The 70s were a golden era for toys, with some of the most iconic and unforgettable playthings hitting the shelves. Whether you had them yourself or stared longingly at them in store catalogs, these toys were the stuff of childhood dreams. Let’s take a look back at the most epic toys from the 70s that defined the decade, sparked creativity, and fueled countless hours of fun.
1. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
These battling robots were all about the competition. Red Rocker vs. Blue Bomber. Two kids, two controllers, one goal: knock your opponent’s block off! The moment when a punch landed just right and the other robot’s head popped up was exhilarating. It was the perfect mix of strategy and button-mashing fun that had kids playing for hours.
2. Big Wheel
If you were lucky enough to have a Big Wheel, you were the king (or queen) of the sidewalk. With its giant front wheel and low-to-the-ground design, this plastic trike was built for speed—or at least it felt that way. The thrill of skidding out in a fast turn or racing your friends down the block made the Big Wheel the ultimate in cool kid transportation.
3. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong was unlike any toy before it. This super-stretchy, rubbery action figure could be pulled, twisted, and stretched into all kinds of shapes, but he’d always return to his original form. There was something fascinating (and slightly freaky) about his seemingly endless elasticity. Every kid wanted to see just how far they could stretch him before he snapped!
4. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven wasn’t just a toy—it was an introduction to the world of baking. Powered by a simple light bulb, it let kids feel like real chefs as they whipped up tiny cakes and cookies. For many of us, that first bite of a warm, freshly “baked” treat was pure magic, and every birthday party or playdate became an excuse to break out the Easy-Bake Oven.
5. Lite-Brite
Who knew that creating glowing art could be so satisfying? Lite-Brite was a simple concept—a lightbox and colored pegs—but it felt like you were making something extraordinary. Designing colorful images and watching them light up in the dark was pure childhood wonder. And when you ran out of templates, it was time to get creative and make your own.
6. Spirograph
With its intricate gears and colorful pens, the Spirograph turned simple circles into mesmerizing, complex designs. It was the perfect toy for unleashing creativity and making you feel like an artist, even if you weren’t the most skilled with a pencil. The magic of watching those swirling patterns appear on paper was endlessly fascinating.
7. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle
In the 70s, Evel Knievel was a legend, and the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle let you relive his death-defying feats in your own backyard. You’d rev up the crank to wind up the motor, release, and watch Evel soar over ramps and crash spectacularly into walls. It was the closest thing to being a daredevil for any 70s kid, and the crashes were just as much fun as the stunts.
8. View-Master
The View-Master was a window into other worlds. With a quick click of the lever, you’d be transported to scenes from your favorite TV shows, movies, or exotic locations. Those little picture reels brought everything to life in stunning 3D, making you feel like you were part of the adventure. It was simple but magical, and every new reel was a chance to explore something new.
9. Simon
Simon was the original memory challenge game, long before apps and smartphones. Its colorful lights and tones would play in increasingly complex patterns, daring you to remember and repeat them. The stress of trying to keep up as the pattern got faster and longer was real—but so was the satisfaction of getting it right. Simon was addictive, competitive, and always fun with friends.
10. Weebles
“Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down!” The jingle was catchy, and the toy itself was oddly delightful. These egg-shaped little figures were impossible to knock over, which made them endlessly entertaining. Whether you had a Weebles playset or just a few figures, there was something so satisfying about watching them wobble but never tip.
11. Hot Wheels and Matchbox Cars
For car-loving kids, Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars were everything. Collecting the coolest cars and racing them down orange plastic tracks (complete with loop-de-loops!) was an everyday thrill. These tiny metal cars fueled imaginations as kids created intricate racetracks and invented epic races. And with so many models to choose from, you were always looking for that next addition to your collection.
12. Tonka Trucks
If you had a Tonka truck, you knew it was indestructible. These tough, metal trucks could survive anything you threw at them—whether it was rough play in the sandbox or rolling down a hill. Tonka trucks were big, bold, and built to last, making them a favorite for outdoor adventures and pretend construction jobs. Every kid felt powerful behind the wheel of a Tonka.
13. Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head was already a classic by the 70s, but it was during this decade that the plastic potato truly came into its own. With endless combinations of goofy hats, mustaches, noses, and eyes, creating your own wacky characters was always a laugh. It was simple but endlessly entertaining—and each new creation felt like a masterpiece of silliness.
14. Super Ball
A Super Ball was just a little rubber sphere, but it packed a punch. One hard bounce, and it would shoot into the air with an almost supernatural force. Whether you were playing with friends or just seeing how high you could make it bounce off the sidewalk, the Super Ball was endlessly entertaining. It was the definition of simple, kinetic fun.
15. Slinkies
Watching a Slinky “walk” down a staircase was pure magic. The metallic, springy toy seemed to have a life of its own as it gracefully tumbled from step to step. And even when you weren’t near stairs, stretching it out and making it bounce between your hands was a strangely satisfying experience. The Slinky was a toy with an almost hypnotic quality, perfect for when you wanted to fidget or just marvel at its movement.
16. Speak & Spell
Before kids had iPads, there was the Speak & Spell. This early educational toy was part game, part learning tool, teaching kids how to spell while using a cool robotic voice. The beeps and boops, combined with the challenge of spelling out words, made it feel high-tech and fun. Plus, it was a toy that made parents feel good about screen time—decades before the term existed!
17. Magic 8-Ball
Who didn’t love asking the Magic 8-Ball life’s burning questions? This mystical, black sphere held the answers to everything—or at least it felt that way. Shaking it up and watching the answer appear in the little window was thrilling. Whether it told you “Yes,” “No,” or “Ask again later,” the Magic 8-Ball was a source of endless fun and speculation.
These toys weren’t just things to play with—they were key parts of growing up in the 70s. They sparked imaginations, created memories, and fueled countless hours of fun with friends and siblings. Looking back, it’s hard not to smile at the thought of the sheer joy these toys brought to our childhoods. Wouldn’t it be great to pick up a Lite-Brite or rev up an Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle one more time?
