These Retro Toys From the ‘80s Are Back, and My Inner Child Can't Handle It
Gen-X and Millennial favorites like Rainbow Brite and Care Bears have returned for a new generation.

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If you’re nostalgic for the days of Saturday morning cartoons and the Care Bears saving the world with their iconic stare, we get it. There's just something comforting about the days when Rainbow Brite existed to bring joy and color back into the universe.
But I have good news for any Gen-Xers and Millennials hoping to reignite their inner child, including sentimental fans, collectors or anyone who wants to share our favorite toys with the next generation. At Toy Fair earlier this year, we spotted several retro toys ready to make a comeback in 2025. So many toys from the '70s, '80s and '90s, like Rainbow Brite, Strawberry Shortcake, Jem and He-Man are finding their way back on shelves, just with a slightly different look than the version you grew up with. I narrowed down the list to my favorite 13 below.

Angel Madison is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, writing for brands like Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Oprah Daily, Men’s Health, and Women's Health. She’s been testing products for several years and is an expert at scouting deals and finding the perfect gifts. Angel covers many topics, but she specializes in plus-size fashion, Lego, trending products, toys, parenting, fitness, home, and tech. She has previously worked in parenting and entertainment and has vast knowledge in the teen, pop culture, and kid spaces.


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