The changing culture of the 1960s brought a lot of new products to the market. While it was a decade of change in many ways, one we don’t think about often is the way toys and games changed. Below are some of the biggest hits with 1960s kids.
New Spin on Action Figures and Dolls
Many of the most popular toys in the 1960s were molded plastic figures like army men. Baby dolls continued to be popular, and of course, Barbie and her accessories had quite the following. This was also a time when toy makers were focused on adding more realism to their toys with facial expressions and movable limbs.
Speaking of Spin, Wheels Were Big for Kids in The 1960s
Die-cast cars were popular, but you knew you were really cool if you got an electric racing car. Beyond toy cars, Skateboards rose in popularity in 1965. While skateboard sales went up, so did skateboard injuries leading the California Medical Association to call them a“medical menace.”
Batman Toys Took Over in ’66
Today, everyone is used to product tie-ins for pretty much everything. in the 1960s, however, the popularity of the Batman series led to a huge influx of toys, games, costumes, and lunchboxes cementing the bond between TV and toys forever.
Family Game Night Was a Great Time in the ’60s.
The 1960s popularized games like Stratego, Candy Land, Operation, Aggravation, Shenanigans, and of course, Twister. Before video games and smartphones, these games really brought people together in an incredible way.
What’s your favorite game or toy from the 1960s? Let us know in the comments. Want to see all the stuff we didn’t have time to mention? check out the comprehensive list here. Also, if you want more from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, take a look at all the goodies on our blog.
