Have you thought to yourself, while shopping for fake pets that kids can take care of online, or toys that look like they will break after five minutes, “They just don’t make them like they used to?”
Oh, but they do! And you have to figure, there has to be some reason these toys are still around, right?
Well, I am a bit puzzled about the sea monkeys, but here is a list of classic toys you can never go wrong with purchasing.
Operation The horrid buzzing sound that signaled the death of your dream career in medicine never failed to scare me. And that wish bone, it was always my downfall.
Sea Monkeys Ok, raise your hand if you thought they were really sea monkeys when you were a kid. Liar.
Magic 8 ball The original, used mostly for answering the truly important questions in life, such as if Johnny liked you as much as you liked him, or if Michelle was still your best friend.
Slinky Dog Just like the one in Toy Story! There were rumors that he could be pulled across the length of two rooms, but I’m pretty sure that’s just an urban myth.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots In my estrogen-ruled household with my Dad as the only male, this game was something I never actually played with, but my husband got really excited when he found out this was still around. Why do I have the feeling I will be getting familiar with this toy sooner than I realize?
Perfection Even more than Operation, this game with a timer louder than a roaring train put me completely on edge. What other game would literally blow up in your face if you didn’t finish in time? Again, always scared the crap out of me, which was part of the fun.
Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon Listen, they have all sorts of different incarnations of this original, including one with drink holders. But, for that true retro feeling of knowing you could fall out at any second, nothing but this will do.
Easy Bake Oven Ok, yes, so it’s been recalled. But who could forget the doughy gooeyness of a cupcake “baked” in one of these babies? Ahhh, the wonders a light bulb can do. The model from Amazon does not look to be the same as the recalled model, but apparently it’s caveat emptor.
Barbie The “Reem Acra Bride Barbie” I’ve linked to is a far cry from the Barbie I played with back in 197(cough, cough). It was Barbie, Ken, and Skipper having to make do with a shoebox as their dream house. And of course, I cut off her hair.
Lincoln Logs These are still going strong, and I am amazed that my son loves playing with these just as much as I did.
Legos This toy has evolved to include so many specialty types, from specialized acrylic bricks to yes, an Advent Calendar.
Erector sets Got a builder in the family? If you do, there is no way they can resist the siren call of the 150 Piece Construction Bucket! This toy was invented in 1913, and it is amazing that it is still a favorite almost 100 years later.
Trouble How did our parents ever survive the popping noise that this game constantly produces? But as with most noisy games, a heck of a lot of fun!
TinkerToys For some reason, I don’t remember my parents buying me this toy, but the creations my son can make with it attest to it’s continuing popularity.
