18 Once-Popular Toy Brands That No Longer Exist
These toy brands once ruled store shelves, but time, trends, and tough competition sent them to extinction.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Some toy brands defined everyone’s childhood, only to disappear as tastes changed and companies folded. Whether due to financial troubles, outdated designs, or the rise of digital entertainment, these once-beloved names are now just memories. Here are 18 toy brands that were once everywhere but have since vanished.
1. Tiger Electronics
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, kids carried around Tiger Electronics’ handheld LCD games. These games, featuring simple, single-game screens with limited movement, were an affordable alternative to Game Boys.
2. Galoob
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Galoob made a splash with Micro Machines, tiny cars that came in elaborate playsets. They also produced the iconic Sky Dancers and Game Genie, which are essential for cheating in classic games.
3. Kenner
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Kenner was behind some of the most legendary toys of the ’70s and ’80s, including Star Wars action figures. Their Ghostbusters, Batman, and Strawberry Shortcake toy lines were huge hits.
4. Tyco
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Tyco ruled the remote-control car scene, with its high-speed RC racers thrilling kids everywhere. They also produced the beloved View-Master and Tickle Me Elmo.
5. Marx Toys
Louis Marx & Company on Wikimedia Commons
Once a giant in the toy industry, Marx Toys specialized in classic tin toys, playsets, and action figures. Their western-themed sets and military play kits were wildly popular in the mid-20th century.
6. Ideal Toy Company
Ideal Toy Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
Ideal brought the Rubik’s Cube, Magic 8-Ball, and Teddy Ruxpin. They thrived from the 1930s through the 1980s before being absorbed by other companies.
7. Coleco
Amsterdam New York on Wikimedia Commosn
Coleco started with leather goods but found fame in toys like Cabbage Patch Kids and the ColecoVision gaming console. Despite its success, financial struggles led to its demise in the late ’80s.
8. Remco
Arnauld van Wambeke on Pexelsl
Remco specialized in battery-powered toys, from helicopters to motorized cars. Their monster-themed action figures, including Universal Monsters and Lost in Space toys, were especially popular.
9. Tonka (as an independent brand)
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Known for its nearly indestructible metal trucks, Tonka was a favorite among kids who loved construction play. While the name still exists under Hasbro, the original company is long gone.
10. Zizzle
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Zizzle launched in the 2000s with electronic and interactive toys like iZ and Pirates of the Caribbean playsets. Despite some success, they couldn’t compete with bigger brands and folded after a few short years.
11. LJN
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LJN was best known for making action figures based on movies like Gremlins, Thundercats, and WWF Wrestling. They also had a notoriously bad reputation for publishing poorly made video games.
12. Buddy L
Wikimedia Commons
Buddy L made die-cast metal trucks and cars that were built to last. Their rugged construction made them playground favorites for decades.
13. Knickerbocker Toys
Knickerbocker Toy Co., Inc on Wikimedia Commosn
This brand was known for plush dolls, including the original Raggedy Ann & Andy and Smurfs stuffed toys. Their high-quality craftsmanship made them a favorite in the ’60s and ’70s.
14. Trendmasters
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Trendmasters specialized in toy lines based on blockbuster films like Godzilla, Independence Day, and Lost in Space. Their creative, highly detailed designs stood out in the ’90s.
15. Mego Corporation
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Mego dominated the action figure market in the ’70s with toys featuring superheroes, Planet of the Apes, and Star Trek. However, poor financial decisions and the rise of Kenner’s Star Wars figures led to their downfall.
16. Radica Games
MarcoTangerino on Wikimedia Commons
Radica made electronic games like 20Q, Bass Fishin’, and handheld poker machines. Their simple, addictive gameplay made them great road trip companions.
17. Playmates Toys (as a major player)
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Playmates Toys had massive success in the late ’80s and ’90s with its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures. It also produced toys for Star Trek and Earthworm Jim, but as the market changed, its influence declined.
18. Galoob (Merged Into Hasbro)
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Galoob deserves another mention for its impact on Micro Machines, Star Wars Action Fleet, and Baby Face Dolls. Though it thrived in the ’80s and ’90s, Hasbro acquired it in 1998 and officially retired the brand.