While everyone is gearing up to say goodbye to 2019, we’ve been busy channeling Marty McFly and taking a stroll through the past – without the DeLorean, unfortunately. Our curious minds wanted to know what toys were considered “totally tubular” 30 years ago. And how much did they cost compared to today’s holiday picks.
The verdict? Read below to find out.
1989 Game Boy vs 2019 Nintendo Switch
Customers stormed through the stores to snag the beloved pocket-size video game system at a pricey $89.99 in the ‘80s. And Nintendo has delivered once again, this time with its Switch handheld console. Only now, shoppers are shelling out 300 bucks online at sites like Walmart.com.
1989 Lil Miss Makeup vs 2019 L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco O.M.G. Crystal Star Doll
Mattel shocked little ones everywhere with its blond-haired Lil Miss Makeup doll, which saw her makeup, nail polish and earrings magically appear. A 1989 KB Toys catalog listed her at just $19.99. But today, the kiddos are crying out for a collector edition fashion doll from L.O.L. Surprise! that costs roughly $50.
1989 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs 2019 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Who are we kidding? This foursome never really went away. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael action figures were once a bargain at $3.49 each. They’ve since gone through various reincarnations, thanks to hit movies and TV reboots. However, if your heart is still set on the classic 4-pack, you can shop it for $39.99 at GameStop.com this Christmas.
So, even though these throwback toys aren’t too different from what we’re accustomed to now, it’s hard to ignore the skyrocketing prices. But that’s where we come in! You can finish checking off holiday wish lists and make cash back on your purchases through us. Let’s see 1989 beat that.
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Editor's Note: Promos were correct at time of publication.
Related Posts: Top 10 Toys for Kids
by Diana Oliveira
Diana Oliveira is the senior copywriter at TopCashback.com. After beginning her copywriting career at a paper company, where she harnessed her creative chops writing about…paper, this self-described “bargain shopper” has felt at home talking about our many stores, deals and money-saving tips the last few years.