Action Man Figure Top 10 Christmas Toys 1993

Action Man Figure Top 10 Christmas Toys 1993

The Action Man Figure of 1993 continued the long tradition of Britain’s most famous action hero. First introduced in the 1960s as the UK’s answer to G.I. Joe, Action Man evolved through the decades, and by the early nineties he had transformed into a rugged adventurer with bold outfits, daring missions, and plenty of accessories. For children unwrapping him at Christmas, Action Man wasn’t just a doll—he was a soldier, a spy, an explorer, and a hero all in one.

1993: A Year in Context

1993 in the UK was a year filled with colourful toy lines and imaginative play. While high-tech gadgets like the Talkboy dominated headlines, traditional action figures still held strong. Action Man, with his British identity and adventurous missions, gave children an alternative to American imports and video game consoles, proving that physical play was still alive and well.

The Hero Returns

By the early nineties, Action Man had been relaunched by Hasbro with a new look. Sporting sculpted muscles, bold uniforms, and themed sets ranging from jungle survival to Arctic missions, he was built for action. Accessories included weapons, vehicles, and gear that gave children the tools to stage daring adventures anywhere they could imagine (see Action Man history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

Children who received an Action Man in 1993 wasted no time deploying him into action. Living rooms quickly became battlefields, jungles, or secret bases as kids staged epic missions. Parents recall the enthusiasm with which children strapped gear onto their figures, swapped uniforms, and built storylines that lasted for hours.

Adverts and Popularity

Television adverts presented Action Man as the ultimate hero, often showing him skydiving, driving off-road vehicles, or battling villains. His marketing tagline—“Action Man, the greatest hero of them all”—cemented his status as an essential toy. By Christmas 1993, Action Man had reclaimed his place as one of the most popular figures on the shelves.

Price Then and Now

In 1993, a basic Action Man Figure retailed for around £7.99, or about £18 today. Larger sets with vehicles or multiple accessories could cost £20–£30. Today, vintage 1990s Action Man figures are treasured by collectors, with boxed sets and rare editions fetching high prices on auction sites.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved Action Man because he was versatile and exciting. He could be a soldier one day, a deep-sea diver the next, and a pilot the day after. His rugged look and endless accessories gave kids the freedom to invent their own adventures. Unlike superheroes bound to one story, Action Man was every kind of hero rolled into one figure.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the nineties, Action Man is remembered as the ultimate childhood hero. Adults today recall swapping uniforms, staging battles with friends, and collecting figures from different missions. His legacy continues through nostalgia, with modern re-releases and retro collections keeping the brand alive.

1993 Christmas Memories

Families remember stockings filled with Action Man figures and accessories, with children proudly showing off their new hero. Parents recall the joy of watching kids immerse themselves in imaginative play, while children remember Action Man as the toy that made Christmas morning feel like the start of an epic mission. For many, he was the defining toy of Christmas 1993.

Conclusion

The Action Man Figure of 1993 proved that traditional action figures still had a powerful place in children’s hearts. With his bold look, adventurous missions, and endless versatility, he became a must-have Christmas gift. If you remember deploying your Action Man on secret missions, relive the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1993 archive. See how he compares with the most popular Christmas toys, and explore how action figures still inspire play today in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. Action Man remains a true legend of British toy history.

Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. 🎄