The 1980s were a brilliant age of toy advancement, bursting with idiosyncratic contrivances, various plastic instantiations, and establishments that became mass-market. Whether you were arranging grand fights in the living room, propelling plastic shots over your room, or collecting stickers like they were gold, the toy box of the ’80s was a treasure chest of unalloyed creative energy. Whereas many symbols like Mills and My Small Steed have stood the test of time, others discreetly blurred into a lack of clarity, buried beneath layers of saccharinity and cleanliness. This composition takes a trip down memory lane, revealing 15 toys from the 1980s that were formerly must-haves but have since slipped from the spotlight. However, chances are you’ll fete these overlooked pets and conceivably feel a string of hankering for Saturday mornings and easier times, if you were a sprat in that dynamic decade.
1. Boglins
If you developed up in the late ’80s, still chances are you had one of these squishy small beasts stowing down beneath your bed, If you developed up in the late’80s. Boglins were resilient, poppet – suchlike creatures planned to see like fiendish, overwhelming brutes. With mobile eyes and mouths controlled by your hand, they were like creepy-cute muppets you feel use to alarm your kin or engage your companions. Made by Mattel and made by extraordinary impacts tradesmen Tim Clarke and Maureen Trotto, Boglins were at first promoted in rustic jalopy- suchlike speeding to contribute to the print, they were dangerous monsters fair captured from the wild. Their speeding indeed included” memoir cards” depicting their individualities and origins from the” Lowland.” In the malignancy of being unimaginably current for many a long time, they in the long run dissolved from toy racks. Their odd plan and ghostly charm made them a hit with kiddies who demanded a commodity a small further odd than the normal exertion figure.
2. Rock Lords
Imagine if your pet shook all of a sudden into a robot legionnaire. That’s principally the conception behind Shake Autocrats, a spin-off from the GoBots toy line. Presented by Tonka in 1986, these toys changed from ordinary-looking jewels into nitty gritty mechanical numbers. Whereas they participated a part in common with Mills, their intriguing gemstone-to-robot conception set them separated. Shake Masters were a part of the stir picture “ GoBots Fight of the Shake Lords, ” and even though they were well-made and had a lovely, cool change instrument, they were regularly transcended by the more well-made and intensively promoted Mills line. Kiddies cherished the oddity at to begin with, but turning jewels into soldiers didn’t veritably capture the long-term vehemence of changing vehicles. In the alignment of their brief life expectancy, Shake Masters have become a specialty collector’s favorite. Their oddball request and association with the GoBots macrocosm make them a nostalgic choice for anybody who recalls combing the play area for the coolest ultramodern changing toy.
3. Barnyard Commandos
What do you get when you arm gourmandizers and lamb with military-grade munitions? Barnyard Battalions. Released by Playmates in 1989, this short-lived toy line featured ranch creatures turned dogfaces in a parody of military action numbers. The numbers were resilient,non-posable, and came with large munitions and gear. They didn’t have a cartoon series in the U.S.( although one was produced overseas), and their quirky nature made them a hit with kiddies who enjoyed a cure of defilement in their toy box. Unfortunately, the line now has gained serious traction and was snappily discontinued. But for those who possessed them, Barnyard Battalions were a ridiculous and indelible part of late-’80s toy culture.
4. Pillow People
Combining consolation and character, Pad individualities were extravagant pads with published-on faces, arms, and legs. Propelled by Springs Businesses in 1986, these cuddly companions came in different plans like Sweet Dreams, Rock-A-Bye Child, and Punky Pad. They were planned to be both an enhancing bed thing and a sleep-time chum. Pad individualities were particularly current among further immature kiddies and became a chief in apartments over America. Their delicate, square shape made them romanticize for embracing or propping up, whereas poring over or observing television. In the long run, as patterns moved toward more intimate or electronic toys, Pad individualities blurred from the racks. Still, they hold a delicate spot in the hearts of multitudinous who developed up with them settled conterminous to their favorite mask.
5. Army Ants
Released by Hasbro in 1987, Prepared Drive Ants were little offensive crawly officers detached into two cinches in bunches, the orange- colored birth Prepared Drive and the blue- multicolored Beta outfitted drive. Each ant came with its own armament and distinctive design — some wore helmets, others carried flamethrowers or bazookas. Their resilient bodies and hard plastic heads made them feel unique compared to traditional army men. Kiddies could carry grand nonentity battles across bedroom bottoms, with dozens of unique characters available for collection. Despite their creativity and the appeal of collectability, Army Ants noway became a major megahit. Without a supporting cartoon or ridiculous, they faded by the end of the decade. moment, they’re remembered fondly for their creativity and weird-cute charm.
6. Keypers
Keypers were part toy, part secret storage. Released by Tonka in 1985, these hard-shelled animals—ranging from snails and swans to turtles and ponies—had hidden compartments kids could lock with a key. Each Keyper came with a matching companion called a Finder and was marketed heavily toward girls. The appeal lay in their dual purpose: fun animal toy on the outside, private treasure keeper on the inside. Kids loved stashing notes, jewelry, or little trinkets inside, and the matching keys added an extra layer of personal ownership. Keypers were supported by a range of accessories and even an animated special. Although they eventually lost popularity, their unique concept and whimsical design have made them a nostalgic gem in the world of ’80s toys.
7. Zbots
Produced by Galoob in the late ’80s and into the early ’90s, Zbots were miniature robotic warriors with unique designs and personalities. These tiny figures were marketed as the heroes of the future, battling evil robots in a high-tech universe. Each figure was no taller than a couple of inches but packed with color and detail. With names like Cutup and Technoid, Zbots came in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Some had wheels, others had swappable parts or transforming features. They were perfect for pocket play and easy to collect. Though they had a strong run into the early ’90s, Zbots eventually got lost in the shuffle of rapidly advancing toy tech and larger franchises. Today, they’re cult favorites and often pop up at vintage toy fairs and online auctions.
8. Koosh Balls
Invented in 1986 by Scott Stillinger, Koosh Balls were soft, rubbery balls made from hundreds of rubber filaments attached to a core. The result was a squishy, colorful ball that was easy to catch, throw, and fidget with. Marketed as both a toy and a stress-reliever, Koosh Balls became a surprise hit. Their simple design made them suitable for all ages, and they quickly became a staple in toy chests and classrooms alike. Koosh Balls even inspired spin-off products, games, and a line of character-themed toys. Though not entirely forgotten, Koosh Balls have mostly disappeared from mainstream toy aisles. However, they’re still fondly remembered and occasionally make nostalgic comebacks in toy stores or retro gift shops.
9. M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures (Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere)
Back in the mid-80s, a bucket of weird, tiny, flesh-colored wrestlers was one of the most coveted things a kid could own. M.U.S.C.L.E. figures—short for Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere—were a wild collection of 2-inch rubbery figurines, each sporting bizarre designs and outlandish poses. Some had multiple arms, others had television sets for heads, and many looked like they came straight out of a comic book fever dream. Imported from Japan’s “Kinnikuman” anime and manga series, these little guys were repackaged for the American market by Mattel around 1985. The storyline, loosely adapted, focused on intergalactic wrestling tournaments where these strange characters competed for glory. Though the figures didn’t have articulation or accessories, their sheer variety (there were over 230 different characters!) and absurd appearance made them extremely collectible. They came in plastic trash can-style containers or multi-packs and were often found at the checkout line—perfect for a quick grab by a begging kid. A lot of kids didn’t even know about the backstory or TV show; they just loved how funky and mysterious these little guys were. Swapping M.U.S.C.L.E. figures with friends during recess became a kind of elementary school currency for a short but intense time.
10. Madballs
In the wacky world of 1980s toys, Madballs stood out as grotesquely charming. These rubbery foam balls were anything but ordinary, featuring exaggerated, monster-like faces with bulging eyes, dripping slime, cracked teeth, and wild expressions. With names like Screamin’ Meemie, Slobulus, and Skull Face, Madballs were equal parts gross and hilarious—perfect for kids who loved weird humor. Released by AmToy in 1985, Madballs quickly carved a niche for themselves in the growing trend of “gross-out” toys. They were soft enough to be tossed around indoors without breaking anything, which made them both a toy and a sort of stress ball. But what set them apart was the unapologetic grotesqueness of their design. At a time when most toys aimed to be cute, heroic, or elegant, Madballs embraced the bizarre. Beyond the basic balls, the franchise expanded to include action figures, comic books, sticker albums, school supplies, and even a short-lived animated series. Their bold style and memorable characters made them a favorite among grade schoolers looking for something rebellious and edgy. Like many fads of the era, the popularity of Madballs eventually fizzled out toward the end of the decade. However, they have experienced multiple revivals since, thanks to nostalgia-driven collectors and retro toy brands. Today, original Madballs are considered prized items by collectors, and their influence can be seen in other quirky, stylized toys that followed.
11. My Pet Monster
In a decade packed with robots, action figures, and cutesy creatures, My Pet Monster stood out as one of the few plush toys marketed specifically to boys. First released in 1986 by American Greetings (through their toy division, AmToy), this cuddly blue beast had wild purple fur, fangs, and bright orange shackles that snapped together, making it look like it had just escaped from a monster jail. The toy’s appeal lay in its perfect blend of scary and soft. Kids loved the idea of having their very own monster pal—one they could take on adventures, sleep with, or pretend to break free from its chains at any moment. The orange shackles even doubled as wearable accessories, so you could wear them yourself and pretend you were part of a monster gang. My Pet Monster was more than just a toy—it had its own animated special and even a short-lived live-action TV show. These helped build a mythos around the character and made it even more appealing to the target audience. It wasn’t just a plush doll—it was a rebellious buddy with personality.
12. Popples
Popples were a bright, bouncy, and brilliantly creative line of plush toys introduced by Mattel in 1986. What made them unique was their ability to “pop” into a ball and back out again, thanks to a built-in pouch on their backs. Kids could easily tuck the Popple’s body inside the pouch, transforming it into a soft ball, then flip it out again into a cuddly creature. It was a toy and a transformation trick all in one. Popples came in various sizes and colors, with names like Pancake, Puffball, and Prize. Their bright fur, floppy ears, and cheerful personalities made them instant favorites. Each one had a distinctive look and sometimes a unique function, like pockets, tails with hidden surprises, or accessories. These toys were especially popular among younger children and were heavily featured in commercials and merchandise. A TV cartoon series helped to boost their popularity, giving each Popple a distinct personality and adding storylines that fueled imaginative play. Despite strong sales during the mid-80s, Popples faded by the early 1990s as other toy trends took over.
13. Battle Beasts
Released by Takara and distributed by Hasbro in 1987, Battle Beasts were small, armored animal warriors with a secret elemental power. Each figure stood about two inches tall and featured a heat-sensitive decal on its chest. When you rubbed it, the emblem would reveal their elemental allegiance: fire, water, or wood. The figures were imaginative and diverse, ranging from lion soldiers and robotic sharks to mutant bats and armored alligators. The backstory involved a planet where anthropomorphic animals fought endless wars, their allegiance determined by their elemental powers. Battle Beasts were compact and collectible, perfect for pocket play. While they didn’t have articulation beyond the arms, their detailed armor and creative designs made them incredibly appealing. Kids could line them up for battles, trade them with friends, or build entire armies based on the elemental system. Despite a strong start and an official tie-in with the Transformers universe in Japan, Battle Beasts never received a cartoon or major media support in the U.S., which limited their long-term success.
14. Wuzzles
Wuzzles were whimsical hybrids—each toy a mashup of two different animals, resulting in some of the most delightfully strange creatures to emerge from the 1980s. Produced by Hasbro and based on a Disney cartoon, these plush toys included characters like Bumblelion (a lion and bumblebee), Eleroo (an elephant and kangaroo), and Butterbear (a butterfly and bear). The Wuzzles TV show, which aired in 1985, helped flesh out the personalities and world these quirky characters lived in. The island of Wuz was a vibrant, pun-filled place where everything was a combination of two things—furniture, food, even landscapes. That creativity carried over into the toy line, where bright colors, soft textures, and fun character names made Wuzzles instantly appealing to kids. Their unusual designs were part of the charm. Each plush had elements from both animals—like wings, tails, stripes, or tusks—and the quality craftsmanship made them as durable as they were huggable. Wuzzles also appeared on lunchboxes, coloring books, puzzles, and even bedding sets, cementing their place in mid-’80s pop culture.
15. Food Fighters
The Food Fighters were one of the weirdest and most wonderful toy lines of the late ’80s. Released by Mattel in 1988, this quirky collection turned everyday food items into military-themed action figures. Imagine a slice of pizza wearing combat boots and wielding a rifle, or a cheeseburger with grenades strapped across its bun. That was the world of Food Fighters. Each figure belonged to one of two factions: the good guys, known as the Kitchen Commandos, and the bad guys, the Refrigerator Rejects. The figures were made from soft, rubbery plastic and had painted-on faces and detailed weapons. Characters had pun-filled names like Major Munch (a donut), Sergeant Scoop (an ice cream cone), and Mean Weener (a hot dog). The absurdity was the entire appeal. Though they didn’t come with a cartoon series, the toy line had a strong identity and plenty of humor. Kids loved the idea of their lunch waging war on the kitchen table. The figures were sturdy and weirdly collectible, even if some parents were confused by their concept. Food Fighters also came with vehicles—like the Fry Chopper and the Combat Carton—which added another layer of playability.
