1. Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks were one of those craft toys that felt like magic in the ’70s. Kids would color designs on special sheets of plastic, cut them out, and then watch in awe as they shrank down in the oven to a fraction of their size. The process was mesmerizing, as the flimsy plastic curled up and then flattened into a hard, miniature version of the original drawing. It gave children the thrill of creating something with their own hands that turned into a keepsake.
Every kid swore they needed them because the results felt like professional art. Some turned their creations into jewelry, keychains, or ornaments, proudly showing off their work at school. Parents may have been less enthusiastic about turning on the oven for endless batches, but kids couldn’t get enough. Shrinky Dinks weren’t just a toy, they were a little workshop of imagination that felt endlessly fun.
2. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong looked like a typical muscle man doll, but his real magic was hidden beneath the surface. Inside was a gooey, stretchy substance that allowed kids to pull his arms and legs far beyond what seemed possible. The fun was in stretching him with friends, testing just how far he could go without breaking. Sometimes he’d even be tied in knots or wrapped around furniture in playful experiments.
Of course, the danger was always in ripping him open, revealing a sticky corn syrup-like filling that parents dreaded cleaning up. Still, kids swore they needed him because he felt unlike any other toy. He was practically indestructible compared to action figures that lost limbs so easily. Even if his glory days are over, Stretch Armstrong still lives in the memory of kids who tested his limits.
3. Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite was every kid’s chance to be an artist, using tiny colored pegs to bring glowing pictures to life. By pushing the pegs into a black screen lit from behind, children could follow templates or create their own dazzling designs. It wasn’t just a toy, it was an event—turning off the lights and revealing a glowing picture was always dramatic.
The downside, of course, was stepping on one of those pegs in the carpet, which hurt almost as much as stepping on a Lego. Still, kids begged for Lite-Brite sets because they felt creative and a little futuristic. It gave them a sense of accomplishment when they could proudly display their glowing designs. Today, it remains one of those toys people fondly remember, even if most households eventually lost half the pegs.
4. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle
When Evel Knievel was everywhere in the ’70s, kids wanted to imitate his daring stunts at home. The Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle gave them the chance, with a wind-up launcher that sent the little motorcycle flying across the living room. It could jump ramps, crash into toy cars, or skid across the kitchen floor in epic wipeouts. The thrill was in not knowing if it would land smoothly or smash dramatically.
The toy often broke from too much excitement, but that didn’t stop kids from swearing they had to own it. It felt like holding a piece of Evel’s daredevil spirit in their hands. Every playground seemed to have at least one kid showing off what their stunt cycle could do. While the toy may have faded, the memory of launching Evel across homemade ramps hasn’t.
5. Hungry Hungry Hippos
This game wasn’t about strategy, it was about pure chaos and fast reflexes. Four hippos, each controlled by a lever, lunged at marbles in the center of the board. The clattering sound of kids slamming the levers filled living rooms, with everyone yelling and laughing at the frenzy. The winner was simply the one whose hippo managed to eat the most marbles.
It was messy and loud, which only made it more appealing to kids. Hungry Hungry Hippos was the kind of game that made slumber parties and family nights feel unforgettable. Children insisted on having it because it promised instant fun with no complicated rules. Even though it’s rarely seen today, the excitement it brought made it one of the most “needed” toys of the decade.
6. Simon
Before kids had handheld video games, Simon was the ultimate test of memory and reflexes. The round toy had four colored buttons that lit up in sequences, which players had to repeat in order. Each round got longer and faster, pushing kids to concentrate harder. The beeping sounds became instantly recognizable to anyone who played.
It was frustrating when you messed up, but that frustration kept kids hooked. Winning a long sequence felt like an accomplishment worth bragging about. Simon was more than just fun—it made kids feel sharp and competitive. While it may not have survived in every household, its design still makes it unforgettable.
7. Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots
Two plastic robots, one red and one blue, were locked in a boxing ring, controlled by kids pounding on buttons. The goal was simple: punch the other robot until its head popped up in defeat. The clunky mechanics only made it more fun, as every punch felt exaggerated and dramatic. Matches were short but intense, sparking rematches that could last all afternoon.
Kids felt like champions every time they knocked their opponent out. It was loud, a little violent, and endlessly repeatable, which made it irresistible. Everyone swore they needed one to prove their skills against siblings and friends. While simple by today’s standards, Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots left a big mark on toy history.
8. Big Wheel
The Big Wheel was the ultimate ride-on toy for the ’70s kid. With its oversized front wheel and low-rider seat, it made kids feel like they were cruising in style. It was perfect for racing down driveways, skidding around corners, and showing off tricks. Parents liked it because it felt safer than bikes, but kids loved it because it felt cooler.
The plastic wheels wore down quickly, especially after endless skid stops, but that didn’t stop the demand. Kids swore they couldn’t live without one because it meant freedom and speed in a way no tricycle could match. Neighborhoods were filled with the sound of Big Wheels scraping down sidewalks. For many, it was their first taste of independence on wheels.
9. Shrink Ray Gun (Creepy Crawlers spin-off)
While not as famous as the original Creepy Crawlers set, the Shrink Ray Gun was another toy that captivated ’70s kids. It was marketed as a way to make shrunken versions of characters and designs, much like a handheld version of Shrinky Dinks. The appeal was in holding a futuristic “ray gun” that felt like something out of a sci-fi show. Kids loved pretending they were scientists or heroes wielding real shrinking power.
It was a mix of craft and imagination, and though it wasn’t the most durable toy, it captured a trend. Owning one felt like stepping into a cartoon world where anything could shrink with the pull of a trigger. Kids bragged about their creations and swapped them like trading cards. While the fad didn’t last, it was unforgettable to those who got their hands on it.
10. Space Hoppers
These giant inflatable balls with handles were made for bouncing around the yard or driveway. Kids would hop onto them, grab the handles, and bounce across the grass in wobbly, hilarious movements. The goal was often to race against friends or just see how long you could bounce without falling. Their bright colors made them instantly recognizable in any toy store aisle.
Of course, they weren’t the safest, and many kids took tumbles that ended in scraped knees. Still, they were seen as a must-have for outdoor fun. Every kid thought they needed one to join in on neighborhood games and races. Even though Space Hoppers eventually deflated from memory, their bounce was unforgettable while it lasted.
11. Water Wiggle
Water Wiggle was one of those summer toys that was equal parts fun and unpredictable. Attached to a garden hose, it was a long tube with a silly character on the end that sprayed water wildly in every direction. Kids would run, scream, and chase it as it wiggled around uncontrollably. No two games were ever the same because you never knew where it would spray next.
Parents weren’t always fans of the soaked lawns and chaos, but kids couldn’t resist. Having one in the backyard meant being the go-to house for summer fun. It was simple, affordable, and endlessly entertaining. Even if it sometimes turned into a wet mess, Water Wiggle was the kind of toy kids insisted they couldn’t live without.
12. Merlin
Merlin looked like a chunky red phone, but it was actually one of the first handheld electronic games. With a keypad of red lights, kids could play multiple games like Tic-Tac-Toe, music memory, or simple strategy challenges. It was high-tech for the time, making children feel like they were holding a futuristic gadget. The beeps and flashing lights were addictive, keeping kids glued to the little device.
It didn’t have the graphics of later handheld games, but that didn’t matter. Kids swore they needed Merlin because it felt advanced, like they were playing with real technology. It was perfect for car rides or rainy days when board games lost their charm. Though it has faded from toy shelves, it remains a pioneer of handheld gaming.
