10 Great Retro Toys for Kids of All Ages

Remember that Easy-Bake Oven or Mr. Potato Head you had when you were a kid? Classic toys like those never go out of style. So whether you’re shopping for kids or a partner who appreciates the occasional silly gift, these throwback toys recommended by a Queens Mama are sure to be a hit.

 

Mr. Potato HeadThese retro toys are go-to pleasers for any age group. Has an old friend always longed for a certain toy from your childhood? Well now is a great time to give it to her (or her kid)!

 

Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven

Every girl of a certain age grew up with an Easy-Bake oven in the house. This miniature plastic oven allows you to make tiny sweets in minutes and decorate them as well. This classic is still on the market, entertaining girls and destroying kitchens year after year. (Ages 8 and up; $49.99; www.hasbro.com)

 

Hungry Hungry Hippos

The purpose of the game is for each player to collect as many marbles as possible with his or her hippo. Who are we kidding? The real object of the game is to slam your handle down over and over as fast as you can, with no rhythm and no timing until your hippo grabs all the marbles on the table! Super fun. (Ages 4 and up; $16.99; www.hasbro.com)

 

Matchbox cars collector pack

Matchbox Cars

Entertain the boys in your life — big and small — with the 10-car assortment pack of Matchbox cars. Race them, launch them through the air, and enjoy endless imaginative play. (Ages 3 and up; $9.99; www.matchbox.com)

 

Mr. Potato Head

There is nothing better than being able to take the features off an oversized potato and switch them around. Mr. Potato Head is an awesome addition to any toddler play collection. (Ages 2 and up; $7.99; www.hasbro.com)

 

Operation

Players of Operation can remove various body parts from a “patient” using a pair of tweezers, but if your hands aren’t steady, watch out! This exciting game is a great throwback to family game night. (Ages 6 and up; $16.99; www.hasbro.com)

 

Simon carabiner

Simon

Test your recall with Simon, the ’80s handheld memory game that plays a series of sounds and asks you to repeat them back. The more recent Simon games have been given a new look, but the addictiveness is still going strong. (Ages 5 and up; $10.99; www.toysrus.com)

 

Shrinky Dinks

The one-hit wonder of the toy world is still out there. These incredibly fun and entertaining plastic coloring plates can be baked in the oven and shrunk to a fraction of their original size. (All ages; $5 and up; www.shrinkydinks.com)

 

Strawberry Shortcake

The Strawberry Shortcake toys, including sweet-smelling dolls and accessories, were coveted collectors’ items of the 1980s. Now, with a slightly new look, these dolls make a great gift for girls. (Ages 3 and up; $4.99 and up; www.hasbro.com/strawberryshortcake)

 

Tinkertoys

Originally created in 1914, Tinkertoys have been entertaining budding architects ever since. It is amazing what a child can do with simple wooden shapes. (Ages 3 and up; $14.99 and up;
www.hasbro.com)

 

corn popper push toy from Fisher PriceFisher Price Classic Collection

Fisher Price re-released some of its classics last year and they are on the market for your retro enjoyment. From the Corn Popper Push Toy and Basic Two Tone Television to the Chatter Phone and Classic Record Player with little plastic records, these throwbacks to your childhood can be enjoyed by your whole family.

 


Leni Calas, founder of Queens Mamas (www.queensmamas.com), is a Queens native who now raises her two daughters in Astoria

 

 

Also see: NYMetroParents’ Holiday Bazaar of Traditions, Memories, Insights, and Gifts

 

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

British Swim School

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!</span></p>

Monster Mini Golf

<p>Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique “WEIRD Radio” station” and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.</p>