With three children between the ages of 2 and 8, we've tested a mountain of toys in this house. There are very few that get played with repeatedly. Lego, the toy kitchen and their favourite cuddly toys have been great purchases, played with again and again. Everything else is pretty fleeting.
So, here we are, surrounded by a truckload of plastic piff that hardly ever gets used. I'd chose the more classic toys any day of the week and have been trying to make better choices for birthdays and Christmas. Wooden toys, toys with a retro design, classic brands and characters that have stood the test of time. These are some of our favourites so far.
Monchichi. I remember my Monchichi monkey so well. My parents bought him for me when we were on holiday in Majorca and I loved him so much. I knew Meryn would adore them too so, when I spotted them on Amazon, it didn't take much to twist my arm. He quickly became her favourite toy and goes everywhere with her.
Fisher Price Classics till. This was a huge hit on Ayden's second birthday and all three of my children sat down to play with it. The chunky coins are just the right size for little hands and the mechanics are easy to operate. The coins can either drop into the cash register drawer, or roll down the ramp, depending on which button you press. We play shop with this most days.
Janod Rocket. This little wooden toy was first sold in 1970 and still seems to appeal to parents and their children. As soon as I saw it, I knew Ayden would love one. It's a magnetic stacking toy, so great for developing motor skills and problem solving when they're little. It's really cute to look at and would make a lovely gift for a new baby or first birthday.
Fisher Price Classics pull-along milk truck. Another great toy from the Fisher Price Classics range. Ayden loves to drag things along behind him; toys, sofa cushions, hoover attachments... you name it. Not only is this a fun toy to play with, it looks great too. Definitely one I'm happy to leave out on display.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Ok, so this isn't technically a 'retro' pick, but I love seeing some of my childhood favourites brought back for my children to enjoy. Our collection of turtles are some of the only plastic figures that get played with on a daily basis. Both my boys love them and, with six years age difference, it just goes to show that the classics appeal to all ages.
Anyone else heard a rumour that Rainbow Brite and Jem are making a come back shortly? Is it wrong that I'm ridiculously excited about that!?
Wow, how did you keep these retro toys is such good condition! If Rainbow Brite is coming back, I would be sooooo happy. That was my fave, and I had the wallpaper! #thelist Sabrina xx
ReplyDeleteThey are rereleased versions of the original retro designs. But I wish I did have the original toys :) I would have LOVED Rainbow Brite wallpaper!
DeleteWow what a trip down memory lane! I think I had one of those monkeys and the toy till. The till is a great idea for my daughter's 2nd birthday actually. We have the up to date version of the classic Fisher Price pull along phone but it doesn't really get played with to be honest.
ReplyDelete#TheList
I would definitely recommend the till. We have the phone too. Ayden likes it because he recognises it from Toy Story :)
DeleteI really love this selection - it's Reuben's birthday in August, I may just have to do a bit of vintage haul for him - he'd love all these toys too! Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx
ReplyDeleteThey're a big hit in this house, so I'd definitely recommend :)
DeleteI'm fed up with the mountains of plastic too! Nothing seems to last more than 2 minutes, especially when Ieuan gets his hands on it! I think the challenge is to get retro toys to seem more interesting than 'screen time' when kids are the ages mine are (6 and 7).
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Definitely a challenge! :)
DeleteOMG love this! Talk about nostalgia! I didn't even know that monkey was called Monchichi but i was envious of everyone who had one! Lush! Love all the old fisher price stuff too. Used to love the record player. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved mine so much! Think my parents bought him for me on holiday in Spain. I'd love to get my hands on some of my old toys. Sadly, they're long gone.... :(
DeleteGosh I remember all of these :) does that make me old lol x
ReplyDeleteHaha, me too! x
DeleteAhhh the pull along milk truck!! Love it x
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my faves too :) x
DeleteI was a proper 'girly girl' (still am), so my favourite childhood toy was the Cindy doll, and a dolls house. Ahhh memories x
ReplyDeleteOh I loved my Cindy house! Actually, my dad copied a picture and made me one himself. I still loved it though x
DeleteI love all of these! I also love Rainbow Birte and Jem- that will be amazing! x
ReplyDeleteI know! Really hoping that rumour is true :) x
DeleteSo you've just taken me right down memory lane, I forgot about my Monchichi until now, I think I'm going to have to ask my parents to search their attic now!
ReplyDeleteAw glad to have reminded you of monchichi :) I think all my old toys have bitten the dust :( Hope you find some of yours!x
DeleteI love the rocket! I'm a sucker for wooden toys - there's something cuter about them than all the plastic. I didn't have any of these, but my brother had a few turtles.
ReplyDeleteAlana x
I love the rocket too. It's so well made and a real classic. Although, the turtles are pretty cool too.... :) x
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