Christmas Toy Guide

From Christmas Past to Christmas Present

Vintage illustration of Santa Claus smoking a pipeVintage illustration of a decorated Christmas tree with toys and presents

1970s Christmas Toys

Christmas morning in the 1970s brought a mix of old-fashioned fun and some exciting new electronics. Simon flashed colored lights, Speak & Spell talked back, and electronic football games made their way into kids' hands. There were Big Wheels to ride, Nerf Balls to toss around the house, and Stretch Armstrong to pull in every direction. Even the Pet Rock managed to become a Christmas sensation. Remember any of these under your tree?

8 toys

Big Wheel illustration

Big Wheel

1970s · Outdoor

Get down low, start pedaling and spin it around! The Big Wheel turned the driveway into a…

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Pet Rock illustration

Pet Rock

1970s · Games

No feeding, no walks, no mess. The Pet Rock was the joke gift everybody wanted for Chris…

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Simon illustration

Simon

1970s · Electronic

Watch the lights, listen to the tones and repeat the pattern. How long can you keep up wi…

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Speak & Spell illustration

Speak & Spell

1970s · Electronic

Listen to the word, type the spelling and let the computer tell you how you did. In 1978,…

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Stretch Armstrong illustration

Stretch Armstrong

1970s · Dolls & Figures

Pull his arms, stretch his legs and watch him slowly shrink back into shape. Just don't …

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UNO illustration

UNO

1970s · Games

Match the color or number and empty your hand. One card left? You'd better yell "UNO" b…

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