Parents, ready to take a trip down memory lane? Here are some nostalgic toys from your childhood – some are long forgotten, some are still going strong today!
We never forget our childhood toys. Some of us have such an emotional connection to them that even as adults we still have them stored away or even on display. They’re more than just toys, they contain memories from our childhood and remind us of a time that was a lot more care-free. With the resurgence of nostalgic toys thanks to Barbie fever, museums and exhibitions like the MINT Museum of Toys and Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play at National Museum, we got thinking about the toys we knew and love from our past!
Would you introduce these nostalgic toys to your kiddos? Some of them are still available today, on the shelves of our favourite toy stores. Here’s a look back at some nostalgic childhood toys that we grew up playing with!
Nostalgic childhood toys
1. Beyblade
It was a simpler time when arguments were settled in the schoolyard with a Beyblade battle. These were more than just tops, especially if you watched the anime. Each Beyblade had its own spirit animal that you could call forth during battle and that was exactly what we were imagining back then. Beyblades have also evolved over time going through several iterations including a metal Beyblade series – looking back, these might not have been “safe” even for the older kiddos.
Beyblades have also stood the test of time, with new versions still coming out today as well as competitions being held regularly so you could even inspire your kids to pick up the hobby too! Keep up on the Singapore Beyblade Society Facebook group for updates on Beyblade tournaments and events.
2. Polly Pocket
Who wouldn’t want the world in the palm of your hand? The detail that goes into Polly Pockets is incredible – they really are miniature dream houses that you can take with you anywhere. The play never has to end even during the commute and it’s really easy to bring on playdates or to school, perfect for preschool-aged kids! A whole 35 years later, Polly Pockets are still going strong with new designs and interiors but there’s something about the vintage ones that really hit different – many full sets have been known to fetch astronomical prices!
3. Tamagotchi
Having a Tamagotchi really taught you responsibility as a kid, as these virtual pets needed a lot of care and attention to keep alive. You even had to clean up your pet’s poop, make sure to feed it, and play with it just like a real pet. They were not forgiving either – neglect them and they’ll disappear into the virtual afterlife! They came in many unique designs and later on, added features that let you interact with other devices so you could send each other gifts or send your pets over to play. Tamagotchis are still going strong today and they’re even bringing back the retro designs – sounds like it may be time to make a trip to a Toys”R”Us soon!
4. Robot toy pets
These were all the rage back then, from the high-end expensive robot toy dogs like Poo-chi to the more affordable ones you’d find at a pasar malam which could only ‘backflip’ half the time. We’d still love them all the same, spending time brushing its plastic fur or watching them do tricks. You can still find these today, although they resemble less of actual pets and more of just robots – some even have AI technology that lets them respond to commands or facial recognition technology to respond to facial expressions.
5. Tamiya cars
Nothing gets the heart pumping like watching Tamiya cars race around the track as a kid – it’s like the kids’ version of Formula 1. Improving your Tamiya car is no easy feat, as it really puts your problem-solving skills to the test to figure out how to handle the turns of a track but also be the fastest. However, it’s quite an expensive toy to have today. This one might just be for the parents to enjoy – the kiddos can still watch and cheer on though! There are a number of hobby stores in Singapore with tracks that you can race Tamiya cars on. Check out MF11 Mini 4WD Singapore in Woodlands, The Playground in Harbourfront and Urban RC in Fortune Centre.
6. Furbies
This might be an unpopular opinion, but Furbies were one of the childhood toys that seemed a lot more creepy than adorable. They were incredibly popular though, as kids were blown away by how their Furbies slowly went from speaking Furbish to learning English phrases as well as the realistic blinking and full-body movement! They’re still available today, with new versions released to appeal to kids of all ages. Keep an eye out for the various colours and designs of the new Furblets, which are mini Furbies with their own musical personalities.
7. Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels is a classic and a must-have for car enthusiasts. The details on these scale model cars are astounding but it’s not surprising, when you learn that car manufacturers have given Mattel original design blueprints to use as references when making them. As kids, we used our imagination to create scenarios of car chases or driving through treacherous terrains with our favourite cars. They even sold tracks that could turn your room into a custom race track, the only limit was your own imagination! Top tip: If you’re buying a Hot Wheels set as a gift, make sure to check on the recommended age range as some sets are a lot more advanced and better suited for older kids and adults.
8. Barbie dolls
Nothing says childhood toys like Barbie! These dolls were seen as role models or inspiration for kids all over the world in the past. As adults who grew up during its craze, it’s weird that you don’t see kids carry around a Barbie doll today. But that may have changed since the Barbie movie was released in 2023 – the little ones might be dragging you to a toy store to get one after watching it! In Singapore, we’re in awe of toy photographer and collector Jian Yang‘s amazing Barbie collection with over 12,000 Barbie dolls in total!
9. Bratz Dolls
Fun fact: the person behind the Bratz dolls was a former Mattel employee! So it’s no wonder these dolls were competitors of Barbie. However, they definitely give off a different vibe from Barbie dolls – the outfits that Bratz come in are a lot more stylish and fashion-forward. They also looked more cartoonish and were more inclusive (featuring dolls with different complexions) compared to the original Barbie dolls. This made it a big point of comparison that helped children decide which doll brand to go for. Now, Bratz have become pop culture icons with various memes and an active, millennial-run social media page.
10. Retro game consoles
Your age really shows when you start referring to your childhood game consoles as “retro” but consoles like the Gameboys and the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) were the game consoles to have as a kid. The memories of hiding under the blankets with a flashlight playing past bedtime are something that kids today might not ever get the chance to experience – the screens back then were not back-lit so you’d need an external light source just to see what was on them.
Grab yourself a toy you’ve always wanted or join one of the hobby groups mentioned above – the inner child in you deserves it!
