Even with toys, what’s old is new again. Toy Insider Senior Editor Ali Mierzejewski stopped by ABC’s World News Now to talk about nostalgic toys that both kids and their parents will love. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.
TEDDY RUXPIN (WICKED COOL TOYS)
- The iconic, best-selling toy from the 1980s, who remains as one of history’s most successful, trusted and cherished children’s entertainment properties, is making a huge comeback for Fall 2017!
- The new soft and cuddly 14-inch Teddy Ruxpin will have the core features and play patterns that parents and grandparents fondly remember, and will still read stories to children with a motorized mouth.
- However, in this new version, fans of all ages will benefit from Bluetooth technology, LCD eyes with over 40 animated expressions that are synched to the stories, and touch sensors in the hands and vest that allow the child to start, pause and fast-forward through stories and songs.
- Teddy will include three built-in stories with seven additional stories available for purchase through the free app.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
- Replica mini arcade game just like the originals! It’s a blast from the past with this retro-styled mini arcade game! It looks, sounds and plays just like you remember.
- Available in: Qbert Mini Arcade Game, Centipede Mini Arcade Game, Frogger Mini Arcade Game
- Authentic 80’s graphics, sounds and game play! Move Qbert to each cube in the pyramid before he gets squashed by the bad guys! Shoot down the Centipede before it gets you! Move your frogs across the highway and river to safety!
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $17.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
ETCH A SKETCH FREESTYLE (SPIN MASTER)
- The Classic Etch A Sketch has been updated! Now kids can freestyle draw and stamp in color for the first time with Etch A Sketch. Using revolutionary LCD technology, the sleek new design makes it even easier for kids to exercise their creativity, while retaining the classic, beloved shake-to-erase feature.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $19.99 USD
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Target, Amazon, Walmart
Classic Board Games (Winning Moves Games)
- Parents can show kids some of their favorite games from childhood, such as Aggravation, Guess Who, Life and Yahtzee.
- Beloved 1980’s version of the classic mystery face game in Guess Who. There’s a mystery person on your opponent’s card. Can you find the matching face in the crowd?
- In Aggravation, two to six players compete in this classic race around the board from Base to Home. Take shortcuts to zip ahead. Or, try the super shortcut to shoot across the board.
- Good fortune is always around the corner in the 1960s classic, The Game of Life.
- The fabulously famous dice game of Yahtzee, introduced over fifty years ago, continues to delight millions of players! Same styling as the original game with aluminum rimmed dice cup, five dice, scorepad and bonus chips.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $14.50-$38.95
- Available: Amazon, Calendar Club, Toys R Us, Barnes & Noble, and Specialty Toy & Game Stores Nationwide
NICK ’90S 6-INCH VINYL FIGURES (JUST PLAY)
- These vinyl figure sets are perfect for any Nick 90s fan.
- Sets include classic shows like Hey Arnold, Ren & Stimpy, and Rugrats, all detailed with their signature outfits.
- Fans can purchase either collector figure packs for each show that include three-inch figures, or individual vinyl figures of their favorite characters that are six inches and poseable.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $9.99-$12.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
LATCHKITS CRAFT KITS (KAHOOTZ)
- The classic latch hook craft kit is back! LatchKits are a fun and easy-to-learn craft—just loop, hook, and pull!
- Everything you need is included: the handy latch hook tool, pre-cut yarn and color-coded, easy-to-follow canvas make getting started on your project a snap.
- The sturdy canvas features fabric-lined edges and hanging loops to create your very own soft and fuzzy design that’s ready to hang on your wall or use as a mini-rug—it’s a great anytime project!
- Available in Unicorn or Rainbow designs!
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon, specialty retailers
