12 Best 80s Toys Available in 2020
Updated 07 October 2020
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
Who remembers the eighties? That hair! Those clothes! And the ever-amazing ‘We Are The World’. The decade of mullets gave us Ghostbusters, ThunderCats, My Little Pony, and the ultimate kid’s adventure movie, The Goonies. We thought it’d be fun to jump into the Delorean and find out which eighties toys are going strong forty years on.
To make our list, we took commendations from nostalgic millennials across the internet, then searched to find which were still available (or have new versions) in 2020. By throwing any fake reviews into the pit of Sarlacc, we think these 12 best ‘80s toys may have you playing with them more than the child you bought it for!
1Nintendo NES Classic Mini EU Console
This Nintendo NES is a miniature version of the classic 1985 version. There are 30 8-bit games included as well as multiple display modes such as the original NES look or an old TV look. It comes with a single controller and is compatible with NES virtual console games for the Wii and Wii U by connecting it to a Wii remote.
What we love
- Comes with numerous games to play
- Easy and fast setup process
What We Don't Like That Much
- Controller cord could be longer
2Transformers Toys Heroic Optimus Prime Action Figure - Timeless Large-Scale Figure, Changes into Toy Truck - Toys for Kids 6 and Up, 11-inch(Amazon Exclusive)
Transformers are some of the 12 best '80s toys available in 2020 that kids of all ages may love. As a Transformer, it's a 2-in-1 toy since this Optimus Prime action figure can turn into its signature blue and red truck in just six steps. It's a wonderful tall size too, as it stands at 11in.
What we love
- Easy for kids to transform back and forth
- Has plenty of cool, intricate details
What We Don't Like That Much
- Might take some frequent playing with in order to loosen it up over time
3Teddy Ruxpin Hug 'N Sing Plush with Sound - Adventure Style Teddy
Teddy Ruxpin is a great travel buddy for kids that sings clips from "Let's Sail Away Today". All a child has to do is squeeze his stomach or give him a hug to get Teddy going. This adorable bear measures out to be 10in. tall.
What we love
- Cute, child-friendly design and colors
- Good volume on the songs
What We Don't Like That Much
- May take a few attempts to find the proper spot on his stomach to press
4My Little Pony Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance 3 Pack - 3" Glitter Unicorn Toys with Wings from The Movie
This My Little Pony pack comes with three ponies. It features sisters Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as well as their friend Princess Cadance. The various-colored, winged ponies all have glitter in various areas such as their hair and wings so they shine under the light.
What we love
- The glitter holds up well to water
- Ponies are a good size and made from durable material
What We Don't Like That Much
- Might have to treat the hair from time to time so it lays properly
5LITE Brite Magic Screen Light Bright Bonus Set
The classic LITE Brite helps develop a child's creativity as well as hone their motor skills since it encourages hand-eye coordination. This comes with a single tablet, an art guide, eight templates, and two storage cases. There are also 314 pegs that kids can use to create any image that comes to mind. With a simple press of a button, they can turn on four different light shows.
What we love
- Well-made storage cases
- Good flexibility so kids can make multiple projects
What We Don't Like That Much
- Window might benefit from being a bit bigger
6Basic Fun Pound Puppies Classic Stuffed Animal Plush Toy - Great Gift for Girls & Boys - 17" - White with Brown Spots
Pound Puppies is one of the 12 best '80s toys available in 2020 that you can get at an affordable price. It takes the classic toy and gives it an upgraded, yet authentic look. They are the same scale, feature the same different color/breed options, and come with an adoption certificate.
What we love
- Fabric material is soft and smooth
- Puppy comes in the retro-styled house
What We Don't Like That Much
- The stuffing could be a bit denser
7Cabbage Patch Kids New 14" Kid Doll - Girl in Kitty Outfit, Multicolor
The much-beloved Cabbage Patch Kids remain a hit to this very day. The doll comes with an official birth certificate and adoption papers that feature their birthday and unique name. For a modern touch, the doll comes with trendy fashion that kids can take off and put back on.
What we love
- Dolls feature the classic baby powder scent
- Easy to change the clothes
What We Don't Like That Much
- Features doll-like hair rather than the traditional yarn-styled hair
8Circle Society Classic Adjustable JoJo Siwa Children's Roller Skates, 12-3 US Girls, Rainbow
Available in sizes 3-7 and 12-3, these JoJo Siwa-designed roller skates feature a retro look and feel. The lace-up skates come in two different color styles, and they feature a durable front brake to support skaters whether beginners or experts.
What we love
- Designed for use outside and indoor rinks
- Simple to adjust the skates to suit kids of different sizes
What We Don't Like That Much
- Have to regularly tighten the wheels
9ILNCLUY Skip Ball for Kids, Foldable Ankle Skip Ball Flashing Jumping Ring Colorful Sports Swing Ball, Fitness Fat Burning Jump Rope Game for Boy and Girl (Pink)
Skip It is an incredible toy that makes fitness fun for kids. It's one of the best '80s toys available in 2020 that gets children up and moving. There's a built-in flash wheel that lights up in multiple colors every time they skip.
What we love
- Foldable design makes it easier to store and transport
- Features padding to protect the ankle
What We Don't Like That Much
- The cord could benefit from being longer
10Masters of the Universe Origins He-Man 5.5-in Action Figure, Battle Figure for Storytelling Play and Display, Gift for 6 to 10-Year-Olds and Adult Collectors
The Masters of the Universe comes with a collectible He-Man action figure. He-Man features his usual weapons and shield as he prepares for battle. Kids can pose him in numerous ways thanks to his 16 working joints. There is even a mini-comic book that comes with it.
What we love
- Great articulation for better posing
- Does well at blending modern design with a retro style
What We Don't Like That Much
- Comic might benefit from having some dialogue
