In 1974, toys were all about big adventures and even bigger fun. Whether you were launching Evel Knievel off a ramp, knitting with Mattel’s Knit Magic, or running your own pint-sized McDonald’s, the popular toys of 1974 gave kids the tools to create their own little worlds. With playsets, craft kits, castles, and dolls with back-to-nature vibes, this was the year pretend play took center stage.
1. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle
The Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle was the toy to have in 1974. The real Evel was riding a wave of fame after he attempted to rocket over Snake River Canyon, and the toy version let you bring a piece of that action home. You’d wind up the motorcycle with its red, white, and blue daredevil figure, let it rip, and watch it fly off ramps, over blocks, and occasionally into your little brother.
You can still buy the Evel Knieval Stunt Cycle from Amazon, and it looks kinda amazing.
2. Mattel’s Knit Magic
For the crafty kids of 1974, Mattel introduced Knit Magic, a toy knitting machine that made creating scarves, hats, and other yarn projects a breeze. Designed to be easy to use, kids could loop yarn around the machine’s pegs and turn the crank to produce knitted circles.
3. Playskool Holiday Inn and McDonald’s Playsets
Playskool released the Holiday Inn and McDonald’s playsets in 1974. Kids got to pretend they were running their own hotel and fast-food restaurant. The McDonald’s playset came complete with miniature counters, seating, and even a playground, while the Holiday Inn set had a pool!
Note: I don’t know why there is a duck in the ad.
4. Fisher Price Dolls
Fisher-Price introduced a line of soft, sweet-faced dolls with distinct personalities, like wistful Jenny or heartbreaker Elizabeth. They were perfect for cuddling and pretend caretaking, giving kids a low-key, lovable alternative to fashion dolls.
5. The Etch A Sketch and Other Ohio Art Toys
Ohio Arts had all the best toys in 1974 to turn any child into a pixelated Picasso. The classic Etch-A-Sketch let you twist the knobs to draw your masterpiece and then shake it clean. And the chaotic Twirl-O-Paint, created modern art (and a giant mess), one spinning paper at a time.
6. Mattel’s See ‘N Say and Other Talking Toys
By 1974, the See ‘N Say was a playroom staple, with themed versions teaching everything from nursery rhymes to street safety with a friendly pull-string voice. Add in the Alphabet Phone and sleepy Baby Drowsy, and Mattel had turned talking toys into tiny, educational entertainers.
7. The Sunshine Family
With their homemade vibe and back-to-nature charm, the Sunshine Family dolls (Stephie, Steve, and baby Sweets) felt like the anti-Barbie. Living a crafty, wholesome life with DIY accessories, they were perfect for parents who liked their dolls with more granola than glamour.
8. Holly Hobbie Doll
Holly Hobbie originated as a character in a series of popular illustrations for American Greetings. Named after the illustrator who drew her, Holly Hobbie was the soft-spoken star of 1974. Like the Sunshine Family, Holly Hobbie felt like a comforting throwback with her prairie dress, oversized bonnet, and sweet, old-fashioned charm.
9. Nerf Toys
Parker Brothers introduced the Nerf ball in 1969, and by 1974, Nerf had firmly established itself as the king of indoor play. The Nerf ball inspired a whole line of fun stuff, like Nerf footballs, basketball hoops, and all sorts of soft, squishy toys. Kids could burn off energy indoors without worrying about smashing a lamp or ending up in the ER.
10. Fisher Price Castle
Fisher-Price was the undisputed leader in playsets and the Play Family Castle, released in 1974, was their big showstopper. Kids couldn’t get enough of its medieval world with knights, dragons, and an actual secret passage.
