With a thirst for nostalgia creeping on to kids’ lists, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit toys that made us smile in years gone by
WORDS: FIONA FORD. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, THE SUN / THE TIMES / NEWS LICENSING
Real life behind the headlines
Any parent or grandparent knows that the best Christmas gift is watching little ones unwrap their presents, eyes shining with excitement as they realise Father Christmas has brought them that one toy they’ve been desperate for. This year, retailers predict that Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll and La Mieux Cockapoo Puppy will top the lists. But look a little closer and you’ll find some retro choices making the grade, with toys such as Furby, Barbie and Scalextric coming back and expected to find their way on to kids’ letters to Father Christmas. With all the hype around the Barbie movie, it’s no surprise she’s returned to covetable status more than 60 years after she originally hit toy shops. But do the kids of 2023 really want toys from generations ago? We investigate and take a look back at some of the must-haves from Christmases past…
Rubik’s Cube
Tanya Russell, 48, east London
Although I was absolutely rubbish at it, I was obsessed with my colourful cube. Created the year I was born, it felt like a sign. If only. Still, the Rubik’s Cube appears to have twisted its way back into fashion. I can’t see myself beating the record resolution of 3.31 seconds, but the fun it provides is truly timeless.
Fashion Wheel
Mishaal Khan, 41, London
I was a very excited seven-year-old when I received this, and couldn’t wait to get stuck in. Unfortunately, fashion wasn’t something that came naturally, but my little sister, just four at the time, got to show off her sartorial skills from a young age and was (still is!) better at creating cool outfits!
Skip-It
Lianne La Borde, 39, Truro
In the late 1980s, you’d usually find me in my driveway furiously hopping around my Skip-It. Mine was a sparkly ball on the end of a plastic rope looped around my ankle.
I loved it so much that, at 37, I bought myself another one. I was six months pregnant, so couldn’t bend down to put it on, nevermind jump about! I recently fished it out of the garage and I’m still a Skip-It demon. It’s certainly due a come-back!
Teddy Ruxpin
Frances Leate, 41, Colchester
In hindsight, I’m still not sure why a strange-looking bear with a tape player stuffed
