Toys · 1964
Action Figures, Beatlemania, and Backyard Toy Innovations
In 1964, playtime was transformed forever by the arrival of the original action figure alongside groundbreaking mechanical games and pop-culture crazes. From Beatlemania trading cards to moulding liquid plastic at home, kids embraced a bold new era of interactive fun.
- 1964 | Hasbro | Action Figure
G.I. Joe: Action Soldier
Hasbro coined the term 'action figure' for this revolutionary 12-inch articulated military hero equipped with detailed canvas gear and realistic uniforms.
- 1964 | Marx Toys | Mechanical Game
Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots
Kids battled head-to-head maneuvering plastic boxers Red Rocker and Blue Bomber until one knocked the opponent's head clean off its spring.
- 1964 | Mattel | Craft Toy
Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker
Budding monster creators poured liquid Plastigoop into metal die-cast molds and heated them on an electric plate to bake slimy bugs and spiders.
- 1964 | Topps | Trading Cards
Topps Beatles Trading Cards
Capitalizing on peak Beatlemania, these iconic photo card packs featuring bubble gum became an instant obsession across American schoolyards.
- 1964 | Mattel | Fashion Doll
Skipper Doll
Introduced as Barbie's younger ten-year-old sister, Skipper offered girls a wholesome companion with flat feet and stylish youthful wardrobes.
- 1964 | Dam Things | Fad Toy
Wishnik Troll Dolls
Featuring bright brushable hair and smiling glass-eyed faces, Thomas Dam's quirky Danish plastic trolls exploded into a massive international craze.
- 1964 | LEGO | Construction Toy
LEGO Motorized Building Set #112
LEGO expanded its brick system with a compact 4.5-volt electric motor that brought custom-built vehicles and windmills to motorized life.
- 1964 | Ideal Toy Company | Board Game
Hands Down
Players raced to slap a mechanical hand-shaped paddle to claim matching card sets while trying to avoid clever fake-out bluffs.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?