80s & 90s Toys You Can Still Find — A Retro Toy Guide
To say I have nostalgia for the 80s and 90s is probably an understatement. I’ve always gravitated toward other decades—from the vintage style of the mid-1940s, to the 1950s housewife vibe, through the 60s and 70s, and then into my own childhood years. Exploring what these different eras had to offer has always inspired me, and holds a special place in my heart (even the decades I didn’t actually live through!).
Now in my 40s, I find myself not just drawn to these times for fun—but actually pulling ideas from them and applying my favorite parts to modern life. Because I don’t know about you, but I am fried from the overstimulation and constant notification culture we live in.
I think a lot of us are slowly stepping away in our own ways. If you’re looking for a deeper post on how to do this, I have a full blog post on living a 90s lifestyle in our modern world.
But if you came here for the fun—scroll down! I’ve collected some links with classic toys and games for you to reminisce about or even purchase for your kids (or yourself)! These are the big nostalgic toys from the 80s and 90s (and earlier) that you can still find today.
From vintage video games (yes, please) to a Big Wheel for your toddler, this ultimate list of retro toys offers something for everyone—whether you’re a collector, a parent, or just feeling nostalgic.
Have a favorite childhood toy? Share it in the comments so we can all get nostalgic together!
A quick note on the age ranges: These are just general recommendations. Many of us probably played Nintendo much younger or enjoyed Play-Doh well into our tween years! Treat these age ranges as flexible guidelines, and use your own judgment when deciding which toys are best for you
Little Kids (Baby Through Late Toddler Years): Classic & Vintage Toys
Little People Barn(vintage find!)
When I saw the vintage one, I got an instant flash of a core memory: hitting that little lever with the hay! You can also get a newer version, but if you're looking for the retro ones, you can find them on Etsy or thrift shops!
Personally, I was way older for the Tickle Me Elmo phase, but younger cousins of mine I remember went nuts for it — and it was just such a huge part of the 90s toy culture, I had to include it!
Playful Penguin Race(vintage find!)
I couldn’t believe I found this. It was for sure one of my favorites when I was a little kid in the 80s! You can also find dupes of this, though I think the original is the best one!
50+ Simple Ways to Bring Back a 90s Childhood
If you’ve been craving a simpler, quieter life lately, I wrote a looonngg list on how you can start to bring back that slower, 80s and 90s lifestyle with your kids, without totally quitting modern life!
School-Aged Kids (5+): A Few Favorite 80s & 90s Toys
So much fun to play with even as an adult! Remember, they even had one hanging up in Joey & Chandler's apartment. You are never too old to play with this with your kids!
Probably one of the favorite toys to pass on to the kids, and to play as a family during the summer! You can check out even more retro summer fun for kids here!
Vintage Pull Back Disney Cars(vintage McDonald's toy find!)
Lisa Frank Stickers + Sticker Books!
I wish I could find my entire sticker collection from a kid. I am sure it is somewhere in my parents’ house! If you lived through this craze, you know you had so many you never, ever used because you didn’t want to waste them! This collection is a perfect one to gift to your daughters!
Other toys you can still get today that have been released, like My Little Pony, Polly Pocket, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures, Beanie Babies…are still fun to add to your kids' retro toy collections, even if they look a little different from your childhood! What others have you found or enjoyed to pass down to your young kids!?
Tweens & Teens (10+): Iconic Nostalgic Toys & Games
Nothing, in my opinion, beats these classic Nintendo games. Check out the FAQs on finding TVs, too! If you can’t get the old systems, you can still get most of the games through Nintendo Switchnow. If you are lucky enough to grab a retro remote made for the Switch, you can really bring back more of that retro gaming vibe with your kids
Girl Talk (game)
Garbage Pail Kids Trading Cards(vintage find!)
These still disgust me, but they were an iconic childhood “toy” that had to be included.
Oh, how I wish I still had my Pog collection! There are just some things that bring SO many memories back that I hate that we got rid of them back in the day….
Favorite Retro Games
Uno
Clue
Operation
Candy Land
Shoots and Ladders
Pizza Party (vintage find!)
I somehow still had this game and most of the pieces to play with kids, it is seriously hard to find now, but if you happen to remember it and get lucky enough to find it in a thrift shop or Etsy, it is a simple and fun game!
Trouble
Connect Four
Dungeons & Dragons
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Scroll the Full Edit on ShopMY
RETRO TOYS FAQs
These are questions I had when searching for toys and games from childhood, and I thought they might be helpful to you, too!
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You can find many classic toys at big retailers, specialty vintage shops, and online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Some brands have even re-released their most iconic toys! If you’re interested in retro gaming, you can often find refurbished Nintendo or PlayStation consoles and games at GameStop and other specialty game stores.
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If you’re searching for a retro TV, specifically a CRT TV, to play your classic video games or watch old VHS movies, your best bet is to check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. CRT TVs (cathode ray tube TVs) are becoming harder to find, but many vintage gaming enthusiasts recommend them for the most authentic 80s and 90s gaming experience. Be sure to search for 'CRT TV' to find listings, and always test the set before buying if possible!
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Most re-released retro toys on the market today are made to current safety standards. However, if you’re buying vintage or used toys, check for potential hazards such as small parts, lead paint, or wear and tear that could make them unsafe for younger children.
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Specialty vintage toy shops, online marketplaces like eBay, and dedicated collector forums (check Facebook!) are great places to find replacement parts for retro toys and games.
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