Specialty toys and gifts cover such a simultaneously wide and narrow swath of the market that a look through the Toy Book archive yields almost mind-boggling finds. Plush vegetables, games that teach tax skills, licensed laundry hamper basketball hoops: The variety of products offered in 1988 is only matched by those toys’ creativity and novelty. Below, find a select few specialty and gift items that highlight The Toy Book of yesteryear.
VIDEO VEGETABLES
The pouch-bearing plush in this line consists of five characters for kids to collect, including Telly Tater, Sweet Potato Sue, Sleepy Squash, Grouch Tomato, and Portly Pickle.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- VIDEO VEGETABLES
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
DIRTY DUNK
An alternative to the traditional laundry hamper, the NBA-licensed Dirty Dunk consists of a long nylon basketball net with a drawstring bottom.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- CHARLICO
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
AMERICAN ROULETTE
Players don’t need any knowledge of taxes to play this tax-themed game, which includes historical trivia and information about new tax rules.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- ROSEMARY GAMES
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
JIGZOO PLAY PUZZLE
Six large fabric-covered foam animals interlock to form a giant 3D puzzle.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- FIRST STEP DESIGNS
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
STRESS ATTACK
This family game takes players through stress-filled life periods, including childhood, school, jobs, and even love life.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- STRESS BUSTERS
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
ETCH A SKETCH ANIMATOR 2000
Featuring a stylus and touchpad instead of knobs, Ohio Art’s animator offers 30 drawing functions and up to 99 frames of animation.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- OHIO ART
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
A version of this feature was originally published in The Toy Book’s 2024 Specialty Toys & Gifts Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
The post Flashback: The Quirky Toys of 1988 appeared first on The Toy Book.
