Beloved Toys From The 1970s That Aren’t Around Today

The 1970s were a golden age for toys, with many iconic playthings that have since faded into nostalgia. While some brands still exist, these beloved ’70s toys are largely forgotten today—though they’d bring back instant memories for Gen Xers and Boomers!

Table of Contents

1. Weebles

Why They Were Cool: Egg-shaped, roly-poly figures with the slogan “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down!”

Gone Today? Mostly. Though re-released briefly, they’re not the pop-culture staple they once were.

2. Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle

Why It Was Cool: A wind-up motorcycle that launched daredevil Evel Knievel (the toy version) over ramps and crashes.
Gone Today? Yes—modern stunt toys are far more high-tech.

3. Creepy Crawlers

Why It Was Cool: A hot-plate toy where kids poured “Goop” into molds to make rubbery bugs. (Burned fingers were part of the fun.)
Gone Today? Revived in safer forms, but the original toxin-filled version is long gone.

4. Fisher-Price Little People (Original Wooden Versions)

Why They Were Cool: Chunky, wooden-headed figures with no limbs—simple but beloved.

Gone Today? Replaced by plastic, more detailed versions in the ’80s.

5. Stretch Armstrong

Why He Was Cool: A stretchy, gel-filled muscleman who could be pulled to absurd lengths.
Gone Today? Had comebacks, but the original ’70s version (with corn syrup filling) is a collector’s item.

6. Clackers (AKA Ker-Bangers)

Why They Were Cool: Two hard acrylic balls on a string that you’d “clack” together.
Gone Today? Banned in the ’70s for being dangerous (they could shatter and cause injuries).

7. Johnny Horizon Environmental Test Kit

Why It Was Cool: A government-sponsored toy where kids tested soil/water pollution. (Yes, really.)

Gone Today? Discontinued—eco-awareness toys now are less… official.

8. Vac-U-Form

Why It Was Cool: A mini plastic-molding machine that let kids create their own toys (with heated plastic sheets).
Gone Today? Too risky for modern kids—required a hot heating element!

9. VertiBird

Why It Was Cool: A helicopter toy on a wire that you could “fly” in circles.
Gone Today? Replaced by drones and RC copters.

10. Baby Alive (Original 1970s Version)

Why She Was Cool: A doll that “ate” and… ahem… “wet” itself (via packets of powder and water).

Gone Today? Still around, but the original was much messier (and creepier).

Why Did These Toys Disappear?

Safety regulations (looking at you, Clackers and Creepy Crawlers).
Tech advancements (drones > VertiBird, video games > manual toys).

Cultural shifts (fewer “dangerous” or chemical-based toys).

Which ones do you remember? Let us know if we missed your favorite! 😊