Top Toys in 1989
The year 1989 was a time of change and innovation. It was a year that left a lasting impact on the toy industry and marked the founding of Printing Partners, a company dedicated to excellence in printing and community engagement.
he top toys of 1989 were not just playthings. They were cultural phenomena that defined a generation.
From the action-packed world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the gross-out humor of Garbage Pail Kids Cards, these toys captured the hearts of children. They also sparked the imaginations of adults, becoming collectible items that are still sought after today.
This article will take you on a nostalgic journey back to 1989. We'll explore the top 36 toys that made that year unforgettable.
Whether you're a collector, a pop culture enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to reminisce about the good old days, this article is for you.
So, let's step back in time and rediscover the top toys of 1989, a year of unforgettable memories and the start of Printing Partners' legacy.
1989 Toy Nostalgia
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures:
Released in 1988 Height of Popularity: 1989-1990
In 1989, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were unstoppable. These heroes captured the imaginations of children everywhere.
The action figures based on the animated series were a massive hit. Each figure represented a distinct personality and unique weapon.
Kids were enamored with Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. They were not just toys; they sparked endless adventures.
The vibrant designs and attention to detail set them apart. These figures weren't just for play; they were collectibles.
Stores struggled to keep Ninja Turtle toys stocked. The demand highlighted the powerful pull of these crime-fighting turtles.
The series paved the way for a flood of merchandise. From lunchboxes to clothing, everything bore their likeness.
The Turtles' popularity soared beyond action figures. Their impact was undeniable, influencing the toy industry itself.
Looking back, the Ninja Turtles defined a generation. They remain iconic, still attracting fans old and new today.
G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle
Released in 1988 Height of Popularity: 1989-1990 The G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle, released by Hasbro in 1989, was a more affordable alternative to the earlier Defiant Space Vehicle Launch Complex.
In 1989, the G.I. Joe franchise went interstellar with the Crusader Space Shuttle. This toy took the battle beyond Earth, sparking imaginative adventures for fans everywhere.
The shuttle’s detailed design captured kids' imaginations. It came complete with a detachable booster and the Payload figure, making it a standout in the G.I. Joe lineup.
Kids launched daring space missions and epic battles. The Crusader combined the excitement of space exploration with the classic G.I. Joe action.
Decades later, this toy remains a collector's gem. It represents a bold era when G.I. Joe went beyond the battlefield to explore the final frontier.
The Koosh Ball
Invented in 1987 Height of Popularity: Late 1980s In 1986, engineer Scott Stillinger invented the Koosh Ball to help his children learn to catch. He designed it with a soft core and approximately 2,000 rubber filaments, making it easy to grip and less likely to bounce away. The Koosh Ball quickly became a popular toy, with over 50 million units sold by 1994, generating an estimated annual revenue of $30 million for OddzOn Products. In 1997, Hasbro acquired the Koosh Ball for $100 million, further solidifying its place in toy history. 12 Kooky Facts About Koosh Balls
The Koosh Ball, with its bright, rubbery strands, was a tactile delight. It was simple yet captivating to kids and adults alike.
Introduced in 1987, it offered a break from conventional toys. Its design allowed for endless tossing, squeezing, and fiddling.
Kids enjoyed the soft, easy-to-catch design. It made playing catch accessible to younger children, encouraging more active play.
Its vibrant colors and odd texture also made it stand out. Many found it hard to resist picking up and playing.
Koosh Balls remain popular due to their unique design and playful appeal. They embodied the idea that sometimes less is more.
Batman 1989 Toys
Released in 1989 Height of Popularity: 1989
Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman" film was a cinematic event. It also sparked a surge in related toys, capturing kids' imaginations.
The action figures were detailed and collectible. Each figure brought Gotham's heroes and villains straight into children's playrooms.
Playsets allowed kids to recreate iconic scenes from the movie. Batman's Batmobile and the Batcave were must-have items.
The film's dark, stylish aesthetic translated perfectly to toys. Children embraced this darker, more complex version of a superhero world.
These toys remain treasured by collectors today. Batman's enduring popularity and the movie's influence ensured these toys' legacy.
Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Released in 1985 Height of Popularity: 1985-1989 Produced by Topps, they were created as a parody of the popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.
The Garbage Pail Kids Cards were unlike any other trading cards. They offered humor mixed with a touch of controversy.
Each card featured a unique character with an outlandish, often gross, theme. These cards were a playground sensation.
The artwork on the cards was both creative and shocking. Kids loved the humor, but not all parents were amused.
Despite—or perhaps because of—their controversy, these cards flew off shelves. Collectors scrambled to complete their unique sets.
Decades later, Garbage Pail Kids remain a nostalgic treasure. They capture a quirky piece of 1989's youth culture.
Micro Machines
Released in 1987 Height of Popularity: 1987-1990 The success of Micro Machines was significantly boosted by their energetic TV commercials featuring John Moschitta Jr., known as the world's fastest talker at the time. His rapid-fire delivery and the memorable tagline, "Remember: if it doesn't say Micro Machines, it's not the real thing!" became synonymous with the brand.
Micro Machines changed the toy landscape in 1989. Tiny yet intricately detailed, these miniature vehicles captivated many kids.
They were perfect for imaginative play. Kids could create entire cities or racetracks, limited only by their creativity and space.
Collectibility played a big role in their appeal. Each set offered a wide range of vehicles, encouraging trading among friends.
Portability was another advantage. Children could easily carry their tiny fleets anywhere, bringing fun to any playdate or school event.
The lasting impact of Micro Machines is felt even today. Their detailed, compact design continues to inspire collectors and new generations alike.
M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures
Released in 1985 Height of Popularity: 1985-1989 The figures were initially released in a monochromatic "flesh" color, with later series introducing a variety of vibrant hues, enhancing their collectibility.
M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures brought a new level of excitement to the toy world in the mid-1980s. These tiny wrestling figures, inspired by Japan's Kinnikuman series, quickly captured the imaginations of kids across the U.S.
They were perfect for imaginative battles. Kids could stage epic wrestling matches and create their own storylines, complete with heroes, villains, and rivalries.
Collectibility was a key part of their charm. With over 200 unique characters in various poses and colors, each new figure added to the thrill of the hunt and encouraged trading among friends.
Their small size made them incredibly portable. Children could carry handfuls of M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures in pockets or bags, turning any moment into a chance for play.
The legacy of M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures remains strong today. Their quirky designs, affordability, and nostalgic appeal continue to inspire collectors and fans of retro toys.
Skip-It by Tiger
Released in 1988 Height of Popularity: 1988-1990 Time Magazine recognized Skip-It as one of the 100 best toys ever, highlighting its significant impact on playtime culture.
Skip-It was one of the hottest outdoor toys in 1989. Simple yet endlessly entertaining, it encouraged kids to stay active and have fun.
The design was straightforward: a loop around the ankle and a ball that spun with every hop. The goal? To keep skipping and see how many spins you could count.
Kids loved the challenge, turning it into friendly competitions. It was perfect for solo play or for impressing friends at recess.
Skip-It’s bright colors and satisfying clicks made it a playground staple. Its appeal was timeless—proving that simple toys could create big excitement.
Ghostbusters II Action Figurs
Released in 1989 Height of Popularity: 1989-1990 The Ghostbusters II action figures featured “Fright Features,” where pressing a button would trigger exaggerated expressions of shock and fear—adding a fun, cartoonish twist for kids.
Ghostbusters II action figures were a must-have toy in 1989. Inspired by the hit movie and cartoon, they let kids bring ghost-hunting adventures to life.
The figures had a fun twist: Fright Features. When you pressed a button, their faces would pop into silly, scared expressions. It was spooky, funny, and perfect for playtime.
Each figure came with a ghost companion, adding even more excitement. Kids could collect the whole team and pair them with the famous Ecto-1 car or the Firehouse Headquarters playset.
These toys were a hit. Kids loved recreating scenes, fighting ghosts, and making up their own stories. Simple, fun, and full of character, Ghostbusters II figures were a favorite for fans in the late '80s and early '90s.
The Game Boy Revolution:
Portable Gaming BeginsIn 1989, the Game Boy changed the gaming world. It was a handheld console that made playing on the go possible.
Nintendo introduced the Game Boy with iconic titles. Tetris and Super Mario Land quickly became must-have games.
Its grayscale screen and simple controls were revolutionary. Players could game anywhere, anytime, without being tied to a TV.
The Game Boy's portability and game selection were key to its success. It appealed to a broad audience, from kids to adults.
Decades later, its legacy lives on. The Game Boy paved the way for all portable gaming devices that followed.
1989 Saturday Morning Commercials
42 Minutes of Commercials From This Great YearMore Than Just Toys: The Cultural Impact of 1989's Top Toys
The toys of 1989 were more than simple playthings. They reflected cultural shifts and technological advances.
With the rise of action figures, boys' and girls' toy markets became distinctly targeted. Action figures were detailed and articulated, appealing to young collectors.
Movie tie-ins became significant in boosting toy sales. Batman and other popular franchises influenced a generation's play habits.
Collectible toys, like Garbage Pail Kids Cards, created a subculture. Kids traded and swapped, fostering early lessons in commerce and value.
Video games also grew in prominence with releases like the Sega Genesis. This shift introduced children to new, interactive ways of playing.
Toys like Koosh Balls emphasized tactile experiences. Simple yet innovative, these toys captured broad appeal across different age groups.
Toy commercials during Saturday morning cartoons drove demand. Clever marketing strategies left lasting impressions on young minds.
Environmental consciousness began affecting toy production and packaging. Parents favored eco-friendly options as awareness grew.
The 1989 holiday season showcased consumer trends. Popular toys flew off shelves, marking significant moments in retail history.
Decades later, these toys evoke nostalgia. They're cherished reminders of a simpler time and the cultural landscape of an era.
Learn What Else Happened in 1989