History's Best Selling Toys of 1985

Hats off to 1985! Few toys commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Teddy Ruxpin. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Pin art and Advance to Boardwalk, consumers eagerly embraced the neon-soaked culture and synthwave energy. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Worlds of Wonder and Spectra Star set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that sparked mega-hit frenzies and Saturday morning excitement. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Teddy Ruxpin

   Released in 1985 by Worlds of Wonder

   On September 1, 1985, the landscape of the toy industry was forever changed. On this day, Worlds of Wonder, a newly formed company by Atari veteran Don Kingsborough, officially launched Teddy Ruxpin. In a decade defined by action figures and video games, Teddy Ruxpin represented a groundbreaking fusion of classic comfort and futuristic technology. The launch wasn't just another product release; it was the unveiling of a new category of plaything. This animatronic storytelling bear captured the imagination of a generation, demonstrating that a toy could be a friend, a storyteller, and a marvel of engineering all at once, setting the stage for its legendary status as the must-have toy of the mid-1980s.

2. Pin art

   Released in 1985 by Spectra Star, Waldemar Kummer

   The Pin art toy, famously popularized in the mid-1980s, quickly captivated audiences with its simple yet mesmerizing interactive design. Upon its widespread commercial release, often under brand names like 'PinPressions,' it became an instant hit, not just among children but also as a popular desk novelty for adults. Its immediate success stemmed from its unique ability to transform a flat surface into a temporary three-dimensional sculpture with minimal effort, offering a fascinating blend of art and tactile play. It wasn't just a toy; it was an interactive art piece that promised endless creative possibilities within a confined frame, making it a cultural phenomenon in gift shops and toy aisles globally.

3. Advance to Boardwalk

   Released in 1985 by Parker Brothers, Don W. Harter

   Released in 1985, 'Advance to Boardwalk' emerged as a fresh take on the beloved world of Monopoly, seeking to capture the essence of property development without the lengthy player elimination often associated with its predecessor. Published by Parker Brothers, this spin-off aimed to deliver a quicker, more focused experience, where the thrill came from strategically building a real estate empire rather than bankrupting opponents. It was introduced during a period when board game publishers were exploring variations on popular classics, and 'Advance to Boardwalk' carved out its niche by offering a distinct, development-centric gameplay loop that resonated with players looking for a different kind of challenge within a familiar universe.

4. Pictionary

   Released in 1985 by Angel Games, Robert Angel

   Pictionary burst onto the board game scene in 1985, rapidly sketching its way into the hearts of millions and becoming an instant party game sensation. Conceived as "the game of quick sketches," it transformed social gatherings, offering a fresh, visually engaging alternative to traditional word games. Its simple yet brilliant premise — drawing clues for teammates to guess — fostered an environment of laughter, creativity, and frantic fun. Pictionary quickly transcended the niche board game market, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon and a must-have item for family nights and social events throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, cementing its place as an enduring classic.

5. Sectaurs

   Released in 1985 by Coleco, Larry Mass

   The year 1985 saw toy giant Coleco launch Sectaurs, an ambitious and highly innovative action figure line that sought to redefine interactive play. In a decade dominated by transforming robots and muscled warriors, Sectaurs introduced a truly unique concept: human-like warriors bonded with giant, wearable insectoid creatures, controlled by the child’s hand. This imaginative blend of sci-fi and fantasy, coupled with a significant marketing push including a syndicated animated miniseries, aimed to capture the imaginations of children looking for something fresh. While it didn't reach the same monumental commercial heights as some of its contemporaries, Sectaurs left an indelible mark as a daring experiment in toy design and interaction.

6. She-Ra

   Released in 1985 by Mattel

   She-Ra: Princess of Power burst onto the toy scene in 1985, not just as another doll, but as a powerful female action figure destined to become a cultural phenomenon. Building on the immense success of Mattel's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra offered a much-needed female counterpart, presenting girls with a strong, heroic role model who championed justice and freedom. Her simultaneous launch with a captivating animated series by Filmation ensured immediate recognition and popularity, making her an instant hit that defied traditional gender norms for toys and captivated a generation with her tales of adventure and empowerment on the planet Etheria.

7. Star Toys Action Figures

   Released in 1985 by Star Toys (Argentina)

   In 1985, while global toy giants dominated international markets, Argentina saw a unique local hero in the toy industry: Star Toys. Operating during a period of significant import restrictions, Star Toys filled a critical void by producing licensed action figures and other toys for the eager Argentinian market. These weren't just simple replicas; often, Star Toys figures had distinct characteristics, sometimes due to local manufacturing capabilities or unique licensing agreements, making them highly sought after within the country. Their presence allowed Argentinian children to engage with popular global franchises like Star Wars, M.A.S.K., and others, fostering a deep cultural connection to these characters and narratives despite international trade barriers.

8. Popples

   Released in 1985 by Mattel, Those Characters from Cleveland (American Greetings)

   Popples burst onto the toy scene in 1985, immediately capturing the hearts of children worldwide with their vibrant colors and unique transforming ability. Launched by Mattel, these whimsical plush creatures quickly became a defining toy of the mid-1980s, distinguishing themselves from other stuffed animals through an innovative design that allowed them to "pop" into a self-contained ball. Their playful personalities and clever mechanism sparked a widespread craze, making them a highly sought-after item during their initial run. The instant popularity of Popples was not just due to their novelty, but also their inherent charm and the promise of imaginative play they offered, leading to a commercial success that extended beyond the toy aisle into various media adaptations.