Iconic toys for toddlers that have stood the test of time
When my son started toddling, his grandparents were so excited to buy him some ‘big boy’ toys for their garden. When they asked me for suggestions, my mind immediately went to the classic red and yellow car of my childhood (you know the one I am thinking of, right?!).
This then got me thinking about other iconic toys for toddlers enjoyed as much today as they were decades ago. After all, what can be better than sharing the joys of your childhood with your family? Here’s a trip down memory lane with 12 iconic toys for toddlers that have entertained Britain for generations.
1. Cozy Coupe by Little Tikes
The Cozy Coupe toy rolled onto the scene in 1979 like a boss, bringing with it the ultimate toddler street cred. This two-tone classic, with its honking horn and foot-to-floor power is THE must-have item for all playgrounds and gardens. I can’t wait to see my little one zooming around and hearing his growing repertoire of sound effects. For now, though, he seems to derive the most enjoyment from finding unconventional ways to climb in and out!
2. The Chatter Telephone from Fisher-Price
Ring, ring! It’s your childhood calling! The Chatter Telephone is a toy that has given toddlers the chance to play pretend phone calls since 1961. Although the telephone has had a few facelifts over the years (so to speak), Fisher-Price reintroduced this model as part of their ‘Classics’ range in 2017. Is this retro telephone cute or creepy? You decide.
3. Turtle Sandbox from Little Tikes
Designed in 1978, the timeless Turtle Sandbox toy can provide countless hours of outdoor fun for toddlers. Its distinctive design and spacious interior make it a simple and beloved garden staple for sandcastle architects everywhere.
4. DUPLO by LEGO
DUPLO was introduced in 1969 as a larger, toddler-friendly version of LEGO bricks. Now you’ll find this toy in preschool classrooms and households worldwide, fostering creativity and fine motor skills in toddlers through building and imaginative play. This stuff is so durable that my mum still has a box from when I was a child up in the loft. Honestly, it looks as good as new.
5. Little People Playsets by Fisher-Price
The Little People Playsets have been bringing imaginative storytelling to life since the 1968. Their colourful figures and interactive scenery marked a shift towards toys designed specifically for toddlers. As a form of role play, they encourage social interaction and language development. They’re also the perfect size for chubby little hands, and I think the farm set is particularly cute!
6. Whale Teeter Totter by Little Tikes
This portable toy version of the classic see-saw has provided toddlers with a fun and safe way to play both inside and out since the 1980s. Its gentle rock and sturdy construction helps promote balance, coordination and teamwork. The only downsides are that the toy needs two participants. Not to mention, both need to be a similar weight if you want to get the best out of it!
7. Baby Born by Zapf Creation
Baby Born, a thoroughly 90s invention, revolutionised the doll market with its realistic functions, including crying, eating, and nappy-wetting. I remember getting one of these for Christmas and being absolutely thrilled that I’d finally get the chance to put my parenting skills to the test! Spoiler alert: it did not prepare me for actual motherhood whatsoever. But perhaps I could have trained my husband on it!
8. My First Railway by Brio
1958 was made a whole lot cooler by the release of Brio’s My First Railway. Its sturdy wooden tracks and colourful trains turned living room floors everywhere into the most convoluted miniature railroads known to man. This toy provided lots of toddlers (myself and my husband included) their first taste of railway play, building fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and imaginative storytelling.
9. Corn Popper by Fisher-Price
The Corn Popper entered the UK toy market in 1957, delighting toddlers with the flurry of brightly coloured balls that would bounce around inside as they pushed it along. Its introduction signalled a shift towards active play toys. Their focus was on promoting gross motor skills as well as cause and effect understanding. A simple concept that makes for a surprisingly fun and addictive toy – even for adults!
10. Mr. Potato Head by Hasbro
Did you know that Mr. Potato Head was the first toy ever advertised on TV? Bizarrely, the 1952 model didn’t even come with a head! Just a bundle of body parts and accessories attached to pins that could be stuck directly into a real potato (or other fruit/vegetable of choice). Fortunately, the design evolved into a toy that was safe for toddlers, which I came to know and love long before popularity and demand boomed with the first Toy Story film.
11. Wooden Blocks by Melissa & Doug
In 1988, wife and husband team Melissa & Doug gifted toddlers with the joy of free from open-ended play and construction. Since introducing the concept of Wooden Blocks, they have gone on to produce a whole range of gorgeous toys for toddlers prized for their timeless designs, education value, and the company’s commitment to quality and safety.
12. Sylvanian Families by Epoch Co Ltd.
Sylvanian Families, a toy originating from Japan in 1985, captured the hearts of toddlers, parents and educators with miniature animal figures (rabbits, hedgehogs, mice etc) and highly detailed playsets. I particularly loved their emphasis on family life, spending time together in everyday activities, as well as the intricacies of their clothes and accessories. My favourites were the rabbits.
And there you go!
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that the appeal of these iconic toys lies beyond mere simplicity and durability (although these qualities are essential). For me, they’ll never go out of style because of the imaginative worlds they inspired and the fond memories of play that they created. Memories that I carry with me even now, as a parent, and can’t wait to gift to my own child.
Do let me know your thoughts. What would you add to the list?
