Parenting

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Old toys and cartoons return: Which favorite would you want your kid to play with?

Fanpop

Fanpop

Frightened of failing in this rough economy, toy makers are relying on revamped old classics to win the hearts of today’s youths instead of risking time and money on the development of new toys. With a modern Strawberry Shortcake leading the pack, other characters to follow include Barbie’s little sister Skipper, P.J. Sparkles, and G.I. Joe. All will be receiving makeovers along with anniversary editions of Transformers and classic board game Candy Land.

Launching a new toy is expensive, and there's no guarantee of success,” claims the Wall Street Journal. “For example, Mattel is estimated to have spent more than $1 million on advertising and design for Flavas, a hip-hop doll line introduced in 2003 to compete with MGA Entertainment Inc.'s popular Bratz line. But the dolls never sold well, and Mattel discontinued them the next year.

Though I only vaguely remember P.J. Sparkles, the tiara-wearing doll that lights up and has a dress than transforms into pajamas, I love the idea of bringing back some of my old favorite toys and presenting them to a new generation. Perhaps toy makers are playing on such nostalgia in hopes parents will buy their kids the toys they once played with themselves.

Some favorites I’d love to see brought back: Rainbow Brite, Jem, She-Ra and Glo Worms. Which of your old toys do you wish you had saved? And which of your favorite toys would you love to see introduced to a new generation of kids? [WSJ]
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 84
  • Deb's Avatar
    Posted by Deb Mon Mar 9, 2009 3:52pm PDT

    Transformers! And Care Bear toys.

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  • Gila's Avatar
    Posted by Gila Mon Mar 9, 2009 4:38pm PDT

    There are Transformer toys in the store already.

    I'm for Thundercats. G.I. Joe, and Care Bears (that aren't stuffed animals). I love the idea of Glo worms coming back - I still fondly remember mine.

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  • Sweet Marie's Avatar
    Posted by Sweet Marie Mon Mar 9, 2009 5:12pm PDT

    My daughter was a Rainbow Brite fan, I remember driving all over town

    so she would have one for Christmas. I was so happy when I did. That

    was Christmas enough for me. It would be great for my Grand daughter to

    have on.

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  • km's Avatar
    Posted by km Mon Mar 9, 2009 6:31pm PDT

    Rainbow Brite, Popples, Pound Puppies...Especially Rainbow Brite. I still have a set of curtains my mom bought me when I was three...

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  • Sarah's Avatar
    Posted by Sarah Mon Mar 9, 2009 7:33pm PDT

    I would love it if Jem returned!

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  • Caitie's Avatar
    Posted by Caitie Mon Mar 9, 2009 7:41pm PDT

    I was just thinking JEM! I already found out GI Joe is coming back.

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  • Kristelle's Avatar
    Posted by Kristelle Mon Mar 9, 2009 9:12pm PDT

    Popples and glo worms!!! the popples were so hard to pop in and out, but so awesome! My brother had a glo worm, and it was one of our favorite toys too. I would love to pass those onto my kids. ah nostalgia! i hope those toys make another round in this generation.

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  • Kristelle's Avatar
    Posted by Kristelle Mon Mar 9, 2009 9:12pm PDT

    Popples and glo worms!!! the popples were so hard to pop in and out, but so awesome! My brother had a glo worm, and it was one of our favorite toys too. I would love to pass those onto my kids. ah nostalgia! i hope those toys make another round in this generation.

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  • Heather's Avatar
    Posted by Heather Mon Mar 9, 2009 11:34pm PDT

    POLLY POCKET! (the old ones that are really tiny & trolls ;o)

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  • Deborah M's Avatar
    Posted by Deborah M Mon Mar 9, 2009 11:50pm PDT

    Rainbow Brite!!!!!

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