classic toys

Barbie

A Blast From the Past: Classic Kids Toys Enter the Digital Age

It's hard to imagine that our kids will never know the joy of being the banker in Monopoly or invent their own games to play with Barbie.

It's hard to imagine that our kids will never know the joy of being the banker in Monopoly or invent their own games to play with Barbie. But even the most traditional of children's toys are making the leap into the digital age. According to a study conducted by Common Sense Media, half of all children ages 0 to 8 have access to a new mobile device (like a smartphone, video iPod, or iPad/tablet) — making good old-fashioned playtime a thing of the past. Check out five classic kids favorites that are withstanding the test of time — thanks to some digital enhancements — and vote on which one you'd pick for playtime for your family.

Holiday

Give Tots the Toys You Played With as a Tot!

Give your children the toys you used to tinker around with — the classics.

Give your children the toys you used to tinker around with — the classics. If the items you loved as a child can't be found in your basement, many are still available online. Take this quiz to see how much you know about these time-tested favorites.

Layout

Pop Goes the Weasel! Jack-in-the-Boxes Still Entertain

Clockwise from left: Amazing Baby Musical Jack in the Box ($25), FAO Schwarz Bear Jack-in-the-Box ($20), Tolo Toys Musical Jack in the Box ($15), Curious George Jack-in-the-Box ($20), Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Clown Jack-in-the-Box ($15), Prancing Pony Jack in the Box ($23).
Toys may keep getting high-tech, but the classic jack-in-the-box is an age-old favorite. From the soothing music to the surprise at the end, this simple mechanical toy has been entertaining tots for centuries. Check out some of our favorite modern-day versions below.

Clockwise from left: Amazing Baby Musical Jack in the Box ($25), FAO Schwarz Bear Jack-in-the-Box ($20), Tolo Toys Musical Jack in the Box ($15), Curious George Jack-in-the-Box ($20), Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Clown Jack-in-the-Box ($15), Prancing Pony Jack in the Box ($23).

Baby

Classic Toys For Modern Tots

Sometimes, older is better.
Old Fashioned Toys

Sometimes, older is better. Toys do not have to be powered by batteries, controllers, and electricity to be a lot of fun. In fact, many knickknacks that current moms and dads grew up with required nothing more than a hearty imagination. Take a nostalgic look at some classic playthings that have stood the test of time and would make memorable additions to any modern day toy box.

Toddler

Simple or Swank: Block Wagon

One of my earliest memories is stacking up buildings with wooden blocks.

One of my earliest memories is stacking up buildings with wooden blocks. A cinch to construct and even easier to tear down, they were and still are some of the best entertainment for tots. The only thing that could improve them is a carry–all to store them in.

Simple: For a bargain $8, you can have your blocks and wheel cart, too! IKEA offers the Mula wagon with 24 colorful blocks in tow.
Swank: Add $7 more and you get the Melissa and Doug unit block on wheels with 36 bright blocks.

Which one is the block wagon of your dreams?