10 retro toys to make you all nostalgic

1st September 2023Rachel.McCarty Share:

Does anyone else look back fondly at the era before tablets and smartphones? Toys and games are often the foundation of some of our most treasured memories from childhood. We’ve put together a list of some classic toys that might just unlock a memory for you, too! So join us in our nostalgia and get ready to gift these retro treats to the next generation.

1. Water game

Kicking off the list is this fun water game. Inspired by arcade ring-toss games, our version is updated for a new generation by looking more like a modern handheld game. Kids will love 'whooshing' the hoops through the water and onto the columns to see how many points they can get!

Coral Reef water game, £4.95

2. Push-along toy

Push-along toys have been accompanying little ones on their first steps for many years. This charming wooden duck features flexible rubbery feet that make a gentle and satisfying slap as the toy is pushed along, guaranteed to get both kids and grown ups giggling.

Wooden push-along duck, £14.95

3. Skydiver toy

Remember these? Drop from a height or throw up into the air and watch as the brave skydiver floats down to a safe landing with his tangle-free parachute.

Traditional skydiver toy, £3.95

4. Slide puzzle

This pocket-sized puzzle is the perfect thing for a quiet moment of concentration. Shifting the squares around to complete the picture is great for fine motor skills and pattern recognition. For an added bit of vintage flavour, this slide puzzle features a selection of classic vehicles from our retro Road Trip design.

Road Trip slide puzzle, £3.95

5. Mini construction kit

Budding builders aged 8+ will love this mini construction kit. The kit includes everything you need to build an aeroplane, including a little spanner and screwdriver! Its small size makes it a great stocking filler or pocket-money gift, especially if you're looking for ways to get the kids away from the screens for an afternoon.

Mini construction kit - aeroplane, £3.95

6. Knitting mushroom

This adorable wooden mushroom is here to help you and the kids learn the art of French knitting! For many of us, French knitting (also sometimes known as spool knitting, or tomboy knitting) was our first introduction to knitting, with no sharp points to worry about. Use your finished yarns to make hanging decorations, brooches, accessories and more. Pinterest is your friend when it comes to looking for inspiration!

Knitting mushroom, £7.95

7. Magic growing tree

Say hello to the magic of crystallisation. If you ever had a crystal-growing kit as a kid, then you'll remember the excitement of constructing the tree, adding the liquid, and then eagerly waiting for the branches and leaves to begin developing. This kit will magically produce a tree over approximately 12 hours - perfect to set up on weekend morning and check on throughout the day.

Magic growing tree, £6.95

8. Fuzzy face magnet game

This classic toy finds its way into top of our Christmas bestseller list every year. Garnering only 5-star reviews, nearly every reviewer mentions the nostalgia this game inspired in them. Enjoyed by adults just as much as the children they are buying for, simply use the attached pen to move the filings around and create dozens of funny faces.

Fuzzy face magnet game, £3.95

9. Kaleidoscope

For some good old-fashioned spellbinding fun, a kaleidoscope makes a perfect filler for party bags and Christmas stockings. A wonderful little optical illusion toy that is as enchanting as it is simple.

Prehistoric Land kaleidoscope, £3.95

10. Pinball

For entertainment on the go, look no further than this mini pinball game! Its dinky size makes it perfect for little hands that are learning motor skills. This Space Age design features retro rockets, perfect for mini astronauts.