I grew up on a farm in Minnesota, Bikerman. These were some of the most readily available (and yes, inexpensive) "toys". But I did also have some of the usual toys of the times including an Etch-A-Sketch that @stollydriver posted,. I loved reading books and playing board games like Clue and Monopoly and Operation but I don't specifically remember a lot of the actual "toys" that I had. Maybe I was too busy playing outdoors with my rocks, sticks, and cardboard boxes. And riding my pony.
Anyone remember the battery powered toy robots that were all the rage in the 60's & 70's? I had a couple but they weren't very reliable, had them repaired a few times by my Uncle who ran a TV repair shop at the time. They would 'walk' a few paces with flashing eyes and sound effects, then two doors would open on the chest revealing two ray guns to blast anything/anyone to oblivion. The perfect educational toy. I used to playout robotic "attacks" on my younger Sister's first Barbie doll. Poor Barbie always ended up naked.
My friend with all the model cars also had one of these and numerous other drool worthy toys (jammy little bastard). He also had one of the first Space Hoppers when they came out and a Raleigh Chopper. I had a cheap plastic machine gun replica with a rat-tat-tat sound effect and large plastic bayonet, totally out gunned by a Johnny Seven!
Had one of these - came home from school one day and my mum had given it to the kid next door. Fetch a fortune now...
Yes, I had one too, plus a large scale, bump and go, battery powered model with flashing machine guns, along with ejector seat and rear bullet proof screen. You're right about values. If you have a mint example still in the box they fetch hundreds. Unfortunately I actually played with all mine so the boxes were the first thing in the bin!
It has taken me a bit to mature yet ... View attachment 132526 View attachment 132527 View attachment 132528
