Toys · 1972
Tactile Play and Iconic Games Take Center Stage
In 1972, living rooms and playgrounds buzzed with clever code-breaking board games, foam sports gear, and colorful card decks. Families gathered around innovative playthings that defined a cozy, creative decade of childhood fun.
- Kenner / Fashion Doll
Blythe Doll
Featuring oversized heads and eyes that changed color with the pull of a string, Kenner introduced the distinctive Blythe fashion doll to toy shelves.
- Parker Brothers / Sports Toy
NERF Football
Invented by John Cox and released by Parker Brothers, this soft polyurethane foam ball allowed kids to throw deep passes indoors without breaking household valuables.
- International Games / Card Game
Uno Card Game
Conceived by barber Merle Robbins, this vibrant shedding-type card game saw widespread commercial distribution in 1972, quickly becoming a staple of family game nights.
- Parker Brothers / Word Game
Boggle
Invented by Allan Turoff in 1972, this fast-paced word-search game challenged players to find hidden words in a grid of sixteen letter cubes before the sand timer ran out.
- Kenner / Action Toy
SSP Smash-Up Derby
Kenner's high-friction zip-cord cars allowed kids to slam plastic stock cars into each other, popping off doors and hoods upon impact for easy reassembly.
- Topps / Trading Cards
1972 Topps Baseball Cards
Featuring a colorful psychedelic arch design, this massive 787-card set included legendary player cards and vibrant action shots that defined 1970s collecting.
- LEGO / Construction Set
LEGO 347 Hospital Set
Complete with a printed red-cross building facade, a yellow ambulance, and a wheeled gurney, this classic set expanded the growing LEGO town theme.
- Invicta Plastics / Strategy Board Game
Mastermind
Designed by Mordecai Meirowitz, this tense code-breaking game featuring colored pegs earned widespread acclaim and exploded in worldwide popularity during 1972.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?