Retro toys and games
Many toys and games from the 60s and 70s are still available today. Retrowow takes a look at some classic toys and games that you may remember from childhood. We look at the best way to buy these today.
Most of these toys and games are cheap to buy in new or original versions. We have found the best bargains on the web for you.
Stylophone
The Stylophone was the electronic keyboard toy from the early 70s. It was promoted by Rolf Harris, whose hit 'Two Little Boys' was the last number one of the sixties and the first number one of the seventies.
You pressed the keys with a stylus, hence the name. There were several versions available in the 70s, including the White Soprano, which was the girls' favourite. There was a deluxe version, the 350S, which had two styluses and some advanced features.
New Stylophone
The new version, left, combines more reliable modern electronics with the original style. It is a bargain price for a piece of nostalgia.
Original Stylophone
Pay £8 to £15 for the original
. Look out for Rolf Harris' picture on the box if you want an original from the
70s.
Twister
Twister dates from the 60s. Possibly the inspiration for the name was the popular dance, the Twist. A large mat is placed on the floor marked with coloured circles. Each player revolves a spinner indicating a colour and right or left foot or hand. They then have to move that foot or hand onto the appropriate coloured circle. You lose if you fall over or let your elbow touch the mat.
You might remember this game from the 70s, but it is still popular with children (and adults!) today. Get the new version of this classic family game on Amazon, right.
Vintage Twister
You can get the original Twister for a few pounds on eBay. Expect to pay no
more than £10. See
Kerplunk
One of my favourites from the 60s and 70s is Kerplunk. It was first marketed by Ideal Games in 1967. You removed cocktail sticks very carefully in an attempt to stop the marbles from dropping down from the top of the container. It sounds unsophisticated, but it is great fun. Kerplunk is the noise they made.
There are no electronics and kids today might find it fun to try something from the past! You can get the new version of Kerplunk on Amazon, left.
Vintage Kerplunk
Shop for
Pay from £5 to £15 for a boxed original version from the 60s.
Space Hopper
The Space Hopper first bounced into living rooms in 1968 and by the 70s it was a popular toy. Many will remember that face, was it meant to be a kangaroo? And, of course, the orange colour.
If you want your kids to bounce into the 70s, go to for the Retro Space Hopper on the left. There is also a Mr Men, Mr Bump Space Hopper available.
For grown ups, the original Space Hopper may be smaller than you remember. The Giant Space Hopper from the Science Museum, right should be more up to the mark. It's 80cm in diameter, 33% bigger than the original. Now you can enjoy the 70s the way you remember. Perfect for adult parties!
Frustration
Frustration is a board game based on Ludo with a pop-o-matic dice and extra twist. You could land on top of the opponents pieces and move them back to the start.
Get the new version of the game from Amazon, left.
Original Frustration game
The original Frustration was marketed by Peter Pan Playthings in the 60s.
These are very cheap on eBay. You should be able to pick one up for around a
fiver. Shop for
60s Shopping Basket
If you're into jigsaws and remember the 60s, this puzzle will bring back some memories.
Some names you will remember are Omo, Dreft, Tide, Lux Flakes, Vesta Curry, Ready Break, Sugar Smacks, Puffed Wheat, Coca Krispies, Brillo Pads and Ski Yogurt.
For more about a typical 60s shopping basket go to 60s shopping
Your comments on retro toys and games
"looking for the name of a building set made from hard cardboard that you slot together to make a car,house etc which had pictures on the outside of the giant pieces and you where able to sit in it or stand it consisted of about 15ish pieces about ? plse help been looking for a year now,could be late 60s but remember it from the 70s" Sam
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