10 ’70s Toy Crazes That Kids Today Wouldn’t Understand
The 1970s had toy trends that were once extremely popular, but many of them would seem confusing or outdated to kids today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Toys in the 1970s became popular through television ads, word of mouth, and schoolyard trends. Many of them were unusual in design, made from basic materials, and lacked the technology kids are used to now. These toys reflected the time they came from and are remembered today for how different they were from modern playthings.
1. Pet Rock
Owner of Pet Rock Net on Wikimedia Commons
The Pet Rock was a real rock sold in a small box with air holes and straw bedding. It was marketed as a low-maintenance pet and came with a printed manual explaining how to care for it. The idea started as a joke but quickly turned into a major commercial success. Kids today would likely not see the appeal in paying for a rock.
2. Clackers
Santishek on Wikimedia Commons
Clackers were hard plastic balls connected by a string that kids swung up and down to make them collide. The toy required coordination and made a sharp clicking noise when used correctly. However, the balls could break and send sharp plastic pieces flying. Clackers were eventually taken off the market because of the number of injuries they caused.
3. Stretch Armstrong
Alex Beattie on Wikimedia Commons
Stretch Armstrong was a rubber figure filled with a thick, gel-like material that allowed it to stretch many times its normal size. Children enjoyed pulling its arms and legs as far as possible, often testing how durable the toy really was. It could return to its original shape unless it was punctured or overstretched. The inside material would leak if damaged, making cleanup difficult and sometimes staining surfaces.
4. Easy-Bake Oven
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
The Easy-Bake Oven was a working oven powered by a 100-watt lightbulb and used small pre-packaged mixes to make real desserts. Children could prepare cakes, cookies, and other treats by following simple instructions. It allowed kids to feel independent while preparing food with little or no adult supervision. The product was later redesigned for safety, since the heat and internal parts posed burn risks.
5. Big Wheel
Joe Shlabotnik on Wikimedia Commons
The Big Wheel was a low-riding tricycle made of plastic, with a large front wheel and smaller back wheels. It was designed for preschool-aged children and was known for its stability and ability to spin out on turns. Many kids used them to race or slide on sidewalks and driveways. Unlike today’s motorized ride-ons, the Big Wheel had no electronics or features beyond manual pedaling.
6. Weebles
Chenspec on Wikimedia Commons
Weebles were rounded, egg-shaped figures with weighted bottoms that caused them to wobble but never fall over completely. They came in themed sets, including people and animals, and were made from lightweight plastic. Their design made them safe for young children since they had no sharp edges or removable parts. Though popular in their time, Weebles offered limited interactivity compared to modern toys.
7. Shrinky Dinks
Baltimore County Public Library on Wikimedia Commons
Shrinky Dinks were thin plastic sheets that could be colored, cut into shapes, and then baked in a conventional oven. During baking, the plastic would shrink to a smaller size and harden into a solid piece. Kids used them to make jewelry, keychains, or crafts. The process required adult help because of the high heat needed to complete the shrinking.
8. Lite-Brite
thomas ambridge on Wikimedia Commons
Lite-Brite was a plastic board with a lightbulb inside and black paper templates with holes for colored pegs. Kids would push the small pegs through the holes to create glowing images. The templates featured designs like animals, flowers, or cartoon characters. The toy encouraged creativity but took time and patience to complete a full picture.
9. View-Master
L’Ospite Inatteso on Wikimedia Commons
The View-Master was a handheld slide viewer that used circular reels to display stereoscopic images. Children inserted reels into the device and clicked a lever to see the next image. Topics ranged from nature scenes to cartoon shows and landmarks. It offered a way to view photos in 3D before digital screens were widely available.
10. Simon
Kobbaka on Wikimedia Commons
Simon was a circular electronic game with colored buttons that lit up in a sequence. Players had to repeat the sequence by pressing the buttons in the correct order, with each round becoming more difficult. It tested memory and reflexes and could be played alone or with others. The game had simple sounds and visuals, but it was one of the first electronic memory games sold in stores.