Vintage Toys & Games

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.

In 1976, well before fictional detective Horatio Caine surveyed a crime scene, donned his “sunglasses of justice”, and delivered an over-the-top one-liner to kick off another episode of CSI Miami, Amsco Toy Co. released their Mobile Crime Lab.

Frame-tray puzzles are aimed at young puzzlers and were often advertised as helping children develop coordination and motor control.

The Toy Tales annual Holiday Gift Guide shines a light on contemporary gifts with a distinctly nostalgic flair. Click the name of each item to learn more, including where to purchase.

It’s up to the residents of Whoville to take back Christmas in the How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Game published by University Games in 1997.

Released in 1982 from Tomy, the Great Gears mechanical puzzle was both challenging and stylish.

Artistry met robotics in Mr. Rembrandt from Ideal. Released in 1970, the battery-operated toy inspired by the Dutch Golden Age painter drew geometric patterns on paper.

Manufactured Hot Potato games have adorned store shelves since the 1950s. In 1966, Ohio Art threw its hat in the ring with the release of Spudsie, the Hot Potato Game.

If you’re looking to let off some steam, the Bop the Beetle game might be the release you need.

The characters from The Addams Family television series joined family game nights in 1965 thanks to Milton Bradley.

The Razz-Ma-Tazz Player Piano was one of Hubley Manufacturing Company’s efforts in the 1960s to diversify into toys made of plastic.

Krazy Ikes was a construction toy consisting of differently shaped and coloured pieces that could cleverly be connected in many ways.

In 1965, Milton Bradley invited players to “enter the dangerous world of James Bond” with the release of the 007 game.

Kids of the 1960s could “try on” space exploration with the Lost in Space Helmet from Remco.

Released in 1968, the Zoom-Loom Automatic Weaving Machine from Kenner allowed children to design & make their own placemats, scarves, pot holders, and more.

In the 1960s, Lakeside Toys released a variety of Electric Drawing Sets to teach children how to draw.

Low-volume manufacturing made the 1964 release of the Thingmaker from Mattel possible.

Go to the Head of the Class was a question-and-answer board game from Milton Bradley that encouraged players to battle for the best seat in the classroom.