The 1970s were a time of wildly creative and often strange toys. Although he frequently butted heads with his superiors, Patton’s effectiveness on the battlefield was indisputable. Known for his bold personality, rigid discipline, and fierce commitment to offensive tactics, he became a legendary figure—respected by his troops and feared by his foes. His legacy remains a powerful example of tactical genius, intense personal complexity, and unyielding determination.

1. Pet Rock

In 1975, Gary Dahl introduced the world to the Pet Rock—a joke turned genius. Packaged like a real animal, complete with breathing holes and straw, the Pet Rock required no feeding, no walking, and no clean-up, making it the ideal low-maintenance pet. It came with a humorous training manual filled with commands like “sit” and “stay.” As absurd as it sounds today, the novelty struck a chord, especially during a decade that loved quirky humor. Millions were sold in just months, turning Dahl into a millionaire. But like most novelty fads, it fizzled out just as fast as it began, leaving behind a strange but unforgettable mark on 70s pop culture.

2. Clackers

Clackers, or Ker-Bangers, were deceptively simple: two acrylic balls attached to a string that kids would swing to make them collide and create a loud clacking sound. The thrill came from mastering the rhythm and speed, trying to keep the balls moving in perfect sync without smashing your fingers. However, the toy came under fire when reports surfaced of the balls shattering mid-swing, leading to eye injuries and flying shards. Despite being pulled from shelves, Clackers live on in playground legend as one of the loudest and most dangerous toys of the decade—a product of a time when safety took a backseat to fun.

3. Weebles

Weebles were egg-shaped figures with weighted bottoms that allowed them to wobble endlessly without ever falling over. Their iconic jingle—“Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down!”—was irresistibly catchy, sticking in the minds of kids everywhere. Designed to be virtually indestructible, their rounded shape made them safe for even the youngest children. Entire playsets sprang up around them, complete with houses, vehicles, and towns—all built to wobble along with the toys themselves. While their simple appeal worked wonders in the 70s, as toys became more interactive and tech-focused in later decades, the humble Weeble slowly lost its place on the shelf.

4. Stretch Armstrong

Stretch Armstrong was a muscular action figure filled with a thick, syrupy gel that allowed kids to stretch him up to four feet in any direction. His latex skin snapped back into place when released, creating hours of hands-on fun. Kids competed to see how far they could stretch him without tearing, and some even froze him to test his limits. However, durability became an issue—over time, he’d rupture, leaking a sticky mess. Despite brief comebacks and modern iterations, Stretch Armstrong remains mostly a 70s icon—remembered fondly but replaced by more durable and complex toys.

5. VertiBird

Mattel’s VertiBird was a marvel of engineering for its time. It featured a tethered helicopter that flew in fast circles, hovering and lifting items using a small hook. Kids could guide it through obstacle courses or “rescue” action figures from danger zones. It felt like remote control without the batteries, relying on a clever motorized base. The whirring blades and real flight sensation gave it an edge over other vehicle toys. But as more advanced remote-control technology emerged, VertiBird gradually fell out of favor. Today, it’s a nostalgic collector’s gem, cherished by those who once perfected its precise aerial maneuvers.

6. Pulsar: The Ultimate Man Of Adventure

Pulsar was an action figure unlike any other—a translucent-chested hero who revealed a working heart and internal organs. When kids pressed his back, red liquid would pump through his veins, simulating blood flow. While innovative and anatomically cool, it also creeped out more than a few children. The figure leaned into sci-fi and medical fascination but didn’t offer much play depth beyond its unique visuals. Eventually, the novelty wore off and sales dropped, pushing Pulsar into the background of toy history. Still, his strange design left a mark on kids who liked their heroes a little… squishier.

7. Baby Alive

Baby Alive was marketed as the most lifelike doll of its time. Introduced by Kenner in 1973, she could eat, drink, and soil her diaper—giving little girls (and boys) a taste of real parenthood. She came with food packets, bottles, and diapers, making her an interactive experience rather than just a cuddle companion. But for parents, cleanup was a nightmare. The doll’s mechanical mouth and digestive system often jammed, and leftover food would rot, causing a stink. Despite this, Baby Alive became a top seller and even saw modern reboots, though never quite matching the chaos of the original.

8. Micronauts

Micronauts were 3.75-inch action figures inspired by Japanese designs and built for interconnectivity. Each figure had detachable limbs and accessories that could be combined to create custom vehicles, robots, or even larger characters. The toy line introduced children to modular creativity well before LEGO expanded its empire. But as more advanced remote-control technology emerged, VertiBird gradually fell out of favor. Today, it’s a nostalgic collector’s gem, cherished by those who once perfected its precise aerial maneuvers.

9. The Sunshine Family

The Sunshine Family—complete with a mom, dad, and baby—reflected the countercultural values of the 70s. They were peaceful, crafty, and eco-friendly, often seen sewing clothes or selling handmade goods from their “Craft Store.” Unlike the glamorous Barbies of the time, the Sunshine Family had humble wardrobes and a DIY ethos. Their van came with gardening tools, and their home was a solar-powered paradise. Though charming, their earnestness didn’t connect with every kid, and they lacked the fashion appeal that kept Barbie on top. Still, they remain a curious example of toys echoing social movements.

10. J.J. Armes

J.J. Armes was an action figure based on a real-life detective who lost both hands in an explosion and wore prosthetics equipped with gadgets. The toy featured interchangeable tool hands, like grappling hooks and spy gear. This blend of realism and fantasy made J.J. Armes an inspirational figure, though his limited backstory and niche appeal meant he didn’t catch on widely. Kids enjoyed the novelty but lacked the context to appreciate his origins. His toy line was short-lived, but his story continues to inspire those who remember him as one of the most unique characters of the era.

11. Mr. Bones: The Puzzle Candy Dispenser

Mr. Bones was both a candy dispenser and a plastic skeleton puzzle that came in a coffin-shaped container. Kids had to assemble the glow-in-the-dark bones to complete the figure, and inside were tiny candy pieces shaped like body parts. Part toy, part edible puzzle, it was undeniably weird but undeniably memorable. The combination of creepy and sweet was perfect for 70s Halloween parties or kids with a dark sense of humor. Unfortunately, the novelty wore off fast, and as candy toys became more regulated, Mr. Bones faded away. Still, he’s a nostalgic oddity for those who remember building him bone by bone.

12. Milky The Marvelous Milking Cow

Milky the Marvelous Milking Cow was exactly what her name promised—a plastic cow you could actually milk. Children would fill her with water, pump her tail, and then squeeze her rubber udders to simulate real-life milking. She even came with a plastic bucket and a cheerful barn backdrop. While educational in theory, the whole process was weirdly mechanical and oddly unsettling for some. Still, Milky stood out in a decade full of peculiar playthings, blending farm life with toy-store quirk. She didn’t last long on shelves, but for kids who owned her, she was a marvelously strange companion.

13. Hoppity Hop

The Hoppity Hop was a giant rubber ball with a top handle, designed for kids to sit on and bounce their way across the yard or living room. Simple in concept, chaotic in execution, it quickly became a favorite in the 70s for kids with extra energy and zero fear. The bouncing was wild, unpredictable, and often ended in hilarious wipeouts. Some came with silly cartoon faces printed on them, adding to their weird charm. While fun, they were a nightmare indoors and not the safest on uneven terrain. Still, the Hoppity Hop remains a bouncing symbol of retro playtime chaos.

14. Hugo: Man Of A Thousand Faces

Hugo was a bald, faceless puppet head that came with an array of disguise accessories like scars, fake mustaches, warts, glasses, and wigs. He was marketed as a master of disguise, and kids could create countless creepy personas by mixing and matching pieces. While imaginative, Hugo’s blank stare and lifeless plastic skin made him look more like a horror movie prop than a plaything. For some, he was the ultimate creative toy; for others, nightmare fuel. The toy didn’t last long in stores, but Hugo still haunts the memories of those who dared to peel open that disguise kit.

15. Smash-Up Derby Sets

Kenner’s Smash-Up Derby sets let kids crash toy cars with a thrilling level of destruction. The vehicles were designed to fly apart on impact—doors, hoods, and wheels would pop off in mid-air. It was chaotic, noisy fun that gave kids the adrenaline rush of a real car crash, minus the danger. Parents loved that it didn’t involve screens, and kids loved the drama. However, the toy’s physical nature meant parts got lost or broken easily, and by the 80s, flashier remote-control cars took over. Still, few toys matched the visceral satisfaction of staging your own wreck on the carpet.

16. Musical Jolly Chimp

Musical Jolly Chimp was a battery-operated toy monkey with cymbals in his hands and an unsettling grin on his face. When switched on, he would bang his cymbals together, shake slightly, and emit high-pitched sounds that were somewhere between laughter and screeching. While entertaining for a few minutes, many kids found this Chimp deeply unnerving—his jerky motions and expressionless eyes gave him a place in the uncanny valley. Though intended as a fun novelty, he’s more often remembered today for his unintentional horror vibe. Modern versions exist, but the original 70s Musical Jolly Chimp remains the creepiest.

17. Kenner SSP Vehicles

Kenner’s Super Sonic Power (SSP) vehicles were fast, loud, and incredibly fun. Kids would rev them up by pulling a ripcord through the top, and the cars would take off across the floor with a screeching, high-pitched whir. The more powerful the pull, the louder and farther the vehicle would go. The line included race cars, motorcycles, and even demolition trucks. Kids loved the speed and noise, but as battery-powered RC cars became cheaper and more accessible, SSPs were left in the dust. Today, they’re a collector’s gem—especially for those who remember racing them down the driveway in a cloud of sound.

18. Paddle Ball

Paddle Ball was the kind of toy that looked simple—just a rubber ball attached to a paddle with a string—but it was deceptively tricky. Kids would spend hours trying to master the rhythm, only to end up tangled, frustrated, and determined to try again. It was a common sight in the 70s, sold at dime stores and tucked into party bags. But as video games and electronic toys took center stage in the 80s, Paddle Ball quietly bounced out of popularity. Now, it’s a nostalgic memory from a time when fun didn’t need batteries—just patience, coordination, and a lot of retries.

19. Upsy-Downsy Figures

Upsy Downsy was a colorful, psychedelic toy line created by Mattel in 1970. It featured two types of characters: the Upsys, who lived right side up, and the Downsys, who lived upside down. The toys came with vibrant playsets, vehicles, and whimsical accessories. It was all inspired by a topsy-turvy world that felt like a mash-up of Dr. Seuss and Alice in Wonderland. While imaginative, the concept may have been too abstract for some kids, and it failed to compete with more grounded or action-oriented toys. Today, they’re a collector’s dream and a symbol of 70s creativity gone wonderfully wild.

20. Slime (Original Mattel Version)

Slime hit toy shelves in 1976, packaged in a mini green plastic trash can that hinted at the mess inside. The goo was cool to the touch, stretchy, and satisfyingly gross. Kids loved letting it ooze between their fingers or hiding it around the house to surprise unsuspecting victims. But it wasn’t without issues—Slime stuck to carpet, got into clothes, and sometimes grew mold if left out too long. Parents hated it, but kids couldn’t get enough. Though modern slime is still popular today, the original green gunk from the 70s holds a special, sticky place in toy history.