What Was the Most Popular Toy The Year You Were Born?

Most of these toys were in so popular that they have been in production for decades!

During the ’70s there was an ever-expanding array of toy and game designs, thanks in large part to the development of new technologies, some of which could now be used in your own home! Still, there was a home-made quality to many of the toys, like Holly Hobbie and Shrinky Dinks.

1970 NERF Ball

The “Non-Expanding Recreational Foam” product that we’ve grown so accustomed to made its first appearance in 1970. No longer would a bad throw mean a sibling’s bloody nose. At last there was a ball you could throw inside!

1971 Weebles

1972 Dawn Dolls

1973 Shrinky Dinks

1974 Holly Hobbie

This character started out as a drawing for American Greetings, inspired by the traditional quilt character of Sunbonnet Sue. Once the doll was made, Holly Hobbie toys became some of the most popular for American girls. You can see her image on a ring below, but there were endless merchandising options with the beloved character. Everything from Easy Bake Ovens to alarm clocks to piggy banks could be bought with her patchwork image on them.

1975 See’n’say

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1976 Stretch Armstrong

1977 Paddington Bear

1978 Hungry Hungry Hippos

1979 Atari

This was the game that changed how kids spend their time. While it was pricey and not every home had one, the video game console would become the way many kids and teens (and adults) spend their Saturday afternoons.

And one more for good measure!