Skip to Content

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.

By
retro toys rainbow brite, care bears, jem, my buddy, teletubbies, he man
Product Shot Image

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

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.

1

Care Bears Cheer Bear Sparkle

Cheer Bear Sparkle

Did your original Care Bears have glittery fabrics? Nope. But this newer one has a sparkly rainbow and playful wink at a cuddly, 9-inch size that makes Cheer Bear even more adorable. And don't worry, she's still sporting her signature heart on her foot. Ages 4+

2

My Buddy Classic Plush Doll

Classic Plush Doll

If you don't think too hard about the fact that My Buddy was the basis for the Chucky in the Child's Play horror films, this doll is a cutie. At 18 inches, this is the same height as a typical American Girl doll, but with a soft and cuddly body. Ages 3+

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

The Loyal Subjects Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite

The Toy Association named this nostalgic cutie the doll of the year, and we're glad to see the vibrant gal getting her due. This 12-inch posable doll has a classic soft feel and yarn hair. And if you love all of Rainbow's colorful friends, you're in luck: The Loyal Subjects has a host of '80s finds right now, including Rainbow Brite 40th anniversary collectible dolls. Ages 3+

4

Jem & The Holograms Classic 12" Fashion Doll

Classic 12" Fashion Doll

Before there was Hannah Montana, there was Jem. Music manager Jerrica worked hard during the day but used a magical pair of earrings to transform into the truly outrageous pop star, Jem, for performances. This doll comes with a display stand that plays her hit theme song, plus outfits for both Jem and Jerrica. Ages 3+

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Transformers Optimus Prime Action Figure

Optimus Prime Action Figure

Optiums Prime, the classic transforming mechanism that you know and love, would look great displayed on a desk. It's an 11-inch size, and it folds from standing robot mode into incognito tractor trailer mode in less than a minute. At the time of writing, this toy was the #2 Most Gifted on Amazon. Ages 6+

6

Kidrobot Garfield Window Clinger

Garfield Window Clinger

You could hardly drive a block without seeing a Garfield cling hanging in a car window in the '80s. The craze is past its peak, but you could bring back that cool cat energy and hang this mellow 8-inch version of Garfield in your own vehicle via the four sticky suction cups on his paws. Ages 8+

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

The Loyal Subjects Strawberry Shortcake Mystery Blind Bag

Strawberry Shortcake Mystery Blind Bag

The blind bag fun of today has been combined with these classic characters. Open a bag and you'll find a bag charm featuring a Strawberry Shortcake character (and yes, they are scented, just like you remember). You could get lucky and open a glow-in-the-dark option or maybe even the Peculiar Purple Pieman of Porcupine Peak. Ages 3+

8

Koosh Slingshot

Slingshot

If you were excited to rush home after school to watch Rosie O'Donnell's '90s talk show and see her fling Koosh balls at the audience, then this slingshot is for you. Safely grab the back of the stretchy sling and fling the soft balls at your target. It comes with three mini-Koosh balls to get you started. Ages 6+

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

The Smurfs 6-Figure Multipack

6-Figure Multipack

This six-pack of toys comes with 2- and 3-inch figures that have moveable arms and legs. The ability to bend is vast improvement over the rigid small toys from the '80s. This comes with four famed Smurfs, along with the dastardly Gargamel and his cat Azrael. Ages 4+

10

Tamagotchi Nano x Star Wars

On Sale
Nano x Star Wars

It's really hard to keep track of how many Tamagotchis died during school hours back in the day, but here's your second chance to keep this simple toy alive. This Star Wars version comes with the egg-shaped toy that fits on a keyring, five games to play and a Darth Vader silicone case to keep it protected. Ages 8+

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Carmen Sandiego Classic Fashion Doll

Classic Fashion Doll

Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Right here. The globetrotting thief is featured with her red coat and signature hat. This 12-inch doll also comes with a stand that plays the catchy theme song. Ages 3+

12

Teletubbies 4-Pack Collector's Set

 4-Pack Collector's Set

For many younger millennials, there was an overwhelming obsession with the charming BBC show Teletubbies. Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po have been reproduced as collectible 2.5-inch minifigures with a soft, flocked feel. No age recommendation given

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

MEGA 'Masters of The Universe' Castle Grayskull

On Sale
'Masters of The Universe' Castle Grayskull

Mega Bloks have been around since the mid-'80s, so it makes sense that they've partnered with one of the most iconic shows of that decade, Masters of the Universe. If you've ever shouted the phrase, "By the power of Grayskull," this 3,508-piece buildable set is for you. It also includes six posable micro action figures. Ages 13+

Headshot of Angel Madison
Angel Madison
Commerce Editor

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. 

Watch Next 
preview for Good Housekeeping US Section: Life
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below