It’s the day after Christmas and all your gifts from Santa have been unwrapped. But there are only a select few that receive the most attention on this day. You ask yourself which are you going to bring to school when you return from winter break, for all your friends to see? 

And then, maybe a month or two later, you start paying attention to the toys you’ve put aside for when the luster of the mainstream toys wear away. 

These are the exceptional toys that no matter how many times you put away and take back out, they’re still fun and regain their luster time and time again. The nostalgia is tremendous with these ones. Whether it was actually a “fan favorite,” or it was only gifted to you because it was the kitschy toy of the year. It’s fun nonetheless to go back and remember the joy these toys continue to bring year after year.

Mr. Money (aka Robie the Robot) Piggy Bank

In an era of AI and lifelike robotics, it’s wild to think that at one point in time it was a big deal to have a robot in your home. And thanks to Radio Shack, some did! I sort of remember having a robot piggy bank (I only remember playing with it once at my grandma’s house so maybe it was hers). But I don’t remember it looking anything like Robie the Robot. It did in fact take coins you placed in its hand and dropped it into its mouth. A robot piggy bank! Quite the novel idea. This robot came about in the early 80s and had kids “saving money” probably better than any basic ceramic pig was set out to do.

Was there really any benefit to this toy? Other than it just eating your spare change, not really. But leave it to Radio Shack to blow our minds with technology. Looking back at it today, a novelty gift to receive at Christmas for sure. But who knew we’d be so close to being able to purchase our very own robot housekeeper?

View-Master

Now, here is a toy that has survived multiple decades and going strong. The View-Master was introduced in the late 1930s and started as a slide-projector style viewing portal. Who uses a slide-projector anymore?! But seriously, this toy was so magical as a kid. You could view any story or presentation from start to finish, just with a handful of lever clicks. As a kid I can only really remember one reel and I think it was The Great Muppet Caper (or something The Muppets related). This was a hot item come Christmas time and never seemed to lose its luster.

Every generation can enjoy viewing slides through a View-Master. These are definitely exceptional toys, but watch out. VR goggles seem to be taking the lead in this arena. We may someday see this product become obsolete.

Shrinky Dinks

Shrinky Dinks. The toys with a funny name. But an even funnier DIY project for the kids. This craft was no joke.

I remember receiving a Disney characters Shrinky Dink project one year, but I vaguely remember actually having to cut them out!! (Pretty sure my dad did the cutting) I do believe it however. And what was the true purpose of this craft? Not sure what ended up happening to mine other than they just sat on the kitchen counter for a few weeks.

The Shrinky Dink was invented in the early 70s. Back then, simply a novelty. Nowadays though it seems like folks have found purpose. Making keychains and jewelry! With this knowledge, I would do this project all over again. But I would keep it in the novelty category unless you’ve got a business going for these sorts of things.

Slot Cars

The first slot cars came about in the early 1900s but gained popularity in the 1930s when it became a bit of a mainstream hobby. You simply race your car on an electric track by pulling a trigger on a remote control. Wild.

Now, I didn’t actually have a slot car racing track. But my neighbor did! And boy, did we play the heck out of that thing. I learned pretty quick you shouldn’t go full throttle straight away or your car flies off the track. And I can still hear the whizzing sound of the cars zooming round and round. This hobby doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. You can still find indoor tracks to race at, as well as finding these toys on the store shelves. Marking the slot cars: exceptional toys!

Magic 8 Ball

The Notorious Magic 8 Ball was invented in 1946 and doesn’t seem to quit. I remember the popularity of this toy coming back around for my friends and me in the mid-90s. (Along with door beads, flower power, and smiley faces believe it or not!)

The idea that this little plastic ball was going to guide you through life, love, friendship, blah blah blah. Kids did it though! I know my girlfriends and I did. What another novel idea but an absolute blast of a gift. Nowadays, we can just ask Grok, but it really isn’t as fun as vigorously shaking a Magic 8 Ball.

These are only a select few of the many toys of Christmases past. Every Christmas is a blessing and will always be cherished. It’s been fun looking back at some of the exceptional toys from my childhood. Do you have any to share from your childhood that you remember? Let us know in the comments! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.