This graphic holds just a handful of representations of toys that came out and were popular in the 1980's. I had a couple of the toys in this photo growing up. I remember having multiple Cabbage Patch dolls. It was a coveted item to receive for Christmas. I also received one when my brother was born. The Glo Worm was also something that topped many a list. I loved Rainbow Brite! I used to watch the cartoon regularly and played with My Little Pony on a daily basis.
* Cabbage Patch debuted in 1983 and were the most popular toy of the year.
* My Little Pony came out after a year after My Pretty Pony in 1982 and was a very popular toy in the 80s.
* Rainbow Brite was created by Hallmark Cards in 1984. She appeared as an illustration on a card. She had an animated series, books, videos, dolls, toys, etc. all throughout the 80s and then the hype died off.
* Glo Worm came out in 1982 and is made by Hasbro’s Playskool in Rhode Island. These are making a comeback with new technology.
* The Puffalump stuffed toy came out in 1986.
* Speak & Spell is actually from 1978 but was a popular gift in the 1980s.
* NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) came out in 1988
* Gameboy came out in 1989
What I was also finding is that a lot of the toys of the 1970s became really popular in the '80s. For example, the Atari, Lite-Brite, the Pogo Ball (invented in 1969 but was mass-produced in the '80s)- this was one of my favorites growing up and everyone had to have one at recess.