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Christmas Gifts Every '80s Kid Wanted

There was no shortage of crazy trends in the 1980s, but it wasn't all just neon colors and shoulder pads--this decade also had some pretty wild toy trends back then too. While news of the next hot thing didn't travel as fast in the '80s as it does today, that didn't stop kids from pestering their parents at Christmas for toys they just "absolutely had to have." 

Kids these days may enjoy their high-tech toys under the Christmas tree, but '80s kids really didn't have things too bad. Electronic toys were becoming more commonplace and advanced during this era, but there were also still plenty of more traditional toys that were making waves during this time too.

Today, we're taking a look at some of the iconic toys that were really hot commodities during Christmastime in the 1980s. And, like the toys of every other decade, there were some seriously strange trends going on during this time. But, strange or not, these were the gizmos and gadgets that made '80s kids lose their ever-loving minds. If you were a kid during the 1980s, did any of these gifts show up under the Christmas tree for you?

Let's get started! 

Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids

The Cabbage Patch Kids prove that you don't need to reinvent the wheel to be wildly successful in the toy market. First introduced in 1978, the Cabbage Patch Kids wouldn't become a worldwide phenomenon until a few years later in the '80s. And that's despite the fact that there's really not much that differentiates them from other dolls! 

The wild popularity of the Cabbage Patch Kids was also responsible for the creation of another hot '80s toy trend--the Garbage Pail Kids. Originally a trading card line, the Garbage Pail Kids parodied the clean-cut, wholesome vibe of the Cabbage Patch Kids with grosser, more crude characters. Despite being an '80s phenomenon, both toy companies are still in business today!

(Image via Amazon)

Atari 2600

Atari 2600

Compared to the technology of today, video game consoles of the 1980s may as well be as old as cave paintings. However, without these early products, the video game industry wouldn't be what it currently is. And one of the most influential and in-demand consoles of the '80s was the Atari 2600. 

While other companies were trying to become the next big thing in the video game world, during the '80s, the Atari 2600 was the clear winner. And, for kids during this time, this was the pinnacle of technology. While Atari is a shell of its former self these days, '80s kids still think fondly about unwrapping the 2600 on Christmas morning. 

(Image via Wikipedia)

Rubik's Cube

Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube is a deceptively simple puzzle that kept '80s kids occupied for hours. If you've never played with one yourself, you have no idea getting all the colored squares to match up was! This toy went worldwide in 1980 and quickly became a must-have for '80s kids who wanted to stay up with the times. 

However, the Rubik's cube wasn't just a hit among kids--a lot of adults got in on the fun, too! To this day, people still gather annually for cube competitions, with contestants solving the puzzle sometimes in a matter of seconds. Over the years there have been several variations created for those wanting a new challenge, including a very intimidating-looking 17x17 cube!

(Image via Wikipedia)

Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin was a bit of a divisive toy for '80s kids. Either you loved the cute, cuddly bear or you were totally creeped out by its animatronics. Despite the creepy factor, Teddy Ruxpin was flying off the shelves and ended up being the best-selling toy in the United States during 1985 and 1986. 

Like a lot of popular toys of this era, Teddy was popular enough to warrant his own spin-off cartoon series, which ran for two seasons and 65 episodes. Whether you were a Teddy Ruxpin fan or secretly thought he might be a possessed doll, there was no escaping this toy phenomenon in the '80s!

(Image via Wikipedia)

Simon

Simon

Simon wasn't your average '80s toy. While it may have been a simple electronic game of memory, it became a cultural touchstone, and it still comes up when you talk about the decade today. Despite being a hot toy, Simon was shockingly expensive. When it launched, it was sold for $25, which would be the equivalent of $99 today. Simon may be fun, but it's not $100 fun! 

Like many other retro toys, Simon wasn't just a product of the '80s. Several variations of the game have been produced over the years, allowing kids from all generations to get in on the fun. However, nothing will ever beat finding an OG Simon under the tree on Christmas morning in the '80s! 

(Image via Wikipedia)