In 1972, our toys were all about using our imagination as we sent cars flying across the room and twirled dolls across makeshift dance floors. These toys gave us the tools to dream bigger, play harder, and create memories that still make us smile today.
Let’s look back at the most popular toys from 1972. Which one was your favorite?
1. Lego Sets
Lego was already a staple by 1972, but the brand transitioned into a more modern era that year. The company introduced a new logo and expanded its product line to appeal to both girls and boys.
Lego had themed sets available even in the early 1970s, but most kids knew the real fun of playing with Legos was dumping all your pieces out on the carpet and building whatever wild creation your imagination could create.
2. Matchbox Big Mx and Power Activator
The Big MX wasn’t your average Matchbox car. It was a monster of a vehicle—chunky, loud, and powered by a “Power Activator” that looked suspiciously like a starter pistol. You’d slam the trigger down, and the car would shoot off with surprising force, careening into furniture or the dog, depending on your aim.
3. Fisher Price Play Family Merry Go Round
Fisher Price brought the amusement park home with this crank-powered ride that sent Little People spinning to the tune of “The Skater’s Waltz.” Like all their toys, it was built to last, which is why you can probably still find one buried in Grandma’s toy bin that works like new.
4. Spirograph and Spirotot
The Spirograph had already been a favorite for a few years by 1972, so Kenner kept things fresh by introducing new gears, updated pens, and even more ways to create those satisfying geometric designs. The company also introduced the Spirotot with simplified pieces and easier-to-use gears. Even if you couldn’t draw a straight line to save your life, these kits made you feel like a real artist.
5. Tearful Baby Tender Love
The original Baby Tender Love was already a must-have doll, but Mattel raised the stakes in 1972 with Tearful Baby Tender Love. This version didn’t just drink and wet—she cried. Real tears. Big ones. And only you could comfort your baby doll. All you needed to do was turn her head to get a lovely smile.
6. Live Action Barbie
After the success of Malibu Barbie, Mattel realized girls were looking for more modern Barbies to play with. Live Action Barbie brought a little bit of groovy to the usually stiff world of fashion dolls. She came with bendable limbs and a built-in stand that let her twist, twirl, and dance. Live Action Ken and Christie were also built for dancing.
7. View-Master Theatre
The View-Master was already a classic, but now you could enjoy the show with your friends. Instead of peeking into a tiny viewer, the Movie Theatre projected your reels onto the wall, turning your bedroom into a private cinema. All you needed was some popcorn!
8. GI Joe Mobile Support Unit
The G.I. Joe line underwent a high-tech upgrade in 1972 with the introduction of the Mobile Support Unit: a base unit designed to support on-the-ground operations and an all-terrain vehicle suitable for serious missions.
It came with a detachable trailer, tools, communications equipment, and enough cool accessories to make it feel like your Joe was really in charge of something big.
9. Play-Doh Fun Factory
Everybody loved the Play-Doh Fun Factory. The set was part creativity tool and part pasta press. You’d load a blob of Play-Doh into the chamber, choose a shape plate, and crank the handle to extrude bright, squishy spaghetti, stars, or whatever shape you picked.
10. Little Learners Clock Talk
Before digital clocks took over, kids learned time the old-fashioned way, and Clock Talk made learning fun. This wind-up, red-faced toy cheerfully announced the hour and helped kids understand clock hands. The face was cheerful, the design was sturdy, and the message was simple: learning could be fun.
