Here is a list of the most popular Christmas presents for kids every decade for the last 100 years from yo-yos to Barbie dolls. How many did you receive? It might reveal how old you are.
A lot has changed over the years when it comes to Christmas presents for kids. These days, if your young’un unwraps a yo-yo on the 25th the chances are you’ll have it thrown at you with the screams of: “Where is my Xbox?”
Here is a look back at the last 100 years of the most popular presents of each decade. The list has been compiled by Preston Park Museum. How many did you receive growing up?
1910s — 1930s
Wooden rocking horses, toy trains, dolls, yo-yos and the Acrobat Torsion Toy were top of the list.
1940s
Lego made its grand debut and became the most popular toy of the year. Over 80 years on, Lego is still as popular as ever with children and adults alike.
1950s
Barbie first hit the shelves and was at the top of most little girls’ Christmas lists. Her rival, Sindy followed four years later. Mr Potato head also came out around this time.
1960s
The G.I Joe action figure, play cookers and the Etch a Sketch could also be found under the tree in this decade.
1970s
The first Star Wars film hit screens in 1977 and quickly became a global phenomenon which led to the launch of Star Wars toys. They were all the rage this decade.
1980s
Get ready to be driven mad as this is the decade the Rubik’s cube came out. It was originally called the Magic Cube, although they soon realised there was nothing magical about wasting all of Christmas day trying to make matching sides to no avail. The craze helped this toy top the most wanted list in the 80s. Despite reaching its height of popularity in this decade, it is still widely known and baffling folk today. Other popular toys included Cabbage Patch Kid dolls and Transformers
1990s
The Furby was the ‘must have’ toy of the 90s. The updated Furby was released in 2012 and proved to be just as well-loved as the original. The Nintendo Game Boy was also popular as the technical toy age began but it looked like an antique in comparison to today’s modern version. Spice Girls Dolls, Thunderbirds, Tamagotchis as well as Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles were also firm favourites.
2000s
This is when parents had to start taking extra jobs in December to afford the presents as it was the dawn of the real technology games. This decade saw the Nintendo Wii. Despite a move towards tech presents, classic toys such as the board game Hungry Hippos still remained popular.
2010s
The trend towards technology heightened with Playstations, Xboxes, mobile phones, and the Nintendo switch all being big hits.
Let’s see what the 2020s bring when it’s over.
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