5. Hasbro’s Action Figures of GI Joe
Where it was sold: Montgomery Ward’s Toys “R” Us
Organization: Hasbro
* Original Cost: $3.99
Hasbro In the 1960s, GI Joe Action Figures took the toy industry by storm and popularized the idea of the “action figure” for boys—a word designed to promote these dolls as tough, mobile adventurers. Kids might imagine their own epic scenarios and reenact historical conflicts with GI Joe’s assortment of uniforms and equipment.

eBay/Pinterest: Hasbro GI Joe Action Figures
These characters offered countless tales of daring and adventure, serving as emblems of boldness and creativity. Playtime was transformed by GI Joe, who broke away from stereotypically masculine toys and allowed kids to see the world through the eyes of their tiny heroes, turning every backyard into a battleground for liberation.
