These toys are a blast from the past! Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by NBC in Dallas to show off some great retro toys that kids will love as much as their parents did a generation ago. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.
TEDDY RUXPIN (WICKED COOL TOYS)
- Parents and grandparents will remember everyone’s favorite storytelling bear from the 1980s.
- Introducing the new 14-inch Teddy Ruxpin animatronic bear. He’s totally lovable, and brings magic and friendship to storytime with oodles of interactive technologies and features.
- Teddy Ruxpin enjoys telling tales and singing songs with friends, making him the perfect companion for both little ones who love hearing stories, as well as older children just starting out on their reading journey.
- He has colored LCD eyes with more than 40 different animations, and an animatronic mouth that syncs to Teddy’s speech.
- Touch sensors allow kids to control the story and songs.
- Teddy features three original pre-loaded stories, including seven sing-along songs.
- There are two Modes of Play: with or without the free Teddy Ruxpin app (app is secondary). View the digital books to read along with Teddy using the storytime app, or kids can enjoy listening to TR’s stories without the app, anytime anywhere.
- Ages: 2+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
Ultimate Voltron 14″ Electronic Figure (Playmates)
- With Ultimate Voltron, kids can battle the evil Galra forces with a highly detailed and feature-packed version of Voltron!
- Ultimate Voltron features include: over 20 phrases and sounds, face and chest light up, “laser” projectile, incredible detail and articulation, and of course Voltron’s sword!
- Green Lion can fire “laser” projectile.
- 26 points of articulation.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $39.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart
- Replica mini arcade game, just like the originals! It’s a blast from the past with this retro-styled mini arcade game! It looks, sounds and plays just like you remember with authentic 80’s graphics, sounds, and game play.
- Available in: Qbert Mini Arcade Game, Centipede Mini Arcade Game, Frogger Mini Arcade Game
- Move Qbert to each cube in the pyramid before he gets squashed by the bad guys in Qbert Mini Arcade Game.
- Shoot down the Centipede before it gets you in Centipede Mini Arcade Game.
- Move your frogs across the highway and river to safety in Frogger Mini Arcade Game.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $17.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart
LATCHKITS CRAFT KITS (KAHOOTZ)
- The classic latch hook craft kit is back as LatchKits are a fun and easy-to-learn craft—just loop, hook, and pull.
- Everything kids need is included: the handy latch hook tool, pre-cut yarn and color-coded, easy-to-follow canvas make getting started on a project a snap.
- The sturdy canvas features fabric-lined edges and hanging loops to create soft and fuzzy design that’s ready to hang on the wall or use as a mini-rug.
- Available in Unicorn or Rainbow designs.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon
DISNEY CHARACTER PUPPETS (FOLKMANIS)
- These full body hand puppets come to life when you animate mouth and hands through the access point in the back. Find pockets in the gloves to wave, clap, and blow kisses.
- The Mickey puppet is the essence of all things Disney, with his iconic red shorts, yellow-gold shoes, and white gloves.
- The Minnie puppet is adorned in her classic vintage style, with polka-dot skirt over bloomers, over-sized high heeled pumps, white gloves, and flower in hat.
- Also available are Donald, Pluto, and Goofy.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $73.99
- Available: Amazon
- Don’t let the balls fall and go kerplunk! Play the giant sized version of this family favorite. Pick a colored stick and give it a soft tug. With steady nerves, a little skill, and a bit of luck, you can keep a lot of balls from going Kerplunk.
- For 2 to 4 players.
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
