Blast From the Past

While today's tots are entertained by a variety of electronic games — many of which fit in the palms of their hands — most of their parents were first introduced to the concept with the simple, four-color memory game, Simon. After first hitting store shelves in 1978, Simon became the must-have toy of that holiday season. As the '80s progressed, the game became even more popular, showing up in feature films such as E.T. and National Lampoon's Vacation.

Though the original version can only be found on eBay these days, Milton Bradley offers smaller, pocket-sized versions of the game and virtually every electronic game manufacturer, like LeapFrog and V-Tech, has its own version as well. While modern games offer a variety of educational benefits and beautiful images, there will always be something magical about the simple, four-colored buttons and unsophisticated sounds that came out of Simon.

I have a friend who loves to tell me about the time she convinced her aunt to buy her the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine, only to have her mom immediately take it back to the store because she had been forbidden to have it. With Spring in the air and the hint of a warm Summer to come, I am always reminded of her story when I see lil ones lining up at the ice cream truck for their rainbow snow cones.

The Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine ($17) is still being made and looks just like the original one from the early '80s (though the plastic is not quite as sturdy this time around). While it does require a lot of work to grind up the ice, the kit comes with favored syrups/mixes and an ice scoop shovel for making authentic icy treats that will have tots lining up on your doorstep on humid days.

When Fisher Price introduced their retro Little People Sets earlier this year, we were inspired. So today we are launching Blast From the Past, a new feature on lil to showcase nostalgic goodies — games, clothing and characters — from our own childhoods that have made a comeback for our kids!

Though there are a number of modern Colorforms kits available on store shelves, this Miss Weather Dress Up Set ($12) brings back memories of the Holly Hobby version of our childhoods. Colorforms were first introduced in 1951 when two art students were looking for a cheap alternative to paint and discovered that a flexible vinyl material stuck to their walls. The kits went on to become wildly popular for their ease of use, ability to be reused and the dexterity they promoted in children. The Miss Weather set combines the popularity of the 80's cult classic Little Miss books with classic Colorforms construction. It can be used as a teaching aid for learning about weather and clothing and makes a great quiet activity for restaurants and car rides.