With Christmas right around the corner, folks in Edinburgh will be making their way through their festive shopping list - but it’s not nearly as fun as it was back in the ‘80s.
While the decade may be known for questionable fashion and iconic music, any child of the ‘80s will tell you the toys were the real stand out. Long before iPhones every kid was looking for the hit toy of the year for Christmas, and there were some absolute crackers.
We’re looking back on some of the most iconic ones of the time, check out our list below and see how many were on your Santa list.
READ MORE - 90s pictures show Christmas in Edinburgh before internet shopping and markets
Care Bears
The lovable multi-coloured bears were originally created in 1981 for greeting cards, and soon became plush teddies that were highly sought after by all.
By the mid ‘80s, they had their own television series - with three Care Bear movies released throughout the decade. Each bear was a different colour, with a picture on its stomach that represented its personality.
In 2002, new versions were manufactured with new films released throughout the ‘00s. While the favourite gifts were resurrected, we all know nothing beats the originals.
Rubik’s Cube
Invented in 1974 by a Hungarian architecture professor, the Rubik’s Cube really took off in the UK in the ‘80s.
It quickly became one of the most recognisable toys in pop culture, and while not everyone is able to solve it - everyone had it. As of January 2009, 350 million cubes had been sold worldwide making it the best selling puzzle game of all time.
Smurfs
One of the most popular children's shows of the ‘80s, it's no surprise that the Smurfs figurines were a hit.
The characters first appeared in 1958, the creation of Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford - though it wasn’t until the ‘80s that they made their television debut. Anyone who was a child at the time was looking for a variety of Smurf items, from dolls and figurines to books and collectors items.
Transformers
Another hit show from the ‘80s, the figurines made based on Transformers characters were featured heavily in Christmas back in the day.
These days, you can make a pretty penny from the original figurines - so if you were lucky enough to unwrap one back in the day, keep it handy.
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Walkman
Long before iPhones and Spotify, we all wanted a Walkman to blast Whitney or Cyndi through.
The original portable audio player, the devices were first launched in 1979. They blasted into popularity through the ‘80s, as any fan of Stranger Things will know.
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Released in 1978, the popular board game was a huge hit - and is still on some Santa lists to this day.
With each player battling to ensure their hippo collected the most marbles, the thrilling game was flying off the shelves every Christmas in the ‘80s. The iconic game even had its own tournament back in 2017, seeing fans gather to compete for the Hungry Hungry Hippos winner title.
Etch A Sketch
First released in 1960 the Etch A Sketch board was, and still is, on Santa lists across the world.
The simple toy allows users to doodle using two knobs, which usually saw an older sibling etching out choice words and clearing the screen before any parents got a peek. In 2003, the Etch A Sketch was listed in one of the 100 most memorable toys of the 20th century by the Toy Industry Association - a justified accolade.
My Little Pony
First released in 1981, the colourful ponies were an instant hit - with the original toy line running from 1982 to 1992.
With two animated specials, a film and two television seasons made in the ‘80s, My Little Pony was a must buy for any parent at the time. Through the decade, one hundred and fifty million ponies were sold.
Star Wars Figurines
Between 1977 and 1985, over 100 action figures based on Star Wars characters were released.
From Chewbacca to Princess Leia, children across the world were looking to complete their collections.
Simon
Long before Bop It, Simon was the original mind game where users repeated random sequences of lights using coloured pads.
Launched in 1978, it soon became an iconic feature of ‘80s culture - and still sits in toy stores today. Several different versions have been released over time, though much like many things nothing will beat the original.
Pound Puppy
For the parents who weren’t a fan of real life pets, the Pound Puppy came in handy.
Tonka released the lovable pets in 1984, with their droopy eyes and floppy ears grabbing the attention of kids worldwide. Still in production today, the huggable pups have been a feature on Christmas lists for almost 20 years.
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