The childhood treasures that made growing up in the ’60s unforgettable
If you were lucky enough to grow up in the 1960s, you know it was a one-of-a-kind era for childhood. The toys, the tech (or lack of it), and the simple joys of life before smartphones made growing up feel like magic. Some items weren’t just things; they were unforgettable pieces of youth. Whether you had them or begged your parents for them, here are 16 items every ’60s kid will remember with a smile. Ready for a walk down memory lane?
1. Etch A Sketch
Before there were tablets and touchscreens, there was the Etch A Sketch. With two knobs and a gray screen, this red-framed device turned every kid into an accidental artist. The joy of twisting and turning to draw squiggly shapes only to shake it clean and start all over again was unmatched. It sparked creativity and frustration in equal measure. Introduced in 1960, it became an instant classic and is still being made today. It even made it into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998.
2. Chatty Cathy Doll
Chatty Cathy was more than just a doll; she was a childhood companion. Released by Mattel in 1960, this talking doll had a pull-string that played back pre-recorded phrases. Her voice, sweet and soothing, was the soundtrack of many little girls’ playrooms. She became one of the most popular dolls of the decade, second only to Barbie. For a generation raised without AI, this was the height of interactive tech. Research says, Chatty Cathy was introduced with the voice of June Foray, a legendary voice actress.
3. Creepy Crawlers
The name alone says it all. Creepy Crawlers was a do-it-yourself toy set that let kids make their own rubber bugs using heated metal molds and “Plasti-Goop” — yes, hot metal and chemicals were perfectly fine playthings back then. Launched in 1964 by Mattel, it gave ’60s kids the thrill of cooking up their own terrifying toys. According to Toy Tales, the company announced its cancellation in 2019 as the new version of the product, never advanced beyond the testing phase.
4. Easy-Bake Oven
Tiny cakes baked under a light bulb. It doesn’t get more charmingly ’60s than that. The Easy-Bake Oven debuted in 1963 and quickly became a must-have for aspiring mini chefs. Its clever design used a simple 100-watt bulb to cook up cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. It was one of the first toys to bring adult-like activities into a child’s world and made every kid feel like a pro in the kitchen. Over 30 million units have been sold since its release.
5. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Before video game battles, there was the satisfying “pop” of a robot’s head shooting up after a good jab. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots was introduced by Marx Toys in 1964 and quickly became a sensation. Kids used simple joysticks to control two robot boxers, aiming to knock each other’s heads up. It brought arcade-style fun to the living room, along with plenty of sibling rivalries. This plastic clash of titans is still around and still just as fun.
6. Spirograph
Few toys blended art and geometry as beautifully as the Spirograph. Invented in 1965, this drawing tool used interlocking gears and colorful pens to create hypnotic, swirling patterns. It wasn’t just mesmerizing, it was educational. Kids could spend hours perfecting their technique, completely unaware they were brushing up on symmetry and math. It became a favorite not just for the fun, but for the sense of accomplishment it delivered when you nailed a perfect spiral.
7. G.I. Joe Action Figure
Launched in 1964, G.I. Joe wasn’t just a toy, he was a cultural shift. Dubbed the “action figure” to avoid the stigma of boys playing with dolls, Joe came fully equipped for military missions, from desert battles to underwater expeditions. With movable joints and detailed accessories, he set a new standard for boys’ toys. He also laid the groundwork for action figures of all kinds, becoming a household name for decades.
8. View-Master
Slide in a reel, click the lever, and boom, a 3D world came to life. The View-Master was more than just a toy. It was a ticket to adventure. Whether it was cartoons, national parks, or space exploration, those colorful discs offered an immersive experience in a pre-digital world. Popular throughout the ’60s, it helped kids learn about the world from their bedroom, one click at a time. It was educational, entertaining, and surprisingly high-tech for the time.
9. Lincoln Logs
Simple wooden logs may not sound thrilling today, but for ’60s kids, Lincoln Logs were the gateway to hours of imaginative construction. Invented by John Lloyd Wright (yes, the son of that Wright), these notched logs let kids build frontier cabins and forts with ease. Unlike modern plastic sets, Lincoln Logs had a rugged, earthy charm. They helped kids learn spatial reasoning while feeding their pioneer fantasies, all without a screen in sight.
10. Hula Hoop
It might seem silly now, but the Hula Hoop was a full-blown craze in the late ’50s and ’60s. Kids everywhere twisted, spun, and shimmied their way to playground fame. Originally sold by Wham-O in 1958, the trend continued well into the ’60s, with schools even incorporating it into gym class. It wasn’t just a toy. It was a workout. And mastering it felt like winning a medal at the kid Olympics. Simple, portable, and endlessly fun.
11. Tonka Trucks
Made from heavy steel and built to last, Tonka Trucks were the ultimate outdoor toy for rough-and-tumble play. Whether hauling dirt, rocks, or imaginary cargo, these durable vehicles encouraged active, hands-on fun. Kids would often pass them down through siblings, and they rarely broke. First introduced in the late 1940s, Tonka trucks became a staple of the ’60s backyard experience, representing a time when toys were tougher than the kids playing with them.
12. Colorforms
Colorforms were a quiet revolution in creative play. These reusable vinyl stickers let kids dress up cartoon characters or design scenes on slick backgrounds. Launched in the early ’50s but thriving through the ’60s, they offered a screen-free way to explore storytelling and design. Whether arranging Snoopy’s doghouse or placing superheroes in action scenes, kids were in control of the story. They were portable, affordable, and perfect for quiet time or long car rides.
13. Play-Doh
Squishy, colorful, and strangely satisfying, Play-Doh became a creative staple for kids in the ’60s. Originally developed as wallpaper cleaner, it found new life as a modeling compound when it was rebranded for children in the mid-1950s. By the ’60s, it was everywhere, in classrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Kids sculpted everything from food to monsters, enjoying the tactile joy of squishing and shaping without worrying about mess. It was imagination in a can.
14. Magic 8 Ball
Need advice on the playground? The Magic 8 Ball had your back. This fortune-telling toy was equal parts mysterious and hilarious. Shake it, ask a yes-or-no question, and wait for its floating answer to appear in the window. It became popular in the late ’50s and hit its stride in the ’60s, making it a must-have for sleepovers and giggles. It wasn’t exactly accurate, but it was the most magical source of wisdom a kid could own.
15. Slinky
The Slinky was pure physics and pure fun. Introduced in the late ’40s and beloved through the ’60s, this springy toy walked downstairs, flipped across tables, and fascinated anyone watching it move. Simple yet mesmerizing, the Slinky didn’t need batteries or screens, just gravity and a bit of a push. It symbolized the charm of mid-century toys, creative, mechanical, and endlessly entertaining. Every kid had one, even if it eventually got tangled beyond repair.
16. Barbie
She wasn’t just a doll. She was a phenomenon. Barbie debuted in 1959 and by the ’60s, she was a cultural icon. With endless outfits, careers, and accessories, Barbie showed kids they could be anything. Whether you were brushing her hair or driving her in a pink convertible, Barbie play was full of imagination and aspiration. She was glamorous, independent, and endlessly versatile, reflecting both the era’s fashion and its shifting ideas about what girls could dream of.
Did any of these bring back sweet memories from your childhood? Share this list with a friend who grew up in the ’60s and tell us in the comments, which of these did you never let out of your sight? We’d love to hear your favorite!
