Toys · 1968
Speed, Space, and Color Revolutionize Playtime
In 1968, pop culture and the Space Race heavily influenced the toy industry, bringing futuristic action figures and revolutionary die-cast cars into living rooms. From groundbreaking diverse dolls to luminous creative sets, play was defined by vibrant colors and fast-paced excitement.
- Mattel | Die-Cast Vehicles
Hot Wheels Original 16
Mattel revolutionized die-cast toy cars by introducing low-friction wheels, candy-colored Spectraflame paint, and iconic custom hot rod designs.
- Mattel | Fashion Doll
Talking Christie Doll
Introduced as one of Barbie's first Black friends, Christie featured a pull-string talking mechanism and stylish mod fashions.
- Topps | Trading Cards
1968 Topps Baseball Cards
Highlighted by a distinctive burlap-style border design, this famous card set included the legendary rookie card of pitcher Nolan Ryan.
- Mattel | Action Figure Playset
Major Matt Mason Space Station
Capitalizing on Apollo-era space fever, this bendable astronaut figure line expanded with a massive three-story lunar station playset.
- Hasbro | Creative Craft Toy
Lite-Brite
Children created glowing, stained-glass-style artwork by pushing colorful translucent plastic pegs through black paper into an illuminated box.
- Kenner | Drawing Toy
Spirograph
Using interlocking plastic gears and colored pens, kids created intricate geometric patterns and hypnotic mathematical art.
- LEGO | Building Sets
LEGO Motorized Train (Set 113)
This popular red and black train set featured a 4.5-volt battery motor, allowing children to build running railway systems.
- Ideal Toy Company | Board Game
KerPlunk
Players carefully pulled plastic straws from a clear tube while trying to prevent a cascade of marbles from tumbling to the base.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?