The 1980s was a golden decade when it comes to children’s toys. Before iPads, YouTube and Netflix, youngsters had to make their own fun, using figurines and other engaging items during their leisure time.
There are some products that people who grew up while Margaret Thatcher was in No. 10 will instantly recognise, either because they first came out during the decade, or reached peak popularity during those years.
Some will no doubt trigger some very pleasant memories of spending valuable time alone in your bedroom, or with friends and family.
Toy #1 – Slinky
Invented in 1943 by engineer Richard James, the slinky ecame hugely popular in the 1950s. Still a classic toy today, it was especially popular in the UK during the 1970s–80s, and many who grew up during these decades will have enjoyed playing with one.
Toy #2 – Action Man
Launched in the UK in 1966 by Palitoy, Action Man action figures were very popular in Britian in the 1980s. They usually featured in Argos and Toys R Us catalogues, and were listed as one of the top Christmas toys of the decade.
Toy #3 – Care Bears
Care Bears were created in 1981 by American Greetings as characters that appeared on greetings cards. They were then launched as stuffed toys in 1983, and very quickly expanded into books, TV specials and even an animated series. They sold very well in the 1980s, and were stocked in stores like Woolworths and Argos.
Toy #4 – Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids were created by Xavier Roberts in the United States in 1978 and were initially branded as “Little People”. Later, they were rebranded and mass-produced as Cabbage Patch Kids by Coleco in 1983–84. They became popular in the UK in the mid-80s, and were also sold by Argos and Woolworths, amongst others.
Toy #5 – He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man action figures were created by Mattel in 1982. The line quickly expanded to include other characters, including heroes, villains and vehicles. They were designed to be sold alongside the cartoon series, which became a major hit, boosting toy sales in turn.
