10 Nostalgic Toys Your Grandkids Will Love

Revisit iconic toys that have dazzled kids for decades and are still sold today

by Aaron Kassraie, AARP, December 10, 2020

a christmas toy display in a department store that includes a decorated tree a fire engine and toys displayed

B Christopher / Alamy Stock Photo

Each year, a must-have toy that every kid asks for sends parents, grandparents and other well-meaning adults on a frenzied search to find it in time for the holidays. But unlike fad products, classic toys that have stood the test of time have something special about them that manages to delight recipients generation after generation. Whether you want to take a trip down memory lane or are shopping for the youngster in your life, check out these iconic toys from the past that are still on store shelves today.

Note: Prices vary. List prices from manufacturers are provided, if available. Otherwise, a representative price from a Dec. 10 check of online retailers Amazon.com, Target.com and Walmart.com is provided. Prices exclude taxes and shipping.

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PHOTO BY: Chris Willson / Alamy Stock Photo

Easy-Bake Oven

Price: $34.99

Now featuring a new modern design, this can give your aspiring baker a first taste of cooking (with some adult supervision, naturally). The toy first hit shelves in 1963 and has helped introduce kids to the joys of baking ever since.
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PHOTO BY: Keith Homan / Alamy Stock Photo

Lite Brite

Price: $14.99

Creativity glows and kids are amazed when Lite Brite's colored pegs are illuminated. Unlike the original version, the classic toy is now battery powered and has LED lights so you don't have to worry about a bulb burning out.
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PHOTO BY: Elise Amendola / AP Images

Cabbage Patch Doll

Price: starting at $15.99

Cabbage Patch Kids are still up for “adoption” and now range in age, size, eye color, skin tone and more — and therefore price. Not much has changed to the toy's 1978 design, but thanks to the diverse selection of dolls available on its website you are sure to find the perfect match for the nurturing young ones in your life.
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PHOTO BY: Drew Gardner / Alamy Stock Photo

Etch A Sketch

Price: $12.88 (on Amazon.com, Target.com and Walmart.com)

In a world dominated by electronic screens, Etch A Sketch's classic white knobs and “magic” screen may first puzzle the modern child. There is no charging, battery or Wi-Fi required to supply hours of drawing, shaking and erasing.
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PHOTO BY: Chris Willson / Alamy Stock Photo

Tonka truck

Price: varies by type of truck (a dump truck was listed for $24.99 on Target.com)

Fueled by imagination, Tonka trucks take playing in the sandbox to a whole new level. The steel dump truck can be paired with the classic bulldozer and front loader to plow through all the sand and get the job done.
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PHOTO BY: Keith Homan / Alamy Stock Photo

Slinky

Price: starting at $3.89 (on Amazon.com)

Slinky, the walking spring toy, turns any staircase into a playground. A collector's edition of the toy is currently on sale in a box that resembles its original 1945 release.
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PHOTO BY: Chris Willson / Alamy Stock Photo

Candyland

Price: $7.99

If your family is starting to sour on game night, try sweetening the options with a classic board game like Candyland, which has succeeded in bringing together generations of kids and adults for the ultimate “sweet little game."
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PHOTO BY: Jon D / Alamy Stock Photo

Rubik's Cube

Price: $7.88 (on Amazon.com)

With over 450 million sold globally, the Rubik's Cube has stimulated brainiacs for decades. For a more challenging puzzle, the company also offers a 4x4 cube that has an extra row to solve.
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PHOTO BY: Maurice Savage / Alamy Stock Photo

Spirograph

Price: $24.99

Watch young ones become mesmerized as they use a spirograph for the first time and see their pen dance around the paper. Not only does the timeless toy create intricate designs, it's fun and easy to use.
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PHOTO BY: B Christopher / Alamy Stock Photo

Lincoln Logs

Price: starting at $12.52 (on Walmart.com)

Lincoln Logs are one of the few toys that have continued to entertain children for over 100 years. The logs, designed by John Lloyd Wright, son of the famous architect, are still constructed out of real wood and made in the United States.