My Old Toys

It’s fun to reminisce about toys you played with while growing up.  I like looking at old photos of Christmas mornings to see what toys were under the tree and which ones I remember playing with.  Few of my toys remain now, which is surprising because my father never threw anything away. But I understand how that happened, having gone through it with our boys.  When the toy is worn out or not used anymore, it gets donated somewhere or more likely tossed.  I have tried to save more of our boys’ toys in boxes in the attic. Here is what I do still have:

Sno-Man Sno-Cone Machine – This toy by Hasbro was a big hit because it made a sweet treat.  All you needed was a few ice cubes and a packet of their syrupy flavoring.  This kept us busy making our own snacks.  For some fun memories, here is a Sno-Man Sno Cone commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smHmoIGR2P8

My Nun Doll – Back when I attended St. Patrick’s School for grades 3-4, I remember the nuns taking us to the ‘store’ on special days where we could buy religious things.  I don’t remember much more than that, but I do have the nun doll to prove it.  I don’t have many memories of actually playing with it though; I guess she seemed too much like my nun teacher to actually have her do any fun things.

Penny Brite – Ok, so I don’t still have my Penny Brite doll… and that’s bothering me.  She was my favorite.  I also had her kitchen set, bedroom set, and her cool blue plastic car.  I had the carrying case and several of her outfits and accessories.  I used to love setting up all the furniture and playing with her.  I have checked my parents’ attic, asked my sister, and checked the boxes in my own attic in case my father packed it away and gave it to me years ago, but no luck.  Lately I have been thinking a lot about getting a Penny Brite doll.  I can’t really explain why.  I have been looking on eBay and am even contemplating placing a bid.  In a way I feel like that is cheating though, because it won’t be my Penny Brite. So why am I having this urge?  At my age, I am hardly nesting.  Neither of our sons has a girlfriend, so grandchildren are not in the near future.  Could I be regressing back to childhood?  Looking for a leisure time activity?  Ha!  I hardly have time to write this blog let alone play with dolls.  Where would I even set up the doll furniture?  I can’t explain it other than I guess it was a big part of my childhood that I want back. 

Does anyone remember Penny Brite?

Some other toys I have fond memories of playing with include: Operation, Slinky, Etch-a-Sketch, Mr. Potato Head, Gumby, Pick Up Sticks, Rock‘em Sock‘em Robots, Tinker Toys, Hula-Hoops, Pogo Sticks, Silly Putty, and Yo-yos.  What were some of your favorites growing up and do you still have them?