Ode to 80s Toys

The 80s were a time of rock and roll, big hair, and freedom. Growing up a young child during the decade, I extend my thank-yous to product development teams and toymakers across the globe. Before the time of illegal downloading, 3D Car-jacking games, and Adderall for breakfast, kids in the 80s were content playing with a few ingenious toys, combined with an extensive imagination, to make everyday better than watching reruns of Charles in Charge.

Here is a tribute to some of the finest toys invented that made an 80s childhood great; well at least better than growing up during the Depression.

-Crossfire - CROSSFIRE!! 'Nough said
- Cabbage Patch Kids - You know you stole your sister's doll to sleep with it...don't lie...they're just that darn cute.
- Creepy Crawlers - They ooze, they squirm, and...they're edible?! Sign me up.
- Easy Bake Oven - A cake in 45 minutes without 3rd degree burn? Screw fruit and vegetables, I'm having Easy Bake for dinner Mom.
- Nintendo - Possibly one of the greatest toys of the 80s, or the beginning of the degradation of humanity as we know it. Whatever, Duck Hunt rocks.
- Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots - Mom wont let you punch your brother? Beat up his robot!
- Sea Monkeys - Great pets. Not needy, no cleaning, hell you didn't even have to feed them!
- Slap Bracelets - Epitome of coolness.
- Slip n slide - Fun in the front yard, watch out for rocks!
- Speak & Spell - Also doubles as a voice modifier for ransom calls...
- Stretch Armstrong - Finally something your cat can't do. Gooey insides are fun too!
- Simon - Twice as annoying as American Idol Simon and 4 times as infuriating
- Trapper Keeper - OK, not really a toy, but you know you wanted one just to be cooler than the kid who poked his eye out by unraveling a spiral notebook

Feel free to add on with your own sentimental 80s toy memories.