10 Iconic '80s Toys and Their Present-Day Status

During the 1980s, children faced a growing array of distractions beyond toys, including the rise of cable television and the surge in popularity of home gaming consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis. Yet, despite these technological advancements, kids in the '80s were still drawn to timeless playthings such as plush animals, dolls, and the latest action figure sensations.

We'll also explore the current status of these legendary toys. While many have endured, either in their original form or revamped for modern audiences, a few remain cherished relics of the past, untouched by time.

If you're prepared to take a nostalgic trip back to this vibrant decade, cue up some MTV, slip into your leg warmers and bomber jackets, and join us as we revisit some of the most unforgettable and trendsetting toys of the 1980s.

10: Cabbage Patch Kids

Owning a Cabbage Patch Doll in the early '80s often meant your parents braved chaotic toy store crowds to secure one. These dolls, featuring soft bodies and hard vinyl heads, were the most sought-after item during the 1983 holiday shopping frenzy. They even sparked some of the first-ever toy store brawls. For many, the effort was totally justified, as it allowed them to adopt their very own baby, complete with a mail-order birth certificate naming them as the proud parent. By January 1984, 3 million Cabbage Patch Kids had been sold, delighting countless children [source: Townsend].

Where They Are Now: Babyland General Hospital, a tourist attraction in North Georgia, continues to operate as a "hospital" founded by Cabbage Patch creator Xavier Roberts. The dolls are still being produced and remain culturally relevant, thanks to celebrity lookalike dolls. A fresh line of dolls is set to debut in late 2015.

9: Care Bears

Care Bears Countdown! The choice of Care Bear often revealed a lot about an '80s child. These plush bears featured vibrant designs on their tummies, with names like Love-a-Lot, Tenderheart, and Friend Bear. However, there was always that one child who gravitated toward the moody Grumpy Bear. Thanks to numerous TV specials, a cartoon series, and a 1985 movie, over 40 million Care Bears were sold between 1983 and 1987 [source: Care-Bears.com]. Fans could also explore the Care Bears Cousins, which included characters like Swift Heart Rabbit and Gentle Heart Lamb. And let’s not forget—only authentic Care Bears bore the iconic heart symbol on their backs.

Where They Are Now: While not as dominant as in their heyday, the Bears remain a nostalgic favorite and are still produced as toys. A 2012 CGI series aired on The Hub network, and a Netflix-produced show is expected to debut in 2016.

8: My Little Pony

My Little Ponies drew inspiration from the Care Bears, featuring decorative symbols on their hindquarters to reflect their names and personalities. (Imagine if humans had such obvious indicators!) The initial lineup of ponies included matching combs to maintain their silky synthetic manes and tails. Later releases introduced winged and unicorn variations, along with the beloved first-tooth baby ponies, which had a single tooth prominently displayed on their snouts. Dedicated fans didn’t just collect the ponies but also amassed accessories like the extravagant Pony Paradise Estate, complete with a hot tub, and the oddly shoe-shaped Sweet Shoppe.

Where They Are Now: Few cultural phenomena have garnered as much fascination as the Brony subculture – a group of male fans devoted to Ponies, particularly the 2010s TV series "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic."

7: Rubik's Cube

Introduced in 1980, the notoriously challenging Rubik's Cube sold over 350 million units, meaning nearly every '80s child attempted – and often failed – to solve it at some point [source: Rubiks.com]. If your Rubik's Cube ended up abandoned in a corner, a chaotic jumble of colors, don’t feel bad; even its creator, Enro Rubik, took over a month to solve his own invention. Resourceful kids, however, found their own solutions, such as peeling off and rearranging the stickers or disassembling the cube with a screwdriver to reassemble it perfectly before boasting to friends about their "success."

Where It Is Now: The Rubik's Cube remains an iconic piece of Americana, though it may not be as common on office desks or in dorm rooms as it once was. It has inspired a dedicated community of "cubers" who compete in tournaments, and countless YouTube tutorials provide various methods for solving the puzzle.

6: Snoopy Sno-cone Machine

The Snoopy Sno-cone Machine wasn’t just a fun toy—it was also a clever way for entrepreneurial kids to earn some cash by selling sno cones to their friends! Simply add ice cubes from the freezer to the machine, use the Snoopy plunger to crush the ice, and mix in some powdered juice or syrup for a refreshing treat. While the manual crank made it a labor-intensive process, the reward was a homemade sno-cone or sno-ball. Modern refrigerators with built-in ice crushers may have simplified the process, but the nostalgic charm of the Snoopy Sno-cone Machine endures, and it’s still available for those who want to relive the '80s or introduce a new generation to its quirks.

Where It Is Now: After a hiatus, the Sno-cone Machine is back on the market, retaining its retro design without modern updates. However, a 2013 recall highlighted a potential choking hazard, reminding us that even classics need safety checks.

5: Teddy Ruxpin

Created by a Disney animation engineer, Teddy Ruxpin was a groundbreaking toy in the mid-'80s, capable of talking, blinking, and moving his head. The bear came with cassettes that could be inserted into a player in his back, allowing kids to interact with him. Launched in 1985, over a million units were sold by early 1986, making Teddy Ruxpin a household name [source: Time]. Early versions of the toy included Teddy’s companion, Grubby, who could interact with Teddy via a connecting cable. Grubby also appeared in the Teddy Ruxpin TV series, which aired from 1987 to 1988. Unfortunately, later versions of the toy dropped compatibility with Grubby, leaving him a relic of the past.

Where It Is Now: Teddy Ruxpin has largely faded from popular culture, with no current production of the toy. Its creator, Ken Forsse, passed away in 2014. However, a dedicated online community of enthusiasts continues to share repair tips and keep the legacy alive.

4: Transformers

Like many iconic '80s toys, Transformers spawned an animated series, allowing kids to reenact epic battles between Optimus Prime and Megatron while navigating some of the most convoluted plots in TV history. At one point, the Transformers' home planet, Cybertron, was knocked out of orbit, leading the robots in disguise to Earth [source: Bellomo]. Even if the storyline was confusing, the toys themselves—robots that transformed into vehicles and other objects—were endlessly entertaining and provided a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of Care Bears, My Little Pony, and other popular toys of the era.

Where They Are Now: Transformers remain a cultural force, largely due to the blockbuster film series directed by Michael Bay. While the movie versions are highly detailed and complex, a more straightforward line of toys continues to cater to fans.

3: Pound Puppies

Pound Puppies tugged at kids' emotions with their large, sorrowful eyes that seemed to plead for a home. Buying one or two of these toys allowed children to feel like they were rescuing stray animals—without the responsibilities of adopting a real dog. The packaging even mimicked the carrier boxes used by animal shelters. Launched by Tonka in 1984, the company sold over 47 million of these mixed-breed pups by early 1988 [source: The New York Times]. Beyond the standard line, kids could opt for larger "Super" puppies, smaller "Newborn" puppies, or even a feline counterpart called "Pound Purries."

Where They Are Now: Pound Puppies have appeared in cartoons and movies over the years. Though their production and popularity have fluctuated, they are currently available again in two sizes.

2: He-Man and She-Ra

"By the Power of Grayskull!" Fans of the early '80s "Masters of the Universe" cartoon will recall how He-Man transformed from the unassuming Prince Adam into a powerful hero. The toy featured a snap waist for realistic punching action. In 1985, the introduction of She-Ra and the "Princess of Power" line gave girls their own way to join the adventure and defend Castle Grayskull from Skeletor and his minions. Extra points if you owned a He-Man or She-Ra dress-up kit, complete with a Power Sword or Sword of Protection, which you could raise high while declaring, "I have the power!"—just like your favorite characters.

Where They Are Now: Updated versions of the toys reappeared in the early 2000s, and the Masters of the Universe Classics line pays tribute to the originals. DC Comics now publishes a comic series based on the characters, and as of late 2014, a new feature film was in development.

1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles not only enjoyed their crime-fighting adventures but also got a quirky introduction to Renaissance art, as the turtles were named after famous artists. The pizza-loving quartet appeared in countless variations, from classic ninja outfits to farmer, military, Wild West, and even classic movie monster themes. The toys were complemented by incredible playsets, including the Party Wagon, blimp, and the iconic Technodrome, home to villains Krang and Shredder. There was even a sewer playset—because what child wouldn’t want to imagine playing in a sewer?

Where They Are Now: The Turtles have remained a cultural staple, with video games, comic books, toys, and both CGI and live-action movies keeping them in the spotlight. A third animated series and its accompanying toy line launched on Nickelodeon in 2012.