Toys · 1977
The Year Toys Went Electronic and Galactic
In 1977, pop culture collided with playrooms as sci-fi blockbusters and early microchip electronics transformed the toy industry forever. From handheld LED sports games to cardboard promises of space figures, kids experienced a revolution in play.
- Topps / Trading Cards
Star Wars Topps Trading Cards
Kids scrambled to collect all sixty-six blue-bordered movie still cards and stickers wrapped with a stick of bubblegum.
- Mattel / Handheld Game
Mattel Electronic Football
Featuring bright red LED dashes moving across a tiny field, this handheld phenomenon became an instant obsession on school buses everywhere.
- Hasbro / Board Game
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Players frantically hammered plastic levers to send colorful hippos gobbling up as many marbles as possible in a chaotic tabletop frenzy.
- LEGO / Building Sets
LEGO Expert Builder Series
Introducing gears, axles, and mechanical realism to LEGO bricks, this groundbreaking line laid the foundation for the Technic theme.
- Kenner / Action Figures
Kenner Star Wars Early Bird Certificate Package
Unable to produce figures in time for Christmas, Kenner brilliantly sold an empty display box promising four figures mailed in early 1978.
- TSR / Role-Playing Game
Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set
Edited by Eric Holmes, this iconic boxed set introduced simplified tabletop role-playing rules to a rapidly growing mainstream audience.
- Mego Corporation / Fashion Dolls
Mego Charlie's Angels Dolls
Capturing the television phenomenon, these stylized fashion dolls allowed kids to recreate glamorous detective adventures.
- Mattel / Novelty Toy
Mattel Slime
Packaged inside miniature plastic garbage cans, this cold, squishy, oozy green compound delivered delightfully gross sensory play.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?