Toys & Books

44 Nostalgic Toys and Activities We’re Bringing Back for Our Kids

written by KATHY SISSON

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

nostalgic toys and activities"
nostalgic toys and activities
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider

Do you get nostalgic about your ‘80s or ‘90s childhood when you see your kid zoning out on their tablet? Maybe my mom felt the same way when my brothers and I fought over the new Game Boy, but, as a kid, I remember having to entertain myself more often with toys, board games, or running through yards with the neighborhood kids.

For those of us who love to lean into nostalgia, we’re bringing back some of those toys, activities, and games that brought us so much joy as kids. Here, we’re sharing over 40 nostalgic toys and activities you probably remember—and can now share with your kids.

 

Nostalgic Toys and Activities From the ‘80s and ‘90s

 

 

Nostalgic Toys

Do you ever wonder which toys will spark nostalgic memories in our kids someday? Will seeing the pups from Paw Patrol make them feel similar to elder Millennials seeing My Little Ponies or Polly Pockets today? Who knows what will stick when they’re grown, but we love to see that some of these toys from our ‘80s and ‘90s childhoods have endured.

nostalgic toys cabbage patch
Amazon
Cabbage Patch Doll
Shop now
80s 90s toys barbie dream house
Target
Barbie Dream House
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
My Little Pony
Shop now
american girl doll nostalgic toys
American Girl
Molly McIntire™ Doll
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Walmart
Lincoln Logs
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
LEGO Classic
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Power Rangers
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Tamagotchi
Shop now
nostalgic toys polly
Amazon
Polly Pocket
Shop now
nostalgic toys pound puppy
Amazon
Pound Puppy
Shop now
nostalgic toys elmo
Amazon
TickleMe Elmo
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Speak & Spell
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon | Fisher-Price
Record Player
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Keytar
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
View Finder
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon | Fisher-Price
Classic Cash Register
Shop now
mr potato head
Target
Mr. Potato Head Retro
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Kohl's | Little Tikes
Toddler Basketball Hoop
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Sit 'n Spin
Shop now
nostalgic toys cozy coupe
Walmart | Little Tikes
Cozy Coupe
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Koosh Set
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Bop-It
Shop now
nostalgic toys and activities rollar skates
Target
Roller Skates
Shop now

 

nostalgic toys

Source: Kathy Sisson

 

Arts & Crafts

Were friendship bracelets or Perler beads more your jam? They’re both back, along with these other fun activities we did as kids.

nostalgic toys
Amazon
Lite Brite
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Play-Doh
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Etch A Sketch
Shop now
nostalgic toys spirograph
Target
Spirograph
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Perler Beads
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Magna Doodle
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Melissa & Doug
Fashion Plates
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Friendship Bracelet Kit
Shop now

 

 

Nostalgic Board Games

If you want to go really old school, some card games like Go Fish or Charades only require a deck of cards or a paper and pencil. But many of the board games from our childhood are still around—and fun to play. Plus, board game manufacturers have the marketing locked down on nostalgia because many of them have created “retro” and “classic” versions of popular games like Chutes and Ladders, Guess Who, and more. Here are some other staples to bring out on family game night. 

twister nostalgic games
Target
Twister
ages 6+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Simon Says
ages 8+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Don't Break the Ice
ages 3+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Operation
ages 6+
Shop now
uno nostalgic games
Target
Retro Uno
ages 7+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Jenga
ages 6+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Trouble
ages 5+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Connect 4
ages 6+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Target
Perfection
ages 5+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Sorry!
ages 6+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Walmart
Scattegories
ages 12+
Shop now
nostalgic toys
Amazon
Original Nintendo
Shop now

I’m Parenting My Kids Like It’s the ‘90s—Here’s How
Click to Read