The Most Popular Christmas Presents of 1986
Christmas in the '80s hit different. TV took over the world, and everyone was creating a popular franchise with a lot of action figures or planning to do so in the near future. Boys were watching robot shows all day long, girls were travelling to distant lands where everything was pink and cute and tasted sweet, and the toys really did capture those feelings like nothing before them.
Gaming was also evolving from primitive computers and home consoles that looked like furniture to more modern hardware that was designed to blow you away.
So, here are some of the most popular Christmas presents in 1986.
Lazer Tag
This was it. It was revolutionary, and it had so many cheap copies that you probably ended up with one eventually.
GoBots
If you couldn't afford Transformers, this was the next best thing.
GI Joe Flagg
This kid was very lucky.
Action Figures
Another lucky kid, ready to enjoy his favorite franchises on a whole different level.
'80s Bike
Everyone had a bike in the ‘80s, but if you didn’t, Christmas was the perfect time to get one.
Commodore 64
Not as exciting as a Nintendo 64, but it was the most popular computer at the time.
Electronic Games
A lot of variety for kids in 1986, from tabletop classics to electronic games that play for you.
Ping Pong Set
Some kids were simpler and asked for sports games and lots of balls.
Ghostbusters Christmas
Two years after the first movie, the animated TV show brought new life to the franchise.
Easy Bake Oven
Lots of girls were playing mom in the '80s.
Drumkit
A regrettable decision.
Transformers Christmas
With the movie's release in 1986, no parent was safe.
VHS Tapes
Lots of kids got their very first VHS tape in 1986.
Slip n Slide
She was not amused, but probably used it a lot in the summer.
Popples
Everybody wanted one.
NES
Peak Christmas gift.
NES Games
That's the look of a kid who doesn't know how lucky he is.
Blinkins
Ljn made popular toys, but not so popular video games.
