1. Fashion Plates
In the ’80s, kids who loved drawing couldn’t get enough of Fashion Plates. The toy came with plastic templates that let you mix and match tops, bottoms, and hairstyles, then rub over them with crayons to make your own stylish outfits. It felt like being a mini fashion designer, even if most of the creations looked more like neon nightmares than runway-ready clothing. The appeal was being able to customize endlessly, even if you kept ending up with the same puffy sleeves.
Eventually, the fad faded when newer, more interactive toys hit the shelves. Fashion Plates couldn’t compete with video games or the more tech-heavy drawing sets that followed. While it made a small comeback in later years, it never again hit that fever pitch of the ’80s. For many, it’s a toy that’s fondly remembered but rarely brought up.
2. Pogo Ball
It was marketed as part pogo stick, part ball, and part balance board. The Pogo Ball was a plastic ball wedged between two platforms that kids stood on and bounced around. It looked simple enough in commercials, but most kids discovered it was harder to master than it seemed. Instead of hopping gracefully, you often ended up slipping and landing flat on your back.
Despite the spills, the Pogo Ball had its moment of playground glory. It was the kind of toy that felt cool to own, even if you couldn’t actually get the hang of it. Once kids realized skateboards and bikes offered more fun with fewer bruises, the Pogo Ball’s popularity fizzled. Today, it’s more of a funny memory than a lasting craze.
3. Koosh Balls
These floppy, rubbery balls made of soft strands were irresistibly tactile. Kids loved tossing them around, squeezing them in class, or just twirling them absentmindedly. They weren’t messy, didn’t bounce unpredictably, and didn’t hurt if you got smacked in the face with one. Koosh Balls became so trendy that they were sold in every color combination imaginable.
But as quickly as they appeared, they began to feel like a novelty item. They didn’t do much beyond sitting in your hand, and other toys offered more action and excitement. By the early ’90s, their popularity had waned, leaving behind a brief but colorful legacy. For those who had one, though, the texture is unforgettable.
4. Boglins
These creepy-cute rubber monster puppets were a must-have for kids into weird toys. With moving eyes and squishy, grotesque features, they were marketed as living creatures you could keep in their crate-like box. They felt edgy compared to other toys, giving kids the thrill of owning something slightly gross. Kids would spend hours making them growl and pop out of their cages to scare friends.
Their downfall came from being too much of a one-trick gimmick. Once the novelty wore off, they ended up forgotten in toy chests. Parents weren’t exactly thrilled about their spooky appearance either, which didn’t help sales. Still, for a short time, Boglins were the coolest monsters you could bring home.
5. Waterfuls
Before handheld video games took over, there were Waterfuls. These were small, water-filled toys where you pressed buttons to push rings or balls into targets. It was all about patience and precision, but it was strangely addictive. They made long car rides a little more bearable for kids in the ’80s.
Of course, once Game Boy arrived, Waterfuls lost their audience. Kids wanted something with sound, lights, and adventure, not just little plastic rings floating around. They slipped into obscurity almost overnight. Even so, many still remember the satisfying click of those buttons and the frustration of missing the last ring.
6. Wuzzles
The Wuzzles were plush toys and cartoon characters that combined two animals into one. There was Bumblelion, part bumblebee, part lion, and Eleroo, part elephant, part kangaroo. The concept was creative, and the toys were adorable, landing them on many wish lists. Their TV show even helped boost their popularity for a brief moment.
But with so many stuffed animal lines on the market, they couldn’t hold their ground. Care Bears and My Little Pony had stronger staying power, leaving Wuzzles behind. The cartoon only lasted a single season, sealing their fate. They’re remembered as a fun idea that just didn’t stick around.
7. Madballs
These were rubber balls with disgusting, cartoonish monster faces. Each one had a gross-out theme, like a head with a giant eyeball or one covered in slime. Kids loved their rebellious, irreverent design, and they became a hit with playground trades. They were both toys and collectibles, which added to the craze.
Still, the appeal of just bouncing a creepy ball around didn’t last forever. Once the novelty wore thin, they became another forgotten fad. They’ve been revived a few times since, but never to their original level of popularity. They remain a perfect snapshot of the ’80s obsession with gross-out humor.
8. Glow Worms
At bedtime, Glow Worms were a comforting toy for many kids. Squeezing their plush bodies made their plastic heads glow softly in the dark. They were marketed as both toys and sleep aids, a sort of nightlight you could cuddle. Many kids had one perched on their bed through the mid-’80s.
But the glow didn’t last long, and new safety concerns caused issues for the line. Parents grew cautious, and kids started gravitating toward other bedtime buddies. While they made a few comebacks, they never regained their original craze status. For a while, though, they lit up a lot of childhood bedrooms.
9. Popples
Popples were plush toys that could fold into a ball, thanks to their built-in pouch. Kids loved the transformation, turning them from fluffy creatures into round little bundles. The bright colors and playful designs made them instantly appealing. They even had a cartoon that boosted their popularity.
But like many transforming toys, the gimmick lost steam once the novelty wore off. By the late ’80s, kids had moved on to flashier, more interactive fads. Popples lingered in toy boxes but slowly stopped being must-have toys. They’re remembered with fondness, even if they were short-lived.
10. Pillow People
These odd plush toys were shaped like square pillows with faces, arms, and legs. They were designed to double as a decorative pillow and a cuddly friend. Kids liked the quirky look, and they were soft enough to bring to bed. They felt like a cross between a stuffed animal and a bedroom accessory.
Still, they weren’t quite cuddly enough to compete with traditional stuffed animals. Their stiff, square bodies made them awkward to snuggle. As a result, they quickly faded in popularity. They’re now mostly remembered through old commercials and nostalgic photos.
11. Monchhichis
Originally from Japan, Monchhichis were monkey-like dolls with thumb-sucking features. They were cute, furry, and came dressed in little outfits. The dolls became popular in the U.S. after a cartoon series debuted in the ’80s. For a while, it seemed like everyone had at least one of these fuzzy figures.
But the hype didn’t last. Other doll crazes like Cabbage Patch Kids overshadowed them. The cartoon fizzled out, and without the support, the toys slipped away from the spotlight. They still hold a soft spot for collectors, though casual fans mostly left them behind.
12. My Pet Monster
This oversized plush with blue fur, orange nose, and plastic shackles was marketed as the ultimate “tough” stuffed animal. It was meant to appeal to kids who didn’t want something too cute. The toy was big enough to feel special, and its shackles added a fun prop for play. It was a hit for kids who wanted something different from teddy bears.
The problem was its limited appeal. Not every child wanted a scary-looking stuffed monster in their room. As quickly as it rose, the craze fizzled out. Today, it’s remembered mostly by the kids who adored its offbeat charm.
13. Glo Friends
These were smaller, bug-like glow-in-the-dark toys spun off from the Glow Worms line. They were marketed as pocket-sized companions, with each character having a unique design. They doubled as nightlight-style toys, glowing softly after being exposed to light. For a short while, they were popular collectibles.
But they lacked staying power, blending into the crowded toy market. They didn’t offer much interactive play, which hurt their long-term appeal. Soon enough, they ended up forgotten in the shuffle of bigger, flashier toys. Their gentle glow remains a nostalgic memory for many.
14. Zoobles
Before Hatchimals, there were Zoobles, tiny animal toys that popped open when placed on their magnetic bases. Their bright colors and collectible nature made them an instant playground hit. Kids loved the surprise factor of watching them spring to life. They came in endless varieties, fueling the urge to collect them all.
Unfortunately, their gimmick couldn’t compete with toys that offered more imagination or tech. Once the craze cooled, Zoobles quickly disappeared. They became one of those “blink and you missed it” toy lines of the ’80s. While not as remembered as other crazes, they briefly captured the excitement of surprise toys.
15. Sweet Secrets
These were toys that transformed from jewelry or makeup compacts into tiny dolls or playsets. The appeal was in the hidden surprise, making them feel like secret treasures. Girls loved the idea of wearing something that turned into a toy. The pastel colors and cute designs added to their charm.
But the small size made them easy to lose, and the transformations were often clunky. Competing toy lines with stronger branding pushed them out of the spotlight. By the end of the ’80s, Sweet Secrets had vanished from store shelves. They’re a fun reminder of how much kids loved toys with a hidden twist.
