History's Best Selling Toys of 1976

Make way for the hits of 1976! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the disco & blockbuster decade and the march of first-rate toys. Crowd-pleasers such as Star Trek Electronic Phasers shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Stretch Armstrong and Mattel Auto Race. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Mego Corporation and Kenner Products, these trailblazing products defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Star Trek Electronic Phasers

   Released in 1976 by Mego Corporation

   On February 15, 1976, at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, Mego Corporation boldly went where no toy company had gone before. Capitalizing on the immense popularity of the original Star Trek series in syndication, Mego unveiled its comprehensive line of action figures and accessories. A standout star of this debut was the Electronic Phaser. This wasn't just a static plastic prop; it was an interactive experience. Its introduction on this date marked a pivotal moment for science fiction toys, demonstrating that licensed merchandise could be technologically advanced and immersive, setting a new standard for role-playing toys and firing the opening salvo for a decade of sci-fi toy dominance.

2. Stretch Armstrong

   Released in 1976 by Kenner Products

   On May 24, 1976, the foundation for one of the most iconic toys of the 1970s was legally solidified. On this date, inventor William H. Armasmith filed U.S. patent 3,995,396, assigned to Kenner Products, for a 'stretchable figure toy.' This document protected the revolutionary concept of a latex doll filled with a viscous gel, allowing it to be stretched to incredible lengths before slowly returning to its original shape. This patent filing was the crucial step that allowed Kenner to exclusively market this unique plaything, paving the way for Stretch Armstrong's holiday debut later that year and securing its place as a groundbreaking and unforgettable entry in toy history.

3. Mattel Auto Race

   Released in 1976 by Mattel Electronics, George Klose, Richard Cheng

   The Mattel Auto Race, launched in 1976, wasn't just another toy; it was a revolution in miniature. As the first successful handheld electronic game, it captivated children and adults alike, signaling a dramatic shift in how people would play. Prior to its arrival, electronic gaming was largely confined to arcades or expensive home consoles. This compact, battery-powered device brought the thrill of the race track into the palm of your hand, becoming an instant cultural phenomenon. Its glowing red LEDs and surprisingly engaging gameplay made it the must-have gadget of the holiday season, paving the way for decades of portable entertainment and forever changing the landscape of the toy industry with its innovative spirit.

4. Kermit the Frog

   Released in 1976 by Fisher-Price and other manufacturers, Jim Henson

   Kermit the Frog, the amiable amphibian conceived by Jim Henson, first hopped into the hearts of audiences in 1955. However, it was with the international sensation of "The Muppet Show" in 1976 that Kermit truly transformed into a global icon, sparking an immense demand for his likeness in toy form. The introduction of mass-market Kermit toys, primarily plush dolls, coincided perfectly with the show's skyrocketing popularity. Children and adults alike clamored to bring home a piece of the Muppet magic, turning these toys into an instant cultural phenomenon and a staple of toy aisles worldwide, signifying the character's transition from screen star to tangible companion.