Would you like to play a game?

It's just the holiday season without a little toy talk. And no, not the kind that require two C batteries and an adult ID to buy.

First, click here to listen to our special "Toys and Games of the 80s" podcast from last December. (Don't blame me if you can't stop singing the Mon-chi-chi song afterward.) While you're enjoying the re-run, check out these 80s-oriented stocking stuffer ideas:

Sixteen Candles Talking Keychain: It's been featured here before, but I can't get enough of it. "Farmer Ted" rules. Plus, it has Long Duk Dong's "Ohhhh, sexy girlfriend!" on it. Price: $9.89. (There's also a Blues Brothers talking keychain on the same webpage. Click here for more info.

AC/DC action figures: Brian Johnson tipped us off to the existence of these during our fantastic interview with him. (Click here to listen.) I wonder if Angus would fit into my Millennium Falcon toy. For those about to rock, it'll cost about $30. Click here to view.

Rubik's Cube: Back in the early 80s, could anyone have foreseen we'd still be playing with these evil puzzles 25 years into the future? The Cube can be found at just about any retailer for $10. (Target has the special anniversary edition here.) But if you want to know all there is to know about the puzzle's history, visit its official website.

Merlin Electronic Puzzle: I can't believe these still exist -- and look pretty much exactly as they did when I owned one in the early 80s. My claim to fame? I could program Merlin to play the Olympic Anthem. For $12, I can do it again. Click to view.

Roller Skates: No, not in-line skates. That are for people young enough to still have balance. I'm talking old-school skates -- "quad skates" as they're called these days. My most treasured present of the 80s: A pair of Blue Devil speedskates. Click here to see what I'm talking about. Back then, they cost $99. These days? Pretty much the same!

Micro Machines: I never got the attraction -- they're just like regular toys ... only much, much smaller. Wouldn't much, much bigger be better? They still sell these, including a special Classic Star Wars set for about $25.

Gobots: Before the Transformers came the Gobots, with its own TV show and everything. What's the difference? Ummm, none really except that Gobots are no longer made. (Plus, Gobots is a better 80s name). Click to view.

80s TV Shows: They're all available on DVD now. From Dynasty to WKRP in Cincinnati to Greatest American Hero. (I'm still waiting for the DVD of "Double Trouble" to come out. Gotta love Jean Sagal and Liz Sagal as "Kate and Allison Foster.")

What toys from the 80s would you still buy today?

Comments

[Mike in Austin]

Steve, awesome 80's gadgets! What wonderful memories. Now I know what to get my other half for X-mas, no kidding!

Happy Holidays to all

[Former Producer Dave]

Okay Steve. You were a little young, but right at the end of the 70s, this:
http://www.retroland.com/pages/retropedia/toys/item/2600/memories/?section=photos
was being passed around the Times Sports Dept. in the bureau I worked in. Ever played it? I wish I could find mine as they are fetching some good money online these days. Also, can you tell me what song featured the sound of this game (around 1979)?
dave

[Bassnote]

I loved Merlin!

[Spears]

A little young? According to Sean, I'm 10 years older than you are.

I had all those games. I had the football, soccer and basketball versions.

And the song that had the sound: That'd be Supertramp's "Logical Song."

Dude, I sooo rule.

[Carla]

Had Merlin...loved it! But what about Simon! I would spend hours on that thing, until it drove my parents crazy!! They would "conviently" forget to pick up some batteries when they were out.

[Tom]

We used to play this cool game, a bit on the primitive side by today's standards but fun none the less.
http://www.retroland.com/pages/retropedia/toys/item/2310/

[Bassnote]

Holy cow Tom! Dark Tower was too cool! I am getting totally geeked out with these retro games.

[Marissa]

No roller boogie for this gal. I had sturdy ankles and ice skated!
I never bothered with anything I thought I'd never master. Hence, no Rubik's Cube in our household.
No toys either. I was in high school and beyond in the 80s.
My friend's and I played games, but those all involved getting the hot guys who drove by to turn around so we could run scared into the house. Yeah, those were the days.

[Paul]

Would it be wrong of me to brag that I own not one, but TWO working copies of Dark Tower?

[Debra]

I do have a comment about Merlin...The Merlin I had did not have numbers on the keys...the were squares with red light-up buttons...Why, oh why must they mess with the original?!

[Sherrie]

I just ordered the Sixteen Candles talking keychain and something (rather alarmingly) called "Mister Rogers in your pocket". Same idea as the Farmer Ted keychain, just with the mellow inspiration of Fred Rogers. Nice!

[Mike W]

Yeah, I remember the original Merlin with the light up LEDs under the plastic skin. I wonder where mine is? I'm all nostalgic now. First, Dan Fogelberg dies, and now toys of my childhood.

[Mike W]

Yeah, I remember the original Merlin with the light up LEDs under the plastic skin. I wonder where mine is? I'm all nostalgic now. First, Dan Fogelberg dies, and now toys of my childhood.

[malibu]

We have hubby's original Merlin, video football, and Intellivision with several games.
I have my original Blip game--still has sound but no little dot lights up anymore.
Also LOVED Simon--but that one bit the dust and was never the same after my stepdad tried to "fix" it...

[malibu]

We have hubby's original Merlin, hand-held electronic football, and Intellivision with several games.
I have my original Blip game--still has sound but no little dot lights up anymore.
Also LOVED Simon--but that one bit the dust and was never the same after my stepdad tried to "fix" it...