations, it became the ultimate test of logic and patience, frustrating and delighting millions.
1981: Masters of the Universe He-Man and the Masters of the Universe transformed playtime into epic battles on the planet Eternia. Featuring muscular action figures like He-Man and his nemesis Skeletor, plus a host of accessories and playsets, this line became a cultural juggernaut and the centerpiece of many toy collections.
1982: Care Bears / My Little Pony (tied) Both the cuddly Care Bears and the magical My Little Pony captured hearts with their pastel colors and backstories. Each character had its own personality and symbol, inspiring cartoons, collectibles, and endless playground adventures.
1983: Cabbage Patch Kids These unique, soft-bodied dolls came with adoption papers and individual names, sparking a shopping frenzy that made headlines. Their quirky looks and “adoptable” nature led to riots in toy aisles and cemented their status as an ’80s icon.
1984: Trivial Pursuit This trivia board game became a household staple, challenging families and friends to test their knowledge on a wide range of topics. It wasn’t just for kids—adults loved the competition and the chance to show off their smarts.
1985: Teddy Ruxpin Teddy Ruxpin was the first talking teddy bear, using cassette tapes to tell stories and move his mouth and eyes. As an early blend of storytelling and technology, he became a bedtime favorite—and an object of fascination and a little bit of fear for some kids.
1986: Lazer Tag Lazer Tag brought futuristic fun to backyards everywhere. Kids donned plastic vests and wielded infrared “blasters” in competitive games of tag, making them feel like action heroes—at least until the batteries ran out.
1987: Jenga This simple wooden block stacking game tested nerves and dexterity. Players took turns removing blocks from a tower and balancing them on top until the whole thing came crashing down, sparking laughter and groans in equal measure.
1988: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) The NES revolutionized video games at home with classic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt. For many, receiving an NES was a dream come true—and the beginning of lifelong gaming careers.
1989: Nintendo Game Boy The Game Boy introduced portable gaming to the masses. With games like Tetris, Super Mario Land, and tiny versions of classic titles, it kept kids glued to its monochrome screen and marked the dawn of gaming on the go.