Ah, Christmas in the 70s! The excitement, the anticipation, the Sears Wish Book! There was nothing quite like circling your favorite toys, hoping to find them under the tree on Christmas morning. The 70s were packed with iconic toys that every kid desperately wanted. Some were trendy, some were revolutionary, and others were just plain fun. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at the top toys that made it to every 70s kid’s Christmas wish list.
1. G.I. Joe with Kung Fu Grip
G.I. Joe was already an action figure legend, but with the introduction of the “Kung Fu Grip,” he became even cooler. This added feature made the toy feel almost alive, with flexible hands that could actually hold weapons and gear. It was the ultimate Christmas gift for any action-figure-loving kid.
2. Fisher-Price Little People
These chunky, adorable figures brought imaginative play to life. From farmhouses to airports, the Little People fit perfectly in countless settings. Each character had its own unique charm, and they inspired endless adventures, allowing kids to create their own little worlds right in their living rooms.
3. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven was pure magic. With just a lightbulb, you could bake tiny cakes and cookies all on your own! There was something incredibly empowering about being able to make your own snacks, even if they were slightly undercooked and tasted like plastic. Every kid wanted to play chef with this iconic toy.
4. Tinker Toys
Tinker Toys let kids unleash their creativity and engineering skills by building anything their imagination could conjure. Stacking and connecting colorful wooden pieces to create elaborate structures made it the perfect toy for aspiring architects and builders. It was a timeless gift that encouraged hands-on creativity.
5. Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set
For the imaginative kids who loved storytelling and adventure, the Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set was a gateway into fantastical realms. This role-playing game invited kids to create characters, embark on quests, and shape their own narratives. It was a toy that turned friendships into epic sagas and sparked countless hours of creativity.
6. Hot Wheels Super Charger Race Set
If you were into cars, Hot Wheels were your go-to toys. But the Super Charger Race Set took it to the next level. Watching those little cars whip around the track at lightning speed, zooming through the loops and bends, was heart-pounding excitement for any car lover.
7. Stretch Armstrong
This stretchy, squishy action figure was indestructible—or so we thought! Stretch Armstrong could be pulled and twisted in every direction, but no matter what you did to him, he always returned to his original form. It was bizarre, fun, and oddly satisfying.
8. Super Soaker
While technically released in the late 80s, the Super Soaker’s roots trace back to the late 70s as the early concepts for water guns started to evolve. The idea of a high-pressure water blaster revolutionized summer play, making it an essential item on every kid’s wish list. Just imagining the epic water battles on a hot summer day brings back the joy of childhood!
9. Kaleidoscope
The kaleidoscope was a simple yet mesmerizing toy that transformed ordinary light into a colorful display of shapes and patterns. Every twist created new designs that sparked joy and wonder. It was the perfect toy for kids who loved art and creativity, and it reminded us that beauty could be found in the simplest of things.
10. Barbie’s Dream House
For any kid who loved Barbie, the Dream House was the ultimate prize. It was massive, complete with furniture and accessories that made it feel like Barbie was living in true luxury. The elevator was especially cool, and every kid wanted to make Barbie’s life as glamorous as possible.
11. Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head was already a classic by the 70s, but with the updated plastic version, kids could create wackier, more colorful potato characters than ever before. Swapping out noses, ears, and eyes made every creation unique, and it was a guaranteed laugh. Plus, who didn’t love a toy that came with a variety of funny facial features?
12. Tonka Trucks
Tonka Trucks were the tough, rugged toys every kid loved to play with in the dirt. They could haul anything—sand, rocks, or even other toys. Built to last, these heavy-duty trucks were a favorite under the tree for kids who loved to dig, build, and create outdoor adventures.
13. Six Million Dollar Man Action Figure
Lee Majors’ Six Million Dollar Man character was a TV hero, and the action figure let kids reenact his incredible bionic adventures. With a bionic eye you could look through and his superhuman strength, the figure brought the TV show’s futuristic feats to life in a way no other toy could.
15. Pet Rock
Okay, hear me out: it sounds ridiculous, but in the 70s, Pet Rocks were the thing to have. They came in little boxes with air holes, making them feel like real pets (sort of), and each one came with a care guide. It was absurdly simple, but that’s what made it so unforgettable—and it was a top Christmas gift for a brief, hilarious moment.
Christmas in the 70s was all about getting your hands on the latest and greatest toys, and the excitement of finding one of these under the tree was unbeatable. Whether it was action-packed or creative, these toys still hold a special place in our hearts. Even today, just thinking about them brings back the magic of those childhood Christmas mornings.
