Red Army models
Just like children anywhere in the world, the Soviet kids needed toys to play with. Certainly the range of toys designed and produced was an enviable one, by some standards. However, the aesthetic appearance of toys was not a priority for Soviet designers - toys had to be functional and educational. Anything beyond that, like pleasant looks, was not considered to be important and, moreover, it was seen as an unnecessary indulgence. The lack of competition from the imports due to the planned economy and severe shortages of quality products in the shops actually resulted in the very poor delivery and limited variety of toys. The Soviet parents were able to get only these kinds of toys as imported toys were literally impossible to buy.
Various kinds of car models were very popular with boys...
Bulldozer
Police car
Clockwork car
Truck
Without a question, miniature models of real cars were of the best quality and were of great success with the Soviet children. Nevertheless these models were not actual toys for children: rather, they were rare collectibles for adults.
Miniature models of Soviet cars
Ambulance
Lada Wagon
Volga car
The miniatures of military equipment were another range of car models. Unlike the above lot, these ones were usually made solely from steel and therefore were very durable and more appropriate for children games.
Something military
Tank
Military truck
Armoured car
No doubt that children's toys always reflect the current trends of the time. One of the most popular topics ever was the space exploration - so the Soviet toys designers created astronauts and moon robots.
Soviet astronaut
- Moon robot
Another moon robot
And one more...
Dolls are popular with girls, in any given time in history.
Doll
Girls' set of dolls, bathing and cooking utensils.
Arguably, the Soviet designers also cared about small children: something strange like modern days pokemons.
Cheburashka - the hero of a popular Soviet cartoon
Figurines of soldiers
Tilting doll- every girl had one.
Clocwork birds
The Soviet ideology had a huge influence over the toys' designs.
Young Pioneers
The Red Army Collection
At the end of 1980s, the Soviet electronic industry introduced a range of pocket playstations, where the player would pick up some falling stuff (pictured: the wolf catching eggs in a basket).
Play Station
This review will not be complete without some pictures of overseas toys of the same epoch.
Barbie
Race car
Race course model
Various toys for small children
Popularity: 23%
