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Top Toys of 1989

The year 1989 was a time of change and innovation. It was a year that left a lasting impact on the toy industry and marked the founding of Printing Partners, a company dedicated to excellence in printing and community engagement.

KayBee Toy Store Christmas In October Ad from 1989

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Top Toys of 1989

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Top Toys of 1989
Released in 1988
Height of Popularity: 1989-1990

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

In 1989, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dominated toy shelves. Action figures based on the hit cartoon brought Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael into millions of homes. Each character came with a signature weapon and personality, fueling endless battles and adventures.

The figures stood out for their bold colors and detailed designs, quickly becoming collectibles as well as playthings. Stores often struggled to keep them in stock, a clear sign of their massive appeal.

The craze spread far beyond toys—lunchboxes, clothing, and school supplies carried the Turtles’ faces, turning them into a full-scale cultural phenomenon. Their success reshaped the toy market of the late ’80s and cemented the Turtles as icons still celebrated today.

Shop toys from 1989 on eBay.

Looking to relive the magic of 1989? Add these classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures to your collection! Whether you're a nostalgic fan or a collector, find rare and vintage TMNT figures on eBay today , including Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Spoiler Alert: They are expensive.

Top Toy 1989: G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle
Released in 1989
Height of Popularity: 1989-1990

G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle

In 1989, the G.I. Joe franchise went interstellar with the Crusader Space Shuttle. This toy took the battle beyond Earth, sparking imaginative adventures for fans everywhere. The shuttle’s detailed design captured kids' imaginations. It came complete with a detachable booster and the Payload figure, making it a standout in the G.I. Joe lineup.

Kids launched daring space missions and epic battles, combining the excitement of space exploration with classic G.I. Joe action. Decades later, this toy remains a collector's gem, representing a bold era when G.I. Joe explored the final frontier.

Released in 1989, the G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle, with its 32-inch-long Defiant orbiter and massive gantry, was the largest playset in the franchise’s history, thrilling kids with its space mission scale.

The G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle was officially released in 1989 as part of the G.I. Joe "A Real American Hero" series. A retool of the 1987 Defiant shuttle, Crusader included the Avenger Scout Craft drone and a repainted Payload figure, capturing the era’s fascination with space and high-tech military vehicles.

Shop G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle on eBay

Discover rare and vintage G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle toys on eBay—a must for collectors of 1980s high-tech military and space-themed action figures.

Top Toy 1989: The Koosh Ball
Invented in 1987
Height of Popularity: Late 1980s

The Koosh Ball

In 1986, engineer Scott Stillinger invented the Koosh Ball to help his children learn to catch. He designed it with a soft core and approximately 2,000 rubber filaments, making it easy to grip and less likely to bounce away. The Koosh Ball quickly became a popular toy, with over 50 million units sold by 1994, generating an estimated annual revenue of $30 million for OddzOn Products. In 1997, Hasbro acquired the Koosh Ball for $100 million, further solidifying its place in toy history.

Koosh Ball

The Koosh Ball, with its bright, rubbery strands, was a tactile delight. It was simple yet captivating to kids and adults alike.

Introduced in 1987, it offered a break from conventional toys. Its design allowed for endless tossing, squeezing, and fiddling.

Kids enjoyed the soft, easy-to-catch design. It made playing catch accessible to younger children, encouraging more active play.

Its vibrant colors and odd texture also made it stand out. Many found it hard to resist picking up and playing.

Koosh Balls remain popular due to their unique design and playful appeal. They embodied the idea that sometimes less is more.

Shop Koosh Ball toys on Amazon

Looking to relive the fun of the late 1980s? The Koosh Ball, with its colorful strands and soft design, remains an iconic toy that defined the era. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or introducing this classic to a new generation, you can find original Koosh Balls and new variations on Amazon.

Top Toy 1989: Batman Action Figures
Released in 1989
Height of Popularity: 1989

Batman 1989 Toys

Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman" film was a cinematic event. It also sparked a surge in related toys, capturing kids' imaginations. The action figures were detailed and collectible. Each figure brought Gotham's heroes and villains straight into children's playrooms.

Playsets allowed kids to recreate iconic scenes from the movie. Batman's Batmobile and the Batcave were must-have items. The film's dark, stylish aesthetic translated perfectly to toys. Children embraced this darker, more complex version of a superhero world.

These toys remain treasured by collectors today. Batman's enduring popularity and the movie's influence ensured these toys' legacy.

Batman 1989 Action Figures

The year 1989 marked the release of Tim Burton's iconic Batman film, and the accompanying action figures became instant classics. From Michael Keaton’s Batman to Jack Nicholson’s Joker, these figures captured the magic of Gotham City.

Shop 1989 Batman action figures on eBay

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a collector, you can find vintage Batman 1989 action figures on eBay. Spoiler Alert: The Batmobile might just steal the show!

Top Toy 1989: Garbage Pail Kids Trading Cards
Released in 1985
Height of Popularity: 1985-1989

Garbage Pail Kids Cards

Produced by Topps, they were created as a parody of the popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.

The Garbage Pail Kids Cards were unlike any other trading cards. They offered humor mixed with a touch of controversy. Each card featured a unique character with an outlandish, often gross, theme. These cards were a playground sensation. The artwork on the cards was both creative and shocking. Kids loved the humor, but not all parents were amused. Despite—or perhaps because of—their controversy, these cards flew off shelves. Collectors scrambled to complete their unique sets. Decades later, Garbage Pail Kids remain a nostalgic treasure. They capture a quirky piece of 1989's youth culture.

Garbage Pail Kids Cards

If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember the outrageous humor of Garbage Pail Kids. These quirky trading cards, first released in 1985, quickly became a playground phenomenon and collector’s dream.

Shop Garbage Pail Kids cards on eBay

Whether you’re hunting for full sets, rare finds, or individual cards, you can explore vintage Garbage Pail Kids card sets on eBay. Spoiler Alert: Finding a mint-condition Adam Bomb might just blow your mind!

Top Toy 1989: Micro Machines
Released in 1987
Height of Popularity: 1987-1990

Micro Machines

The success of Micro Machines was significantly boosted by their energetic TV commercials featuring John Moschitta Jr., known as the world's fastest talker at the time. His rapid-fire delivery and the memorable tagline, "Remember: if it doesn't say Micro Machines, it's not the real thing!" became synonymous with the brand.

Micro Machines changed the toy landscape in 1989. Tiny yet intricately detailed, these miniature vehicles captivated many kids. They were perfect for imaginative play. Kids could create entire cities or racetracks, limited only by their creativity and space. Collectibility played a big role in their appeal. Each set offered a wide range of vehicles, encouraging trading among friends. Portability was another advantage. Children could easily carry their tiny fleets anywhere, bringing fun to any playdate or school event. The lasting impact of Micro Machines is felt even today. Their detailed, compact design continues to inspire collectors and new generations alike.

Shop 1989 Micro Machines on eBay

Take a trip down memory lane with the classic 1989 Micro Machines! These miniature marvels, known for their intricate details and variety, were a staple of 1980s and 1990s toy collections. Whether you're rekindling childhood memories or starting a new collection, you can find a wide array of vintage Micro Machines on eBay. Spoiler Alert: These tiny treasures pack a big nostalgic punch!

Shop Micro Machines on Amazon

Looking for brand-new Micro Machines at a great price? Whether you’re a collector or buying for a new generation of fans, Amazon has you covered. Explore the latest Micro Machines sets, vehicles, and playsets from the official brand store, all with the detail and variety that made them iconic. Shop now for Micro Machines on Amazon and bring home the tiny toys with big fun!

Top Toy 1989: M.U.S.C.L.E Action Figures
Released in 1985
Height of Popularity: 1985-1989

M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures

The figures were initially released in a monochromatic "flesh" color, with later series introducing a variety of vibrant hues, enhancing their collectibility.

M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures brought a new level of excitement to the toy world in the mid-1980s. These tiny wrestling figures, inspired by Japan's Kinnikuman series, quickly captured the imaginations of kids across the U.S.

They were perfect for imaginative battles. Kids could stage epic wrestling matches and create their own storylines, complete with heroes, villains, and rivalries.

Collectibility was a key part of their charm. With over 200 unique characters in various poses and colors, each new figure added to the thrill of the hunt and encouraged trading among friends.

Their small size made them incredibly portable. Children could carry handfuls of M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures in pockets or bags, turning any moment into a chance for play.

The legacy of M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures remains strong today. Their quirky designs, affordability, and nostalgic appeal continue to inspire collectors and fans of retro toys.

M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures

Shop 1989 M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures on eBay

Rediscover the charm of the 1980s M.U.S.C.L.E. figures! These miniature wrestlers, known for their diverse designs and nostalgic appeal, are a collector's delight. Whether you're rekindling childhood memories or expanding your collection, explore a wide selection of vintage M.U.S.C.L.E. figures on eBay. Spoiler Alert: Original unopened packs are quite expensive.

Shop M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures on Amazon

Looking to add brand-new M.U.S.C.L.E. figures to your collection? Amazon offers a range of these classic mini wrestlers, perfect for enthusiasts and new fans alike. Shop now for M.U.S.C.L.E. figures on Amazon and relive the excitement of the 1980s with these unique collectibles!

Released in 1988
Height of Popularity: 1988-1990

Skip-It by Tiger

Time Magazine recognized Skip-It as one of the 100 best toys ever, highlighting its significant impact on playtime culture.

Skip-It was one of the hottest outdoor toys in 1989. Simple yet endlessly entertaining, it encouraged kids to stay active and have fun. The design was straightforward: a loop around the ankle and a ball that spun with every hop. The goal? To keep skipping and see how many spins you could count.

Kids loved the challenge, turning it into friendly competitions. It was perfect for solo play or for impressing friends at recess. Skip-It’s bright colors and satisfying clicks made it a playground staple. Its appeal was timeless—proving that simple toys could create big excitement.

Shop 1989 Skip-It toys on eBay

Relive the joy of the 1980s Skip-It! This classic ankle toy, known for its engaging play and nostalgic value, is a must-have for enthusiasts. Whether you're revisiting childhood memories or starting a vintage toy collection, explore a wide variety of vintage Skip-It toys on eBay. Spoiler Alert: These retro toys are as fun now as they were back then!

Shop Skip-It toys on Amazon

Looking to introduce the Skip-It to a new generation or rekindle your own childhood fun? Amazon offers a selection of these timeless ankle toys, perfect for active play and nostalgia alike. Shop now for Skip-It toys on Amazon and bring back the excitement of this classic game!

Top Toy 1989: Ghostbusters II Action Figures
Released in 1989
Height of Popularity: 1989-1990

Ghostbusters II Action Figures

The Ghostbusters II action figures featured “Fright Features,” where pressing a button would trigger exaggerated expressions of shock and fear—adding a fun, cartoonish twist for kids.

Ghostbusters II action figures were a must-have toy in 1989. Inspired by the hit movie and cartoon, they let kids bring ghost-hunting adventures to life.

The figures had a fun twist: Fright Features. When you pressed a button, their faces would pop into silly, scared expressions. It was spooky, funny, and perfect for playtime.

Each figure came with a ghost companion, adding even more excitement. Kids could collect the whole team and pair them with the famous Ecto-1 car or the Firehouse Headquarters playset.

These toys were a hit. Kids loved recreating scenes, fighting ghosts, and making up their own stories. Simple, fun, and full of character, Ghostbusters II figures were a favorite for fans in the late '80s and early '90s.

Shop 1989 Ghostbusters II action figures on eBay

The Ghostbusters II action figures brought the ghost-hunting fun of the 1989 film to life! Featuring the unique “Fright Features” gimmick and spooky companions, these toys were a must-have for fans. Whether you're a collector or reliving childhood memories, explore vintage Ghostbusters II action figures on eBay and bring home a piece of 1989 nostalgia!

Top Toy 1989: Nintendo Game Boy
Released in 1989

The Game Boy Revolution

In 1989, the Game Boy changed the gaming world. It was a handheld console that made playing on the go possible. Nintendo introduced the Game Boy with iconic titles. Tetris and Super Mario Land quickly became must-have games. Its grayscale screen and simple controls were revolutionary. Players could game anywhere, anytime, without being tied to a TV. The Game Boy's portability and game selection were key to its success. It appealed to a broad audience, from kids to adults. Decades later, its legacy lives on. The Game Boy paved the way for all portable gaming devices that followed.

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