Barbie and Ken - The Stars of the 60s

Barbie and Ken are iconic fashion dolls that have played a significant role in popular culture and the toy industry. Here we present a brief history of Barbie and Ken.

Barbie was introduced to the world on March 9, 1959, by Mattel, Inc., an American toy company founded by Ruth Handler. The inspiration for Barbie came from Ruth Handler's observation of her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls and imagining different adult roles.

The original Barbie doll was named after Ruth Handler's daughter, Barbara. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

Barbie's debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City was met with mixed reactions initially, but she soon became a massive success.

The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white striped swimsuit, ponytail hairstyle, and a distinctive arched eyebrow. She became known for her fashionable wardrobe and accessories.

Over the years, Barbie's appearance evolved to represent diverse cultures, careers, and interests. She became a symbol of female empowerment and inspired young girls to dream big and break traditional gender stereotypes.  She has had numerous careers, including astronaut, doctor, scientist, athlete, chef, and more, reflecting the changing roles and aspirations of women in society.

Ken was introduced as Barbie's boyfriend in 1961, two years after Barbie's debut. He was named after Ruth Handler's son, Kenneth.

Ken was designed to be a tall, handsome doll with a similar build to Barbie, but with a more masculine appearance. Like Barbie, Ken's appearance and wardrobe have evolved over the years to reflect current fashion trends and cultural shifts.

Although Barbie and Ken have been known as a popular couple, their relationship status has changed over time. They have broken up and gotten back together in various storylines, providing an element of drama to their narrative.

Throughout their history, Barbie and Ken have continued to be beloved toys, capturing the imagination of children and collectors worldwide. They have become cultural icons and have remained relevant through the decades, adapting to changing societal norms and evolving with the times. Barbie and Ken's enduring popularity showcases their timeless appeal and their lasting impact on the world of toys and play.

Whilst we ourselves weren’t a fan of Barbie and Ken in our younger days (we were more into Sindy), we’ll still be off to watch the Barbie Movie this weekend for a bit of escapism and female empowerment.

Toy shops over the decades

Toy shops have seen significant changes over the decades. In the mid-20th century, local independent toy stores were popular, offering a limited selection of toys. In the late 20th century, large retail chains like Toys "R" Us became dominant, providing a vast array of toys under one roof. However, with the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, many traditional toy shops faced challenges, and some even closed down. The shift towards online shopping continued in the 21st century, allowing customers to access a more extensive range of toys with the convenience of home delivery. Additionally, interactive and tech-driven toys gained popularity, reflecting advancements in technology. As time progressed, toy shops had to adapt to changing consumer preferences, embracing both in-store and digital experiences to stay relevant.

Here we take a look back on the traditional toy shops from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s.

Toy Shops in the 1950s

In the 1950s, toy shops were quite different from what we see today. They were often small, independent stores, usually located in local neighbourhoods or on main streets. These shops carried a more limited selection of toys compared to the massive variety available in modern toy stores.

Toys in the 1950s were often simpler, reflecting the technology and manufacturing capabilities of that era. Popular toys included classic items like wooden trains, dolls, teddy bears, marbles, board games like Monopoly and Scrabble, and simple construction sets.

The shopping experience was more personal, with shopkeepers interacting directly with customers, helping them choose toys and providing personalized recommendations. Many toys were displayed in glass cases or on shelves, and children would often browse the store with excitement, carefully selecting their favourites.

Packaging was also simpler and more straightforward compared to the colourful and elaborate packaging we see today. Customers usually paid with cash, as credit cards were not common during that time.

Overall, visiting a toy shop in the 1950s was a charming and nostalgic experience, with a focus on traditional toys and a sense of community in the local shopping area.

Toy Shops in the 1960s

In the 1960s, toy shops continued to be predominantly small, independent stores, much like in the previous decade. However, there were some notable changes in the types of toys available and the overall shopping experience.

During the 1960s, there was a surge in the popularity of action figures and dolls. Iconic toys like G.I. Joe, Barbie, and Ken gained immense popularity, revolutionizing the toy industry. The popularity of dolls with different outfits and accessories added a new dimension to imaginative play for children.

Additionally, the 1960s saw the introduction of iconic board games like "Twister" and "Operation," which quickly became favourites among children and families. These games added an element of physical activity and skill to traditional board gaming.

The decade also witnessed the rise of battery-operated and remote-controlled toys, showcasing advancements in technology. Toy robots and cars with remote controls became a hit among kids, providing them with interactive and futuristic play experiences.

In terms of the shopping experience, the 1960s still offered a more personal touch compared to modern toy shopping. Customers could interact with knowledgeable staff who could demonstrate how toys worked and offer recommendations. The packaging of toys started to become more colourful and attractive, catching the attention of children and parents alike.

Overall, the 1960s toy shops provided a mix of traditional toys and innovative, tech-driven playthings, contributing to the joy and excitement of children during that time.

Toy Shops in the 1970s

In the 1970s, toy shops experienced significant changes in both the types of toys available and the overall retail landscape. The decade saw a continued rise in the popularity of action figures and dolls, with iconic lines like "Star Wars" action figures, "Barbie," and "Ken" remaining sought after by children.

During the 1970s, the toy industry also embraced the growing fascination with electronic toys. Electronic handheld games, like "Simon" and "Mattel Electronics Football," became a sensation, showcasing the increasing integration of technology into playthings.

Additionally, the decade witnessed the advent of popular construction sets like "Lego," which allowed children to build and create their own structures using colourful plastic bricks.

In the 1970s, toy shops began to adapt to the changing retail landscape by adopting more organized and vibrant displays to attract customers. The use of eye-catching store displays, and creative packaging became more common, adding to the excitement and allure of shopping for toys.

Furthermore, large retail chains started gaining prominence during this decade, offering a broader selection of toys under one roof. Toys "R" Us, which opened its first store in 1957, expanded its presence and became a well-known destination for toy shopping during the 1970s.

Overall, toy shops in the 1970s reflected a blend of traditional playthings and innovative electronic toys, with more emphasis on organized displays and the emergence of larger retail chains. This era set the stage for the evolving landscape of toy shopping in the following decades.

Toy Shops in the 1980s

The 1980s were a golden era for toy shops, witnessing a massive boom in the popularity of various toy lines and franchises. This decade saw an explosion of innovative and iconic toys, many of which have remained beloved classics.

Action figures continued to dominate the market, with franchises like "G.I. Joe," "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe," and "Transformers" captivating the imaginations of children. These action figures often came with intricate designs and accessories, encouraging kids to collect and engage in imaginative play.

Another significant development was the rise of video games, which started to make their way into homes through consoles like the Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). These consoles led to a surge in video game-related merchandise, including action figures, plush toys, and board games based on popular video game characters.

The 1980s also witnessed the "Cabbage Patch Kids" phenomenon, where these distinctive dolls became a cultural sensation, leading to long queues and even occasional store stampedes during the holiday season.

LEGO continued to be popular, expanding its offerings with various themed sets, such as LEGO Space and LEGO Castle, capturing the imagination of budding builders.

Toy shops in the 1980s saw increased competition, with large retail chains like Toys "R" Us, Walmart, and Target gaining prominence and offering an extensive selection of toys from different manufacturers.

Additionally, the packaging of toys became more elaborate, featuring eye-catching illustrations and designs to appeal to young shoppers.

Overall, toy shops in the 1980s were buzzing with a vast array of action figures, video game-related toys, dolls, construction sets, and more, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for children and their families. Many of the toys from this era have left a lasting impact and continue to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts today.

Here at The Vintage Toy Box, we aim to capture the essence of these decades, and the traditional toy shops of yesteryear.

Classic toys from the 1950s, 60s, 70s & 80s

The 'good old days' were a lot of fun for kids. In the past, children had more engagement with their toys than they do today, and they formed a longer attachment.  There weren't  countless number of toys to choose from and to play with. Children bonded with their toys, and allowed their imagination to take over in their creative play. This article gives a quick glance at those toys from the 1950s to the 1980s which have created wonderful memories for kids throughout the decades. 

The 1950s saw a surge of toys in the market, as post war indulgence changed the way that people spent. Tin toy cars flooded the market (Dinky & Matchbox), along with friction cars, Tonka trucks, kitchen sets, Tiny Tears dolls, Hula hoop, Barbie and farm equipment.  These toys are the essence of vintage toys and all to this day still remain. Most have evolved over time, but their timeless, classic design still ensures that generations of children still love to play with them. 

A large number of toys which were introduced back in the 1960s are still also around today. The 1960s heralded a golden era for toys, with bigger families, and more disposable income paving the way for greater choice and variety. If you take a close look at toys available in the 60s and 70s, you will not see a great deal of difference between the offerings. The toys were quite similar and still hold great enjoyment for the next generations of kids. 

A few toys and games like Ker-Plunk, Twister, Etch A Sketch, Slip 'n' Slide, Rubik's Cube, Spirograph and  G.I. Joe can still be found in children's toy boxes and toy stores now. 

Another major influence on toys was the introduction of TV into people's homes.  Toy manufacturers realised that they could theme toys on popular TV shows, and the toys would fly of the shelves. The batman comic books became hugely popular and batman-themed toys started filling the shelves of toy stores. This was a huge profit making game-changer for all the toy makers.  

As time moved on, and families had more disposable income & greater spending power, toy manufacturers had to start thinking outside the box if they wanted to increase their sales. 

To make things a bit more fun and exciting for the kids, toy manufacturers started introducing electricity into toys, and a whole other world of new, innovative toys came into being with the dawn of electronics.  Toys would never be the same again. Every Christmas, we now see the release of the newest, biggest, flashiest toy. In amongst all of these toys though, and still standing the test of time, are the classic toys from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s & 1980s. 

These toys and games passed on from decades before are still famous, popular and loved even now. Grandparents give the retro toys to their grandchildren, and watch with delight as the children play. Old memories flooding back of the joy that they themselves used to feel playing with the same toys when they were young. 

There's nothing like playing with an old toy to bring back happy memories.