The 70s may be known as the decade that taste forgot, but when it comes to toys and nostalgic gifts, it’s a decade that you can never forget. Some of the toys from the 1970s were so groundbreaking that they are still sold today, either as retro gifts or on general sale in toyshops for today’s children to enjoy.

One of the most successful toys of all time, and one of many nostalgic gifts from the 1970s, is the Slinky. The Slinky was actually invented in the 1940s, but it topped Christmas lists throughout the 60s and 70s as well. The Slinky was basically a giant swirl of metal that would open and close as it descended stairs on its own, creating its own motion.

One toy that summed up the 70s perfectly was the Evel Knievel stunt motorcycle. Evel Knievel was a famous stuntman in the 70s, and every child marvelled at his daredevil antics as he jumped his motorcycle over cars and busses. The Evel Knievel toy featured a white clad doll of Evel Knievel, together with his motorbike and a red launch pad with which to fire him onto his next stunt.

This toy made a comeback some years ago as one of many retro gifts, and is great fun for staging your own stunts in your back garden or office.

Towards the end of the 1970s the most popular toys at Christmas were the original Star Wars figures. Star Wars became the first film to successfully merchandise toys aimed at children, how things have changed now.