Maybe its because my smallest guy is turning three next week, and I’ve been shopping the toy aisle for his present recently, that I find myself reminiscing about the toys that I remember playing with as a kid. Or, with that, maybe its because I saw some old-toys-brought-back while he and I were at Barnes and Noble this morning that jogged my memory. These are toys like the Snoopy Sno Cone Machine and even an Amelia Bedelia book that I remember reading when I was young. This all got me thinking about how super it was to spend my days playing. Just playing. Wake up. Play. Eat. Play. Eat. Play. Eat. Play. Sleep. And the best was playing with my little neighbor friends. I thought it would be fun to share with you my top five most-played-with-toys (with or without the accompaniment of my friends…) between the ages (approximately) of five-and ten-years-old.

Care Bears

I had stuffed animal Care Bears as well as the plastic ones with movable arms and legs. What a concept in a toy, right? You can overcome any bad energy or negative situation with the power of positive thinking…oh, as well as an emblem on your belly that lit up when you were ready to put your positive attitude to work. Pretty cool! Good message!

Strawberry Shortcake

I had every last one of the dolls that were Strawberry’s friends…let’s see, without looking it up (and I pinky swear that I’m not…), here’s the names of them that I remember. Hmm. Well, that’s what I get for pinky swearing to not look it up because I only remember the fruits represented. Anyhow, leave me a comment if you remember and tell me what they are!! My poor grandfather used to come visit from Indiana and I would sleep in my sister’s room so he could use my bed and every morning he would wake up asking why he smelled fruit every night. I had my Strawberry Shortcake dolls all lined up on the shelf above my bed. Potent little dolls, I tell you!

My Little Pony

I’m certainly no square, but come on. I think they should be called My Promiscuous Pony. Quite voluptuous hair, long eye lashes and a design on their hiney?  I know this is a family-friendly site, but I’m just sayin’. 😉

Barbie and the Rockers

When I was looking up images of Barbie, circa 1985 – ish, I came across these guys and immediately remembered how super glamorous they were. I enjoyed them far more than Peaches and Cream Barbie. And, I had all of them in the band – except for Ken – I don’t remember why. But they were so cool! I mean, look at their shiny coats and tall boots. Not to mention their enormous hair and blingy headbands! I feel very strongly that the band Poison (as well as countless others – I’m talking to you Jon Bon Jovi) must have gathered some of their look from Barbie and the Rockers. There’s no shame here! (Please note-I intend every bit of respect to those glam bands of the 80s. I was, and, ahem, still am, a big fan).

Rainbow Bright

Really what I remember about Rainbow, here, was that she was space-aged and had some fun stars for friends. Oh, and her boots and her dress were a dazzling metallic fabric. She was very mesmerizing and aesthetically pleasing.

So, there it is. My top five toys that I played with in my young days. There were so many that came to mind – even board games! Maybe they will make their way into a post one of these days! What did you play with the most when you were a kid?