14 Classic Toys That Still Rock

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Classic toys like jack in the box, etch a sketch, play doh, sock monkeys, cars, or kaleidoscopes send us into bouts of nostalgia, and honestly, some of these toys still can’t be beat after all this time. Your old collectibles and your favorite playsets might be the perfect gift for your little one.
More: 12 Awesome Toys Made in The USA
If you’re stumped for gift ideas and you're wondering what the best toys are, forget about all the new toys on the market. Instead, put some tunes on your retro record player and consider one of these classic toys.
Our Top Picks
- Best for Creative Play: Playskool Mr. Potato Head at Amazon
- Best for Outdoor Play: Radio Flyer Classic Retro Red Dual Deck Tricycle at Amazon
- Best for Math and Early Learning: Elefun and Friends Barrel of Monkeys Game at Amazon
- Most Classic Toy Ever: Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Blocks at Amazon
- Best Building Toy: LINCOLN LOGS –100th Anniversary Tin at Amazon
- A Good Choice for Toy Cars: MATCHBOX GIFT PACK Assortment at Amazon
- A Toy to Get You Moving on a Rainy Day: Winning Moves Games Classic Twister at Amazon
- Best Toy for a Car Trip: PlayMonster Magnetic Personalities - Original Wooly Willy at Amazon
- Best for Whole Family Fun: Simon Electronic Memory Game at Amazon
- A Good Choice for Your Little Tinkerer: K'NEX TINKERTOY - Classic Building Tin - 100 Parts at Amazon
- A Game to Learn About the Human Body: Classic Operation Game at Amazon
- Best Choice for the Art Lover: Spirograph Original Deluxe Art Set at Amazon
- Best Play Farm: Fisher-Price Little People Caring for Animals Farm at Amazon
- Best Drawing Toy: Etch A Sketch, Classic Red Drawing Retro Toy with Magic Screen at Amazon
For a new spin on Mr. Potato Head, check out the Mr Potato Head Goes Green Toy.
For a modern alternative, check out this balance bike.
For a toy that does actually stay linked, try YUYUSO 100 Piece Plastic C-Clips Hooks Chain Links.
Create even more possibilities for building with PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set.
Take building up a notch today with LUKAT Gears Building Toys for Kids.
Today’s car lover can also drive their own car with oh-so-popular ride-on toys like this one.
A new and super fun game mixes the two award-winning classics, Twister and Scrabble, making the Mashups Twister Scrabble Game.
For a new female version, check out PlayMonster Magnetic Personalities - Hair-Do Harriet.
For an updated version that’s even more fun and even more educational, try Flashing Cube Brain & Memory Game for Kids – 4-in-1 Electronic Handheld Games for Kids.
Kids who loved to tinker back in the day will love to code today. Try this coding toy for a more modern update.
Also try Educational Board Game - Scabs and Guts - The Medical Fact Based Board Game.
Also try: Jar Melo Marbling Painting Kit.
If you do want something more modern but still beautiful, consider this dollhouse.