Vintage Toys & Games

Released in 1959 by Remco, the Coney Island Penny Machine was a desktop version of the claw machines routinely found in arcades, traveling carnivals, and state fairs.

Released in 1978 by Ideal, Don’t Upset Me is a roll-and-move game with a roulette-style twist.

Released in 1969 from Ideal, the Crissy Doll was a big and bold entry into the fashion doll scene, with the unique (at the time) ability to “grow” hair.

Designed by Marvin Glass & Associates and released by Schaper in 1970, the Moon Blast Off game is set on the moon’s surface, and players race to return their astronauts to Earth.

In 1962, Milton Bradley released Lolli Plop, a brainteaser in lollipop form.

Clancy the Great is of the more peculiar entries in the annals of Ideal Toy Company’s product lines.

Released in 1974 by Marx, Frenzy has all the attributes worthy of its name. Patience, a steady hand, and fast reflexes are paramount to success.

In 1969, Hasbro released Astrolite, a psychedelic building set that combined the creativity of building-toys like LEGO with the eye appeal of Lite Brite.

The appealing mental challenge of the SOMA cube lies in its contradiction: while re-assembling the cube appears to be an easy task, in reality, the undertaking is complex.

As part of its continued expansion of the Nerf product line, Parker Brothers released Nerf Wrist Flyers in 1982.

Released in 1968 by Ideal, the Swack! game teases audiences to “Take the cheese with care…do you dare?”

Released in 1977 from Gabriel, Chutes Away challenged players ages six and up to save the day as the pilot of a Coast Guard land and sea rescue plane.

A year-end top 10 list of the most popular articles on Toy Tales based on readership statistics and engagement through various social media channels.

Tiny marshmallows and gum drops were the house specialty at Transogram’s Kandy Kitchen.

In 1962, Remco released Showboat, a replica river steamship and theater that included four pre-packaged plays with detailed set design.

Released in 1971, Ideal’s Shaker Maker allowed children to create their own toy figures using a special powder called “Magic Mix.”

Our annual Holiday Gift Guide offers gift ideas for the play enthusiasts in your life. Whether it’s a rousing board game or quiet time spent with a puzzle, we share some of our favourite finds from the past year. And, hey, there’s nothing wrong with buying something for yourself. This year has not been easy; you deserve a treat. Permission granted!

Released in 1972 by Mattel, the Barbie Beauty Center combined two childhood favourites: Barbie and dress-up play.