Who Remembers These Baby Boomer Toys?
Many of these classic toys are still being manufactured and can be enjoyed by our children or grandchildren. Maybe there is a child on your Christmas list who would enjoy a retro toy.
Erector Set a building toy.
A classic baby boomer toy for boys.
A.C Gilbert took a train trip to New York City in 1911. Looking out the window, he saw an electrical power line tower being built. He was inspired by the steel beams and created a construction kit for children which included real steel beams with holes that would accept bolts, screws, pulleys and gears. The pieces were very realistic and kids could build skyscrapers, towers and bridges. This was a premier toy for boys for 50 years. Similar to the present day Lego sets, there were yearly upgrades. Erector Motorized Metal Designer Set - 30 Models, 645 Parts
A Baby Boomer Favorite-Still popular today.
Erector Motorized Metal Designer Set - 30 Models, 645 Parts
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
* 30 Models, 645 parts. 3V motor. Flexible parts.
* Power tool included for faster building.
* All batteries and tools are included.
* Detailed color instruction manuals.
* For ages 8+.
Coonskin Cap
Who doesn't remember this baby boomer classic?
All the boys wanted a coonskin cap just like Davy Crockett. This was made popular by the Disney TV show starring Buddy Ebson and Fess Parker who later went on to also play Daniel Boone.My husband at the age of 9 went up on stage at Egelston Square Theater in Boston and sang the Davy Crockett song ("Born on a mountain top in Tennessee...") and was thrilled to win a coonskin cap.
Lionel Trains
Baby Boomer Memories
Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set - O Gauge
Baby Boomers ~ What about a lionel train for around the Christmas tree this year?
Following the locomotive and tender are two lighted coach cars. The observation car features a new rounded observation deck. Silhouettes in the windows depict passengers, and the joyful coach car is where the kids get their fill of hot chocolate and candy. A 40" x 60" oval track completes the set.
Articulated figures with turning heads, movable arms, bendable waists and jointed knees are included. They can be posed and placed on areas of the locomotive, tender and passenger cars.
Lionel Trains Polar Express Train Set - O Gauge
Amazon Price: $273.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
# Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation
# Air whistle in tender
# Operating headlight
# Operating coupler on rear of tender
# Powerful maintenance-free motor
# Two traction tires
# Puffing smoke
# Die-cast metal locomotive body and frame
# Separately applied metal handrails
# All-new pilot and headlight lens shield
Tinker Toys
This Baby Boomer had Tinker Toys, did you?
Charles Pajeau invented tinker toys in his basement in 1914. He introduced them at the American Toy Fair that year but no one was interested. His next marketing ploy was to hire several midgets and have them play with tinker toys in a Chicago department store window. A year later one million sets of tinker toys had been sold. Tinkertoy Classic Jumbo Set
You can still buy this great classic Baby Boomer toy!
Tinkertoy Classic Jumbo Set
Amazon Price: $29.58 (as of 07/11/2009)
* Creative and educational building set comes with 102 pieces so you can build the included designs, or create new designs of your own!
* Includes 48 rods, 20 spools, 8 connector clips, 2 flags, 10 end caps, 6 couplings, 2 tubes, 1 length of string, face plate, 2 robot arms, 2 rail holders and design guide.
* All pieces, except green flags, are made of 100% real wood.
Mr. Potato Head
I liked Mr. Potato Head.
Mr. Potato Head was invented in 1949 and at that time it used real potatoes and other vegetables. It wasn't until 1964 that a plastic potato head was introduced. Mrs. Potato Head made her appearance in 1953.Here is a giant pacific octopus who loves his Mr. Potato Head.
Mr. Potato Head
A boomer toy that is still around and still inexpensive!
Mr. Potato Head
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Editorial Review
He's one goofy-looking potato--but that's never been a barrier to his wide "a-peel"! In this kit, preschoolers are introduced to Mr. Potato Head, the tater extraordinaire. With just 13 pieces, the options may seem limited--but only to adults. And once kids figure out the basics of putting Mr. Potato Head together, they'll want to move on to making extraterrestrial spuds: feet where ears should be, and so on. It's oh so silly! All the pieces store in Mr. Potato Head's body, but young ones will need adult assistance to snap the storage compartment door into place. --Ava Natov
Slinky
I bet just about all of us Boomers had a slinky.
Here is the famous Slinky along with 2 other classic Boomer toys.
The Etch A Sketch was fascinating. Lots of Boomers had an Etch A Sketch.
Slinky Hall of Fame Toy Pack
Amazon Price: $12.15 (as of 07/11/2009)
What if you could have a trio of America's favorite #1 classic toys all in one box? Well, look no further than the new Hall of Fame Toy Pack! This outstanding package contains the world's original metal walking spring toy the Slinky, the world's #1 original Yo-Yo the Duncan Butterfly, and the world's favorite original drawing toy the Etch A Sketch! This trio of classic toys is great for kids, or the kid in you!
Star Trek: The Original Series (Remastered) - Three Season Pack
Boomers remember Star Trek.
Star Trek: The Original Series (Remastered) - Three Season Pack
Amazon Price: $139.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
This is the original Star Trek series but it has been remastered to include special effects that could not have been done in the sixties because we didn't yet have the technology. If you are a Trekkie then you need this set in your collection!
Sixties TV Shows on DVD
More Boomer Favorites
A trip down memory lane with TV shows of the sixties.
How many of these sixties TV shows did you watch?
The Carol Burnett Show: Collector's Edition, Volumes 1-5
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Get Smart - The Complete Series Gift Set
Amazon Price: $111.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Jetsons - The Complete First Season
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Hazel - The Complete First Season
Amazon Price: $17.49 (as of 07/11/2009)
Leave It to Beaver - The Complete First Season
Amazon Price: $30.49 (as of 07/11/2009)
Betsy Wetsy
Lots of Boomer girls had a Betsy Wetsy, including me.
"Mommy" could feed Betsy Wetsy a bottle filled with water and she would wet her diaper. She was made by the Ideal Toy Company. Today she can sell for as much as $725. What Was Your Favorite Boomer Toy?
List your favorite Boomer Toy here.
Tiny Tears Doll
I didn't have one but my sister did and I always w more...0 points
Lincoln Logs
Probably more of a Boomer boy toy but I remember playing with them at a friend's house.
Lincoln Logs were invented by John Lloyd Wright who was the son of the famous architect Frank Lloyed Wright. These were miniature logs, notched on each end to facilitate the building of model log cabins. Lincoln Logs ~ Still Available!
Frontier Logs Building Set in Canister, 114 Pieces
Amazon Price: $19.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
Adults who remember hours of fun building with the classic interlocking building logs construction set and want to introduce it to their own children may be dismayed to find that many such toys are now made of plastic. Never fear, T-N-T International can't quite let go of the past either. They have made this 114-piece Frontier Building set entirely out of quality hardwood. Beautifully cut and finished, it includes all the traditional pieces--long logs, short filler logs, and roof slats. Helpfully, T-N-T has made this set to be compatible with other log sets. --Lisa Whipple
Robot
Retro Mechanical Robot
Lots of Cool Retro Robots
The young Boomer generation was just getting acquainted with Sci-Fi.
Schylling Robot with Wheels
A Cute Retro Robot
Schylling Robot with Wheels
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
* Wind up
* Green, with multicolored side shields
* Side shields spin as he rolls forward
* 6.50" tall
* Collectible tin toy - ages 8 and up
Wooly Willy
Another nostalgic Boomer toy.
I did have one of these and had a lot of fun playing with it. It was a face under plastic and there were iron filings under the plastic too. It included a magnet with which you could move the iron filings around and give Willy a beard or hair. I remember taking Wooly Willy in the car with me. You can still buy Wooly Willy!
Another Boomer classic toy.
Original Wooly Willy Magnetic Drawing Face
Amazon Price: $6.60 (as of 07/11/2009)
Ant Farm
From our Boomer childhood.
I always wanted an ant farm. They looked pretty fascinating to me. I don't think my parents saw the appeal. You can still buy an ant farm today. Now you can get a green gel ant farm with a light. Cool! AntWorks Illuminated with LED Light - Green
Boomers-Your grandkids might like an ant farm.
Fascinations Antworks Illuminated with Green
Amazon Price: $20.48 (as of 07/11/2009)
* Self-contained space-age ant habitat
* Blue LED illuminator base illuminates habitat at night
* View ants up close with magnifying glass and extreme zoom lens
* Low-maintenance design
* Special translucent gel provides complete food and water for ants
* Includes instruction booklet with ant order form
* Ants are shipped directly to your home
Introduce your child to the miniature miracles of nature at work with this illuminated ant habitat.
Troll Doll
How many Boomers had a Troll Doll?
Troll Dolls ~ Still Around
Troll Doll - 5 Inches Tall
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Hula Hoop
Was the hula hoop a toy of your Boomer Childhood?
Who could forget the hula hoop? The hula hoop was brought to market by Wham-O in 1958. It was an instant success. They are making a come back today. Great exercise! Deluxe Hoops - 24'' Diameter
Hula Hoops ~ Still here!
24'' Diameter Deluxe Hoops (1 Dozen)
Amazon Price: $60.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
* a great addition to your everyday workout routine
* can be used for a wide range of functions
* Special outlet purchase.
Play-Doh
I think most of us Boomers remember this one.
When Play-Doh was first invented in 1956 it was an off white color that came in a 1 1/2 pound can. By 1957 it came in red, yellow and blue. The actual formula is a secret but it is thought to contain wheat flour, kerosene and something to inhibit mold growth. It is still around today and of course, comes in many colors. Everybody loves Play-Doh
From the Baby Boomer era to the present, Play-Doh is still going strong!
Play-Doh Retro Canister
Amazon Price: $22.15 (as of 07/11/2009)
Pop open this nostalgic canister and unleash a creativity explosion! Inside is a FUN FACTORY extruder, a Birthday Set, tons of tools and accessories and 20 cans of PLAY-DOH compound for taking your imagination on a shaping, cutting and molding extravaganza! Whopping canister is filled with more 20 cans of PLAY-DOH compound and more than 50 tools and accessories for endless creative molding fun! Included cake ring, 3 shape-making rails, extruder/plunger, cake decoration mold, 2-sided scoop, cake server, candle mold, 2 gift boxes, 2 plates, 2 birthday cards, FUN FACTORY extruder with 3 half molds, 2 extruder rails (10 designs) trimmer knife, activity mat, 15 cutters, 17 two-ounce cans and 3 five-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH compound. Ages 3 and up.
Newbery Award Winners of the Sixties
Boomer Classic books
Books were a big part of my Boomer Childhood. The Newbery Award winners are classics and are still enjoyed today.The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.
1960 Medal Winner: Onion John by Joseph Krumgold
1961 Medal Winner: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
1962 Medal Winner: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
1963 Medal Winner: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
1964 Medal Winner: It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville
1965 Medal Winner: Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska
1966 Medal Winner: I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
1967 Medal Winner: Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt
1968 Medal Winner: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
1969 Medal Winner: The High King by Lloyd Alexander
These timeless classics can be purchased on Amazon
Boomers, share these great books with your grand kids.
Barbie
Probably the premier toy for Baby Boomer girls.
OK, we have to mention Barbie. I wasn't into Barbies when I was a kid. I liked baby dolls better. When I grew up and had a family I had all boys so no Barbies in this generation. There is, however, no denying her enduring popularity. The original Barbie in 1959 cost $3. Ken, Barbie's boyfriend, was introduced in 1961. Barbie Collection
A Vintage, Boomer, Barbie Doll Collection
Chatty Cathy
Unique to the Boomer era
Chatty Cathy was introduced by Mattel in 1960. You would pull a string on her back and she would talk. She might say, "Please brush my hair." Vintage Chatty Cathys can still be found today but most of them no longer talk. The mechanism involves a rubber band and by now most of them have snapped. Check out these other Baby Boomer lenses
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A Baby Boomer Childhood
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A lot has changed since I grew up in rural Iowa in the 50's and 60's when we had no internet and not much TV. Naturally, we found lots of other ways to entertain ourselves. It sure seemed like a simpler, more innocent time. I'll be sharing some of my...
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Do You Remember Oscar's Drive-In?
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Oscar's Drive-In isn't just about the food, it's about the nostalgia. If you were a teen in San Diego in the 50's or 60's you might remember Oscar's Drive-In. In 1941 Foodmaker Co. opened a drive-in restaurant called Topsy's in San Diego. The drive-...
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Colleen Corby, Sixties Super Model
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Colleen Corby was a cultural icon of the sixties, at least in the teen girl crowd. She was on the cover of Seventeen magazine 15 times and also on the covers of American Girl, Teen Magazine, Ingenue, Co-Ed, Glamour, and Mademoiselle. She modeled for...
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Cars of our Baby Boomer Youth
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These are the cars you had or wish you had during your Baby Boomer youth. It seems that every town had a "cruise spot." You know what I'm talking about! In my small little town we cruised the block. Today they have instituted one way streets so I don...
Fizzies
Another icon of boomer childhood.
Not really a toy but they were fun. Fizzies, which were introduced in 1957, were artificially sweetened with cyclamates which were banned in 1968 and Fizzies eventually fizzled. I saw them in a store recently so someone must have brought them back. Read about the history of Daisy Guns
A part of the childhood of lots of Boomer boys.
Daisy Air Rifles & BB Guns The First 100 Years
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Flash back to the days of your youth and recall fond memories of your Daisy. Daisy Air Rifles and BB Guns looks back fondly on the first 100 years of Daisy BB rifles and pistols, toy and cork guns, accessories, packaging, period advertising and literature. Wacky ads and catalogs conjure grins of pure nostalgia as chapters reveal how Daisy used a combination of savvy business sense and quality products to dominate the market
More Boomer Toys
There are so many more of these boomer toys of our childhood that I couldn't possibly cover them all here. For further reading I recommend the following books. They are sure to inspire a nostalgic trip down memory lane.In the mean time remember Easy Bake Ovens, Krazy Ikes, Etch-A-Sketch, Cooties, Match Box Cars, Thumbelina Doll, Daisy Air Rifles, Tiny Tears Doll, Betsy McCall Paper Dolls, Colorforms, GI Joe, Comic Books and all the stuff you could buy out of the back of them and last but not least, the Spud Gun. When you got done playing with the potato for Mr. Potato Head you could use it for your Spud Gun.
Books about Boomer Toys
Boys' Toys of the Fifties and Sixties: Memorable Catalog Pages from the Legendary Sears Christmas Wishbooks 1950-1969
If you were a boy growing up in the Fifties or Sixties, you'll surely remember these wonderful old Sears, Roebuck & Co. Christmas catalog pages from 1950-1969. Organized by year, these full-sized authorized page reprints are jammed with classic toys like G.I. Joe, Lionel trains, Marx playsets, 007 spy gadgetry, Erector sets, slot cars, Roy Rogers and Davy Crockett cowboy toys and more, with their original prices! Thousands of illustrations.
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Girls' Toys of the Fifties and Sixties: Memorable Catalog Pages from the Legendary Sears Christmas Wishbooks 1950-1969
Destined to bring back happy childhood memories. This exciting book includes authorized full-sized page reproductions of the best original catalog pages from the Sears Christmas "Wishbook" pages from 1950-1969. Organized by year, this fun book is packed with such classic toys as Barbie and Ken, the Easy Bake Oven, luxurious Marx dollhouses and kitchen sets, Twister, Mystery Date, Mouse Trap, Chatty Cathy and more, with the original prices too!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
The Toy Train Department: Electric Train Catalog Pages from the Legendary Sears Christmas Wishbooks of the 1950's and 1960's
Electric trains were high on any boy's Christmas list during the Fifties and Sixties and Sears sold the finest. This neat book contains full-sized authorized reproductions of every catalog page of toy trains sold by Sears from 1950 through 1969. Organized by year, the best and rarest are illustrated: Lionel, Marx, American Flyer, Tyco and Revell trains and accessories. in all gauges. Includes all the original selling prices too! "Must Have" for any collector.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Warman's 101 Greatest Baby Boomer Toys
The kids of the 1960s are the collectors of today, and their toys are among the hottest items in the collecting world.
Warman's 101 Greatest Baby Boomer Toys brings the past alive with historic details surrounding the creation and evolution of timeless childhood favorites of the 1950s, '60s and '70s. More than 300+ detailed color photos accompany production history and background about the toy industry the year each toy appeared on store shelves. From Barbie, Mr. Potato Head and Rock' Em Sock'Em Robots to The Beatles Flip Your Wig game, Twister and Hot Wheels, this book offers unparalleled insight to the best Baby Boomer toys.
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 07/11/2009)
As Seen on TV: The Visual Culture of Everyday Life in the 1950s
Historian Marling (Iwo Jima: Monuments and the American Hero) takes us back to those early days of television, when Ike was in the White House and everybody loved Lucy. The author explains TV's tremendous influence: it allowed Mrs. Eisenhower to give the nation the "Mamie Look," and advertised both Disneyland and the big-business "leisure society" created by the 40-hour workweek. Marling also looks into America's love affair with the automobile ("Drive your Chev-ro-lay through the USA," sang Dinah Shore); the importance of Elvis and Betty Crocker; and Cold War politics, featuring Richard Nixon in the kitchen with Nikita Khrushchev. A nostalgic, informative and sometimes funny view of 1950's American culture.
Amazon Price: $23.40 (as of 07/11/2009)
News about Boomers
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What were the favorite toys of your Boomer Childhood?
Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
Nice collection of toys. I also liked Barbie & the Easy Bake Oven!
Posted June 06, 2009
Joan4 wrote...
Oh I so well remember that coonskin cap - I guess the one at our house belonged to our brother! Tinker toys, of course! And now our grandchildren love lincoln logs! Lensrolling to Yo-yos and Hula Hoops!
Posted May 31, 2009
OhMe wrote...
This is such a neat lens idea. I loved it and remember playing with most of them especially Wooly Willy. I had no idea that you could still get him.
Posted May 31, 2009
GreenEcoBean wrote...
Great lens, very interesting...totally before my time tho ;-)
Posted May 17, 2009
mukunda22 wrote...
Very good--Great pictures that make the experience more vivid and real!!
Thank you!!
Posted May 05, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
What a wonderful stroll down memory lane. I love my Chatty Cathy. I still have her even though she no long talks after being given a bath and has lost most of her hair due to using a high wattage light bulb for a hair dryer.
Posted April 22, 2009
Dr_Rozno wrote...
Congratulations! This lens is featured on PR-4 main page of The Coolest Squidoo Group
Posted April 10, 2009
homecarediva wrote...
Tully priceless collection for any baby boomer. I love the Chatty Cathy, thanks for great lens!
Posted April 08, 2009
Pastiche wrote...
We had nearly all these wonderful toys in our house (6 kids, lotsa stuff). I still have some of the Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs and my husband's train set along with a Flexible Flyer and board games. These are classics, for sure. This boomer thanks you for the trip down memory lane. 5*
Posted March 29, 2009
ottoblotto wrote...
My Slinky never went down the stairs like in the commercial. I think it was defective. It was definitely not a case of operator error. :)
Posted March 12, 2009
