History's Best Selling Toys of 1973

In the colorful era of the 1970s, 1973 saw a swell surge of retro grooves and analog innovation in the world of toys! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Baby Alive and Shrinky Dinks, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Kenner and K. & B. Innovations proved their mettle with Anti-Monopoly, delivering craftsmanship that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Baby Alive

   Released in 1973 by Kenner

   On February 25, 1973, at the 70th American International Toy Fair in New York City, Kenner Products unveiled a doll that would redefine interactive play for a generation. In an era where dolls primarily drank and wet, Baby Alive's debut was a sensation. Toy buyers and the press were captivated by a doll that could be fed special food with a spoon, drink from a bottle, and then realistically soil a diaper. This introduction marked a significant leap in doll technology, moving beyond simple mechanics to simulate a genuine caregiving experience, and setting the stage for one of the decade's most successful and enduring toy franchises.

2. Shrinky Dinks

   Released in 1973 by K. & B. Innovations, Inc.

   On October 1, 1973, shoppers at the Brookfield Square Mall in Wisconsin witnessed the debut of a craft that seemed like pure magic. At a small kiosk, two local mothers, Betty Morris and Kate Bloomberg, demonstrated their new invention: Shrinky Dinks. They invited children to color on thin sheets of plastic, which were then placed into a small oven. To the astonishment of onlookers, the plastic curled, shrank, and hardened into a small, durable charm. This simple, live demonstration was the first public test market for the product. The immediate success and excitement generated that day proved the toy's commercial potential, setting the stage for its journey from a local Cub Scout project to an international phenomenon.

3. Anti-Monopoly

   Released in 1973 by University Games, Ralph Anspach

   Anti-Monopoly launched in 1973 amidst a swirling debate about corporate power and consumer rights, swiftly carving out its niche as a provocative and popular board game. More than just a game, it debuted as a bold statement—a direct challenge to the classic capitalist simulation of Monopoly, flipping its premise on its head. It quickly gained traction not only for its engaging gameplay but also for the social commentary it embedded, appealing to those who questioned the unchecked power of monopolies. Its controversial nature and subsequent high-profile legal battle against the makers of Monopoly propelled it into the public consciousness, making it a cultural phenomenon that highlighted intellectual property rights and the spirit of competition in business.