Vintage Toys & Games

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

With iconic toy manufacturer Mego returning to toy shelves, we’re faced with the wonderful notion that for the first time in 35 years, children (and many adults) will unwrap Mego toys this Christmas. We thought it would be fun to look at just a few of Mego’s most popular Christmas items from their glory days.

First launched in 1989, Polly Pocket has been rebooted by Mattel. With a new “Tiny is Mighty” tagline, the miniature playsets feature some serious upgrades.

We recommend these ingenious, creative, and obscure items to surprise and thrill the people on your gift list!

For over 50 years, budding physicians have been able to hone their fine motor skills by playing the game of Operation, the “wacky doctors’ game.”

Explore LEGO’s popular Winter Village sets with Graham Hancock, LEGO collector and deputy editor of Blocks magazine.

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

KerPlunk debuted in 1967. There are Despicable Me, Jurassic World, giant, and mini variations.

Released in 1970, the Mini Diesel Mod-Pad Carrier was one of the “tru-smoke” toys from New Jersey-based Remco that emitted “clean, harmless smoke” while it operated.

Anne D. Williams – puzzle historian, collector, published author, and professor – writes about the history and appeal of jigsaw puzzles.

Released in 1965 by Kenner, Jet-Strike Bowling tested the skills of amateur bowlers outside of the bowling alley.

Tony Temple – arcade game historian, collector, and writer – explains why so many classic video games are set in space.

Trouble is a simple “roll-and-move” board game for 2 to 4 players that features the Pop-O-Matic, a small, clear plastic dome housing a single die.

Parker Brothers’ Construct-o-Straws combined multi-coloured drinking straws with red plastic connectors to create an easy-to-use construction set for children of all ages.

The 1964 Johnny Seven toy line of playsets and facsimiles of military equipment from Topper Toys was marketed exclusively to boys.

Released in 1971 by Parker Brothers, Gnip Gnop isn’t one of those games you could play quietly with a friend in the wee hours of the morning while your parents were sleeping – a fact I can attest to from personal experience!

Released in 1969, each tool was a working metal and plastic replica of the electric-powered tools kids might have seen on the workbench at home in the garage or basement.

Introduced by Ideal in 1962, the Tammy doll was the company’s competitive answer to Mattel’s Barbie. The Tammy Tea Set is one of the activity sets that Ideal marketed as part of the Tammy toy line.