70’s Children’s Toys And Books

Most of us tend to keep a few toys from the past. Having grown up in the 70’s/80’’s, some of my keepsakes are quite old now. Some nearly reaching 50 years very soon. Frightening!

Dependent on the items, some are in better condition than others. Generally speaking, the items are more sentimental than actually worth anything. Though the 70’s Star Wars items could be collectable.

I wish I still had more of my books and old toys but I may still have more than some. When I moved out of home, I left most things in the loft. Unfortunately, they were then thrown out I believe when my parents moved when I was older. I was given the opportunity to retrieve more items and wish I did now.

All items are originals that I have owned since childhood apart from the Star Wars collectable cards. I did collect them as a child and remember them well in the 70’s, trading the cards in the playground. I later bought the complete set of about 64 cards and have them carefully kept in a folder as they hold good memories.

One item that was treasured was a yellow little bear called Peter. I had him from birth and he now is kept somewhere very special, though I can no longer get access to him or show a recent photo. This photo was taken about 15 years ago and can picture and remember him very well.

I also remember fondly a Little Professor toy and my sisters Speak and Spell. They were fun educational learning toys for children by Texas Instruments. They were very expensive at the time. Little Professor was mine to help with maths with games and the Speak and Spell was owned by my sister. Famed for featuring in the film ET. Unfortunately we no longer have these and would be collectable.

The remainder of the items that I still have are in my office and some are on display but all treasured. The mouse with flower on head is very special. My parents gave me 50p pocket money on a school trip. I spent it all on the mouse as a gift for my Mum which she treasured forever. She was most taken with 6 year old me buying her that mouse. She kept it all her life and renewed the corn a couple of times, and is now on display in my office behind glass.

A couple of the items were bought second hand around 1973. I remember my Mum placing me on a canteen style trolley and wheeling me around as she picked up items for my sister and I. It may have been a Christmas Fair but was definitely in Addlestone and I think it was the old community centre/hall. The knitted rabbit and plastic bendable wire bunny in pics (3 and 6 below) were from that memorable trip which is possibly one of my earliest memories. The kid who tried taking an item off the trolley for themselves quickly learnt not to take. I recall Mum quickly dealing.