As a domain expert with a keen interest in the history of toys and their cultural impact, I can provide a detailed account of the notable toys that were released in the 1980s, starting with the year 1980. The decade was a golden era for the toy industry, with many iconic toys making their debut and leaving a lasting impression on generations of children and collectors alike.
1980: Rubik's Cube
The Rubik's Cube was a groundbreaking puzzle toy that was invented by the Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik in 1974 and was first exported to the United States in 1980. It quickly became a worldwide sensation, challenging people's problem-solving skills and becoming a symbol of the 1980s. The cube's unique design and the intellectual challenge it presented made it a must-have item for many.
1981: Masters of the Universe
In 1981, Masters of the Universe action figures were introduced by Mattel. This toy line was based on the animated series and comic books of the same name. The figures, featuring the heroic He-Man and his adversary Skeletor, captivated children's imaginations with their colorful designs and compelling storylines.
1982: Glo Worm
The Glo Worm was a popular plush toy that lit up when it was squeezed. This cuddly toy was a favorite among children for its soft texture and the comforting glow it emitted, making it a popular bedtime companion.
1983: Cabbage Patch Kids
The Cabbage Patch Kids dolls were created by Xavier Roberts in 1978 but became a massive hit in the early 1980s. These soft-sculpture dolls, with their unique adoption process and individual birth certificates, were highly sought after and are remembered as one of the most popular toys of the decade.
1984: Transformers
Hasbro's Transformers toy line, which could transform from robots into vehicles and other objects, was launched in 1984. These toys, accompanied by a successful animated series, became a staple of 1980s pop culture and are still beloved by fans today.
1985: Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin was the first animatronic toy, capable of moving its mouth and telling stories from a cassette tape. This interactive toy was a technological marvel at the time and provided a new level of engagement for children.
**1986: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)**
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985 in Japan and 1986 in North America. It revolutionized home gaming and brought titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda into the living rooms of millions, creating a new era of electronic entertainment.
1987: Popples
The Popples were a line of plush toys that could be "popped" into a ball shape for easy storage. Their colorful designs and the fun of transforming them made them a popular toy in the late 1980s.
These are just a few examples of the many toys that were introduced in the 1980s. Each year brought new innovations and characters that captured the hearts and minds of children, creating a legacy that endures to this day.

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10 totally awesome Christmas toys we had to have in the 1980s1980: Rubik's Cube. The brilliant Hungarian puzzle was developed by Ern? Rubik in the mid-1970s and presented at toy fairs at the dawn of the decade. ... 1981: Masters of the Universe. ... 1982: Glo Worm. ... 1983: Cabbage Patch Kids. ... 1984: Transformers. ... 1985: Teddy Ruxpin. ... 1986: Nintendo Entertainment System. ... 1987: Popples.More items...read more >>