We all had a favorite childhood toy growing up, whether it was a stuffed bear, doll, or action figure. The thoughts of the moments we shared with our inanimate friend warm our heart even now that we are older.

We look back at the toys from our childhood in the 50s, 60s and 70s (and for some even the 80s or 90s) and think “gee, we really  knew how to play.” We used our imaginations, and in my opinion are better off in life for doing so.

I’m not against video games or technology, but children need to exercise their imaginations growing up. Your imagination is what helps you solve problems when you get older and when you don’t develop a strong one you’ll pay for it in a lack of creativity later.

The Heinz History Center, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, put on a exhibit in Pittsburgh titled TOYS of the 50s, 60s and 70s.  It’s a massive display of 500 childhood favorites from Gumby to Barbie and Atari. We took time earlier in the month to take a walk around the exhibit, which closes at the end of May, and were amazed at the diverse collection and how many toys were staples of our own childhoods.

The exhibit floor

One of three period living rooms to get you in the mood

Fisher Price a staple of my childhood

The Smithsonian will be picking up their toys May 31. If you don’t have time to visit the museum in Pittsburgh this weekend, don’t worry. We’ve been informed the exhibit is a traveling one and will setting up shop at The Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, Washington July 2 through September 25th.