*There Are Many Modern Toys With Retro Origins. Below, Are A Few I Found! This post was Contributed by Jenna Smith.
Toys have this intrinsic shared value to them because we enjoy passing them down to those younger than us. Many of those classic toys sell for hundreds or thousands on eBay, cashing in on nostalgia. More affordable modern editions have also hit the market, rekindling a desire for these older games. A lot of these toys we think of as new are concepts that have never really left the mainstream.
A little-known secret is that toys are one aspect of what makes parenting fun. For the kid at heart, you might be able to recognize the historical origins in these modern toys.
The Drone
Anyone remember getting a styrofoam or balsa wood model airplane from an ice cream man, candy or convenience store? These humble planes evolved into mechanized model airplanes and eventually into the advanced drones we see today. Capable of far more maneuvering, and demanding a more complex set of hardware to enable this functionality, drones have taken the novel concept of flying toys to the next level. Hi-def cameras, full 3D movement, and image stabilization make products like those by Protocol drone prime examples of how many different variations of commercial drone technology exist on the market.
The drone is a 21st Century flying model aircraft for enthusiasts, with many parts to mod and perfect. Drone racing has become a popular sport, but drones have found use in professional settings, too. Perhaps the biggest example is in the film industry, where drone footage has virtually replaced expensive cranes and helicopters for elaborate shots.
The Retro Gaming Console
Perhaps the iconic millennial toy is the gaming console. Most in their 30s and 40s remember a Nintendo, Sega or Sony console in their house at some point or another, and hardware makers realize that potential. Reproductions of these retro consoles, such as the NES Classic, sell out almost as soon as the order forms go live.
An older generation of gamers fueled by nostalgia has the desire to share these games with the youth. Retro gaming is also a fun throwback, and a way for many to unwind without delving into the complex systems in modern video games.
Lego Bricks
Did the Lego brick ever truly vanish? The company is now seeking to get young girls a lot more involved in the process of building, and consumers will find a lot more licensed Lego sets to choose from, but Lego bricks are still an important toy for today.
Collectors are keeping Lego alive, and have even given rise to a lucrative secondary market of resellers. Depending on which side of the spectrum you’re on, that’s either a good or bad thing.
If you’re interested in recreating your favorite moments from Star Wars, Lego has got you covered.
The Board Game
Clue was so famous they made a movie about. Classic board games have always been a staple in the American family, and the modern board game shares that passion for local play with a digital twist. In fact, the Jackbox Party Pack has basically taken over “You Don’t Know Jack” and turned it into a video game.
The Toy Robot
One of the most iconic examples of retro toys with a modern twist is the toy robot. Originally conceived as little more than a tin boxed figurine, today’s robot is programmable. Using little more than a Raspberry Pi and some body assembly, children and adults can program moving robots that can carry out small tasks.
For anyone who grew up enamored with the light up eyes and metallic droning voice of a toy robot, the future is here and cooler than ever! Do you know of any Modern Toys with Retro Origins?
joretta foster says
legos
Lesley F says
My granddaughter would have a lot of fun with these
Leela says
Gotta love blocks of all kinds.
Cynthia R says
We love all the classic board games- clue, monopoly, life, trouble, sorry, and guess who.
Amy Z. says
Board games are so timeless! It’s fun to think about how some toys have stayed popular throughout the years.
Betty Raymer says
What’s old is new again !
Sarah Oswald says
It’s amazing how some toys never go out of style like Lego which even as an adult can be entertaining.
Janine McNally says
I love the legos – we’ve had legos in our home for 23 years. Awesome!
Lana Simanovicki says
I like the legos
Rija Ranch says
I remember my toys i grow with but i also love my kids’ toys ,now we also can find quality toys depends on brand and price
Dana Matthews says
Enjoyed this post! My first gaming console was an Atari (telling my age). Play Doh is one. It has evolved from just the spongy stuff you rolled around in your hands only to squish it again and start over to all of these amazing contraptions used to make all kinds of things from food items to spaghetti strings!
Maryann D. says
Toys are so different now from when I was a child. My son and nephews do enjoy the legos though!
Jodi Hassel says
I Love all of these
carol clark says
we love legos i mean there every where and boy do they hurt when you step on them och i tell you
Diane J Mania says
Legos have been a part of this house for 15 years!!
donna l holder says
i love the products
Victoria Scott says
I’m kinda excited all the toys I played with as a kid are making a comeback!
Kathy Eyre says
I used to play with those balsa wood airplanes for hours. We would decorate them with markers and paint and fly them till they broke!
tammy smith says
i remember all the toys that i grow with. they were made a lot better than now.
Amanda Iffinger says
The old school phone!
Terri Ingham Bollin says
I love Legos
tammy s says
Legos and little figurines of any kind spark the imagination
Sunnie says
I just bought my baby the old school phone, I saw Fisher Price bringing their old desings back!
christopherlculp says
And We grew up when these came out…….
Jeanne Coulombe says
I would have to say legos and board games
Diane B says
Legos were the best . Saved the many tins for my kids to share with their kids.
Sherri chastain says
I love monopoly
Dwayne Turner says
It is so nice to see these classic toys still having a place in the heart of this new generation of chldren. I remember the old day of the legos and game systems like atari and nintendo.
Darcy L Koch says
I remember so many toys from my childhood days. Toys seemed to be made better back then. I know in Target they do sell a lot of toys from the past, but they don’t seem as well made.
Ina Gribbins says
Nintendo and Super Mario Bros. What else can I say. My kids weren’t the only ones glued to that game!
MaryAnn says
My son loves Legos.
JEN D says
Does a floodle count as a modern toy with retro origins? Began as a blow up ring? Lol…that’s all that I can think of.
Jay Jackson says
Thanks for the post, my nephew would love this.
Christina Graham says
I remember playing Nintendo until my fingers hurt. 🙂
vickie couturier says
my grandkids would love any of these they are huge lego fans
jberry says
The Fisher Price Music Box Record Player was reissued about 7 years ago.
Mia says
We have a collection of board games that my grandkids always enjoy playing when they visit.
Nancy says
Classic toys are hard to beat. They have withstood the test of time for generations.
Marti Tabora says
I love board games and used to always play Clue, but I had totally forgotten about it. My son was a total Lego fanatic.
Michelle J. says
I love that Lego Bricks come in Star Wars sets.
Sarah F says
Great post. Legos are a huge hit in our house.