Top 10 former 'it toys'

Many toys have hit the market and taken the world by storm. These toys were must-haves, as parents clamored to stores to get them for their children. Although some of these toys are still on the market, perhaps in different versions, they were at one time considered the ‘it toy’ to have. Here is a list of ten of the most popular ones.

10. Slinky
Everyone loves a slinky. This simple toy spring that stretches and can perform some tricks was introduced in the 1940s. Everyone enjoys watching the slinky ‘walk’ down the stairs, so much that is has sold 300 million units in its first 60 years.

9. Easy-Bake Oven
Introduced in 1963, the Easy-Bake Oven made cooking easy for kids, with parental supervision of course. The oven came with different mixes and you could buy different kits to make more treats.

8. Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids, originally called ‘Little People,’ were created in 1978 and is one of the longest running doll franchises in America. The dolls are known for their large heads and soft bodies. Each one comes with its own birth certificate. Over the years different themes of the dolls came out such as Cabbage Patch Fairies and OlympiKids that were introduced during the 1996 Olympics. The dolls eventually were equipped with the touch sensors and the ability to talk. At one point, two dolls were sold together and they would interact with each other.

7. Etch A Sketch
Etch A Sketch allowed the user to create lineographic images by twisting two knobs on the bottom on its iconic red plastic frame. After you complete your work, you could shake it clear and start all over again. It has been inducted into the Nation Toy Hall of Fame and put on the Toy Industy Association’s Century of Toys List. Many artists have used an Etch A Sketch to create professional art. They maintain their creations by removing the aluminum powder it contains which erases the image.

6. Polly Pocket
Polly Pocket was first designed in 1983. They are tiny dolls made of hard plastic that are less than an inch tall. They came with accessories and pocket-size cases that had different features. In 1998, Polly Pocket was redisgned to be a bigger doll (3 ¾ inches). They came with rubbery clothes and accessories as well .

5. GameBoy
This handheld game device by Nintendo sold one million units in weeks. It was released in North America in 1989 and offered 35 hours of play per set of batteries. GameBoy color was released in 1998. The style design of the original GameBoy has become so popular that it has been seen as Halloween costumes, tattoos, dresses, wallets, a many other items.

4. Mr. Potato Head
When Mr. Potato head first came out, you used real potatoes (or different fruits and vegetables) and put the eyes, ears, shoes, ect in them. It was the first toy to ever to be advertised on television. Mr. Potato Head eventually evolved into a plastic potato body, this way there was no issues with rotting vegetables. Mr. Potato Head became so iconic that he was featured in Pixar’s Toy Story.

3. Tickle Me Elmo
Based on the popular Seasame Street character, Tickle Me Elmo shakes and laughs hysterically when squeezed. Coming out in 1996, this toy became so popular that parents would fight other parents over obtaining one for their children. Tickle Me Big Bird and Cookie Monster were later released, but were not nearly as popular. Tickle Me Elmo Extreme was released in 2006. This doll rolled around while laughing and smashing his fist on the ground.

2. Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi is a handheld digital pet that was first sold in Japan in 1996 before it came to the United States. The user takes care of their pet by feeding it, cleaning it, taking care of it when it is sick, ect. The pet goes through different stages of growth and has different features depending on the model. Since 2009, 44 different versions have been created.

1. Furby
These furry creatures came out in 1998 and were a big craze. Furby was an electronic robot that you can interact with. Over the years it developed more features including voice recognition and additional facial movements. The toy sold over 40 million units in its first three years. Later Furby Babies, Furby Friends, and other variations were released.