History's Best Selling Toys of 1977

In the colorful era of the 1970s, 1977 saw a swell surge of retro grooves and analog innovation in the world of toys! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Mattel Classic Football and Star Wars Action Figure, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Mattel and Kenner proved their mettle with essential classics, 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. Mattel Classic Football

   Released in 1977 by Mattel

   On June 1, 1977, Mattel officially launched a toy that would define a generation's entry into digital entertainment: Mattel Classic Football. In an era where video games were tethered to arcade cabinets or television sets, this device represented a monumental leap. The release marked the birth of the handheld electronic game market, a completely new category in the toy industry. It took the abstract concept of a video game and made it personal, portable, and accessible. This date isn't just about a new toy hitting the shelves; it signifies the moment the digital revolution landed in the palms of children's hands, setting the stage for decades of mobile gaming innovation that would follow.

2. Star Wars Action Figure

   Released in 1977 by Kenner

   On October 1, 1977, toy company Kenner Products initiated one of the most famous and unusual marketing campaigns in history. Following the unprecedented success of the film 'Star Wars' released earlier that year, demand for merchandise was astronomical. Kenner, who had secured the master toy license, was caught unprepared and could not manufacture action figures in time for the crucial Christmas shopping season. Their solution was the 'Early Bird Certificate Package.' Released this month, it was essentially an empty box sold as a placeholder, containing a mail-in certificate that promised to deliver the first four action figures to customers in the new year. This audacious strategy aimed to capture holiday sales with the mere promise of a future toy.