10 Nostalgic Activity Toys to Share with Nieces and Nephews
Written By Savvy Auntie Staff Writers
By Alyson Trager
June 14, 2017
With fidget spinners the all the rage, we’re nostalgic for the hot activity games and toys from when we were kids! We decided it’s time to call on all the Savvy Aunties to share their favorite childhood activities with their nieces and nephews. Here's what the Savvy Auntourage shared with us on Facebook, with a few of our own added for good measure!
1. Chinese Jacks
Playing Chinese Jacks will test how much your hand-eye coordination has changed since childhood. This game doesn’t require many players and can be played wherever you like! You can also make your own Chinese Jacks for even more QualAuntie time.
A few years ago, a new version came out called Wacky Jax from SV Toys. Check out how the game is played, below:
2. The Original Lemon Twist
This toy is a real throwback from the 1970s! And it probably had you tripping up at least once (okay, maybe twice). Though it may be hard to find the original one some of you had as a kid, there are some of updated versions that are just as much fun.
3. Cat’s Cradle
This is the perfect game for when you’re hanging out one-on-one with your niece or nephew. All you need is a long piece of string tied at the ends to make it circular. Check out these Wikihow instructions to brush up on all the hand movements. Don’t worry, there are illustrations!
4. Rubiks Cube
This 3D cube has had us all puzzled. It even took the inventor himself a month to solve it for the first time. With 42 quintillion permutations, it might just be easier to find a tutorial. Don’t worry we’ve got your back with the link to part one of four video explanations! Watch it with your nieces and nephews so you can brush up on your skills.
5. Pogo Sticks
Trying to teach your niece and nephews how to hop around the backyard will result in some serious QualAuntie time. It will also get them outside and moving around! Your nieces and nephews will have a newfound bounce in their step.
Just um... don't try this at home:
6. Marbles
This game will need a little preparation, as you have to buy the marbles to play with if you don’t already have. You can play indoors or outdoors and with as many people as you like. Your nieces and nephews will be focused in on winning while you get to relax and have fun.
Here's a lesson!
8. Pogs
This game is generically known as “milk caps” and was all the rage in the schoolyard. Any image from the McDonald’s logo to former President Bill Clinton’s face could appear on a pog. You may not be able to find them on the shelves anymore, but you can watch this video of how to make them on your own. Ask your nieces and nephews what they’d like to put on their pogs!
9. Yo-yo
This is an all-time classic. Yo-yos are typically inexpensive and canl result in hours of fun (and untangling strings). Check out this video explaining how to do cool tricks with your yo-yo.
10. Flashlight Tag
You can’t go wrong with this combination of hide and seek and tag. One player uses the flashlight to try to find the other players while they move around and switch hiding spots. It’s a great game for summer nights when your nieces and nephews don’t have school the next day. This is also a fun game to play with multiple adults as well, so feel free to invite all family of all ages to play.
By the way, many of you mentioned Clackers, but since they are no longer considered safe, we did not include them.
Photo: SementsovaLesia