History's Best Selling Toys of 1979

Revisiting 1979 presents a grand parade of toys history, marked by retro grooves and analog innovation and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine, Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car, and Strawberry Shortcake took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Hasbro and Little Tikes led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine

   Released in 1979 by Hasbro

   On February 18, 1979, at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, Hasbro unveiled a product that would become a household staple for generations of children: the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine. Capitalizing on the immense popularity of Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts characters, this toy merged the fun of a creative activity with the reward of a sweet treat. In an era before complex electronics dominated the toy market, this manually operated device offered a simple, tangible experience. Its debut marked a clever move by Hasbro to expand its portfolio with a strongly licensed product that wasn't a board game or action figure, tapping directly into the burgeoning category of kids' activity and food-making kits.

2. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car

   Released in 1979 by Little Tikes

   On November 1, 1979, a new kind of vehicle hit the market, destined to become the first car for millions of children. The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, designed by former automotive designer Jim Mariol, rolled out as a simple, foot-powered plastic car. Its debut marked a pivotal moment in the history of ride-on toys, introducing a product that perfectly balanced safety, durability, and imaginative play. While its popularity would explode in the following decades, particularly the 1990s, this was the day the suburban icon was born. It offered toddlers their first taste of automotive freedom, forever changing the landscape of backyards and playrooms across the globe.

3. Strawberry Shortcake

   Released in 1979 by Kenner Products, Barbi Sargent

   Strawberry Shortcake burst onto the toy scene in late 1979, quickly transitioning from a charming greeting card character into a multi-million-dollar phenomenon. With her distinctive sweet scent and wholesome appeal, she captured the hearts of children worldwide, becoming an undeniable cultural sensation of the early 1980s. Her introduction marked a strategic move by American Greetings and Kenner Products, tapping into a desire for innocent, imaginative play that offered a refreshing contrast to some of the more action-oriented toys of the era. The instant popularity of the doll line proved that even the simplest concepts, when executed with charm and creativity, could lead to extraordinary commercial success and enduring affection.

4. Cozy Coupe

   Released in 1979 by Little Tikes, Jim Mariol

   The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, first introduced in 1979, wasn't just another ride-on toy; it quickly became a cultural touchstone and one of the most recognizable vehicles on driveways and sidewalks worldwide. Its simple yet brilliant design captured the imaginations of millions of children, catapulting it to unparalleled popularity. From its vibrant red and yellow scheme to its friendly face, the Cozy Coupe offered an early taste of independence and adventure, transforming ordinary backyards into bustling highways of make-believe. This iconic toy car transcended mere plaything status, embedding itself deeply into the fabric of childhood memories across generations, becoming an enduring symbol of imaginative outdoor fun and a testament to timeless toy design.

5. Guess Who?

   Released in 1979 by Milton Bradley, Theo Coster Ora Coster Theora Design

   Launched internationally in 1979, Guess Who? quickly became a household name and a staple in family game nights around the world. This iconic two-player deduction game captivated audiences with its straightforward yet deeply engaging premise, instantly becoming a commercial success. Its simple rules made it accessible to players of all ages, fostering countless moments of lighthearted competition and strategic thinking. The game's vibrant character roster and the satisfying thrill of narrowing down possibilities established it as a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place as one of the most beloved and recognizable board games of its era, cherished for its quick-witted fun.

6. Sea Wees

   Released in 1979 by Kenner

   Launched in 1979 by the innovative toy company Kenner, Sea Wees quickly captivated children with their enchanting aquatic theme and interactive features. These charming mermaid-like dolls were designed to bring magic to bath time and water play, offering a fresh and imaginative experience that stood out in the toy aisles of the late 70s. Their vibrant colors and unique abilities made them an instant hit, providing a whimsical escape into an underwater world. Sea Wees tapped into the timeless fascination with mermaids, translating it into a tangible, playful form that resonated deeply with young imaginations looking for a splash of fantasy in their daily routines.

7. The Farming Game

   Released in 1979 by The Weekend Farmer Company, George Rohrbacher

   The Farming Game, launched in 1979 by George Rohrbacher's Weekend Farmer Company, quickly cultivated a unique niche in the board game landscape. Far from the fantastical escapism of many games, it presented a grounded, often challenging simulation of agricultural life, becoming an unexpected success story. Its debut resonated deeply with players seeking a taste of rural reality, especially those with connections to farming or an interest in economics and strategy. This innovative approach, combined with its humble, self-published origins, helped it blossom into a quiet cultural phenomenon, proving that realistic themes could be just as engaging as high fantasy or epic conquest, drawing players into the demanding yet rewarding world of farming.