History's Best Selling Toys of 1968

Revisiting 1968 presents a grand parade of toys history, marked by Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Hot Wheels, Crissy, and Don't Break the Ice took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Mattel and Ideal Toy Company led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Hot Wheels

   Released in 1968 by Mattel

   On May 18, 1968, the landscape of toy cars was forever changed. On this day, Mattel unleashed Hot Wheels upon the world, with the very first car to roll off the production line being a sleek, dark blue Custom Camaro. At the time, the die-cast market was dominated by the more traditional and realistic Matchbox cars from England. Mattel's co-founder, Elliot Handler, envisioned something different: a toy car that was not just a miniature replica, but a souped-up, stylized 'hot rod' that embodied the vibrant Southern California car culture. The release on this date marked a radical departure, emphasizing speed, performance, and fantasy design, setting the stage for a new king of the miniature road.

2. Crissy

   Released in 1968 by Ideal Toy Company

   Launched in 1968 by the Ideal Toy Company, Crissy immediately captivated children with her groundbreaking feature: hair that appeared to grow and shorten. In an era where doll play often involved static hair, Crissy's innovative mechanism brought an unprecedented level of interactive realism, allowing children to style her hair in countless ways. She wasn't just another fashion doll; Crissy represented a new frontier in doll design, quickly becoming a must-have toy for girls across North America and beyond. Her immense popularity cemented her status as a cultural phenomenon and a commercial triumph for Ideal, setting a new standard for interactive play.

3. Don't Break the Ice

   Released in 1968 by Schaper Manufacturing Company

   Don't Break the Ice captivated families upon its 1968 launch by Schaper, quickly becoming a staple in toy chests. This deceptively simple game offered immediate, nail-biting fun, making it an instant commercial success and a cultural touchstone for a generation of children. Its straightforward premise and engaging physical interaction created a unique appeal that cut through the noise of more complex board games, establishing itself as a beloved classic. The thrill of potentially sending the penguin plunging made it a perennial favorite during game nights and playdates, ensuring its enduring popularity from the moment it hit store shelves.

4. N&B Block

   Released in 1968 by Unknown

   The year 1968 saw the introduction of 'N&B Block,' a seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful construction toy. While not a global phenomenon on the scale of some of its contemporaries, N&B Block quickly found its niche, appealing to parents and educators seeking toys that offered more than just momentary amusement. Launched during a period of increasing focus on developmental play, N&B Block stood out for its robust design and inherent educational value. Its quiet success underscored a growing consumer preference for toys that stimulated young minds and encouraged fundamental cognitive and motor skills, making it a beloved staple in many households, even if its origins remained somewhat shrouded in mystery.