As I wander through the toy aisle of any store, I am amazed (and a little bit jealous) of the products that are available to kids now. I recognize the old toys now boasting amazing improvements (have you seen the new Easy Bake Oven or the Hot Wheels race set that mounts on the wall?) and the new ones that I would have begged for when I was a kid.
But, as I step back and take in the entire inventory of all the crying baby dolls, beeping gadgets and snarling monsters, I still see the toys that have stayed strong for decades—no improvements necessary. These are the classics, the ones that are always fun. Some are so “classic” our grandparents played with them. Some are from my generation’s childhood. And they are all just as much fun today as they were 30, 40 or 50 years ago.
- Crayons: No denying the wonder that is the ordinary crayon. They are a must-have for any parent, school or daycare. And they’re one of the most inexpensive items on this list. An 8-count box of Crayola Crayons will cost less than $3 at most retail stores. There is nothing quite like a brand new crayon on a clean white piece of paper for children of almost any age.
- Matchbox and Hot Wheels Cars: These little things have been around for 60 years and still delight kids everywhere. Granted, the tracks they have to race these puppies on are vastly improved—and have become more complicated—but the heart of the toy remains the same. One little car, which can be driven on race tracks or carpet, walls, stairs, grass or anywhere, costs just a dollar.
- Jump Rope: This has been a staple in school yards and neighborhood playgrounds in America since the 1940s. This little toy has made its way from an easy childhood game to a full-fledged sport, but it still remains a classic toy among children. For only a dollar or two, this classic toy should be in every child's toy box.
- Paint Supplies: From Crayola or Prang, watercolors to more expensive acrylic sets, these little paints have been a part of our lives more than we realize. We bought them every year for school and used them constantly, but these are not just school supplies. Easy to buy at just $2, and easy for children to use, these make great gifts to encourage the little artist inside.
- Puzzles: Simple puzzles for children are a great way to get their little brains working and give you an activity to do with them. Wooden puzzles can be found everywhere and are perfect for little hands to use. This little activity can range in price to from $3 to $10.
- Rubik’s Cube: The brainteaser of our childhood is still going strong in today’s toy stores. I have never truly solved it (and, yes, I was one of those kids that got frustrated enough to remove the stickers and replace them in order to “solve” it), but it is fun to watch my children try. Retailing from $5 to $7, it is a great little activity.
- Balls: The classic of all classic toys—bested only by the stick—has been around for generations. It’s simple and straightforward, and there is no end to its possibilities. One simple bouncing ball can give a toddler more fun than 10 giggling Elmos. Depending on size and type, balls can range from 50 cents to well beyond our $5 mark. But each one is worth every penny.
- Doll Accessories: The dolls themselves may come in a wide range of prices and abilities, but doll accessories are much cheaper. Little baby bottles, cloth diapers and clothes can all be easily purchased for just a few dollars. Or, if you are the crafty type, make them for even less!
- Nerf Guns: Though Nerf is not exactly as old as the jump rope, it’s considered a classic toy now. New to the scene when I was a kid, Nerf guns are even more popular today. There is nothing quite as fun as an all-out Nerf “battle” in the living room. While most of the Nerf guns range from $10 to $30, there are still a few starter pieces that can be purchased for a simple $5. The only caveat to this particular toy is age range. Be sure the child is old enough to understand the difference between real guns and simple dart throwing toys.
- The Cardboard Box: To the chagrin of parents everywhere, this is the one toy that typically beats all the rest. Why? Because it does what every toy should do: It allows the imagination to take hold in unlimited ways. A box is a fort, sled, house, castle, puppet theatre and anything else a child can dream up. So don’t throw away those big boxes; grab the crayons and scissors and help your kids with the ultimate toy.
There is nothing quite like the sound of your child's laughter, and with these toys, you will actually be able to hear it instead of the beeps and electronic music that accompany a lot of today's toys. All too often it's easy to get lost in that sea of gadgetry and pageantry, but bringing ourselves and our children back to the basics, even in play, can have a lasting impact.
Kerry Chafin is a freelance writer from Independence and a mother of three kids who love to play with their toys almost as much as their mom does.