So much in the world has changed since the time we were kids. The internet was born, smartphones became a thing, fashion is different (thankfully), cars are different, and work has changed a lot, too. It’s wild when we think about the past and how quickly things shift. But not everything changes – or it doesn’t change too drastically. Some things — like certain classic toys — stand the test of time.
We didn’t have VR sets and super-fast PlayStation consoles, but we did have Barbies and hula hoops, Play-Doh, and Hot Wheels cars. While some have gotten makeovers in our lifetime, the elements that make a timeless toy popular have remained.
Here are 14 toys that are played with all over the world, according to data compiled by The Toy Zone, and these ones are standouts for very good reasons. When you look at the most popular classic toys, the fact that they're recogizable no matter what age you are is a sign that they will likely never go out of style.
Barbie
Rubik's Cube
When we think toy, uit's likely our brains don’t immediately go to Rubik’s Cube. It’s more puzzle than toy, but it’s a toy nonetheless. It’s not easy to solve the cube, and when we figure out the secret to get it to work, we feel unstoppable. Meanwhile, generation after generation of kids are still trying to crack the cube, making it a favorite in Puerto Rico, Malta, Jordan, Cyprus, Iceland, Singapore – and more.
Diabolo
Many of us were introduced to this fun toy on school playgrounds. It’s a fun solo game but it was also great if we wanted to have a friendly competition with our friends. The toy is sticks and strings, and is way more challenging than it looks. It’s a favorite classic toy in the Netherlands.
Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head is another one of those ageless toys. We’re not totally sure why it’s so loved, but we don’t question it. When we were younger, the only character available was Mr. Potato Head. Now we have Ms. Potato Head, Baby Potato Head, and the Potato Head family. It's still one of the most popular toys in both the United States and Canada.
Scalextric
Scalextric isn’t a brand that’s well known in the United States, but it’s a classic racing car toy that kids haven’t been able to get enough of for generations. It’s sort of like an electric train set plus racing car, and it’s a favorite in places like Spain and Northern Ireland.
Frisbee
It’s probably not a coincidence that some of the world's classic toys are simple but fun. That’s how we would describe the Frisbee. It’s a sport and it’s a toy. It can be enjoyed by someone playing with it for the first time, but it's also a toy that, with some practice, anyone could become an expert. It’s a favorite in many countries including Denmark, Italy, and Sweden.
Nerf
How many of us had kids who had a Nerf product under the Christmas tree this year? The same brand was on our wish list growing up, too. The toys have been around since the ’70s, and Nerf has basically been at the top since then. There are a decent amount of countries that put this toy at the top, including Belgium, Czech Republic, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, and more.
