Koosh Ball Top 10 Christmas Toys 1987

Koosh Ball Top 10 Christmas Toys 1987

The Koosh Ball of 1987 was one of the simplest yet most addictive toys of the decade. Made of hundreds of soft, stretchy rubber strands radiating from a core, it was designed to be easy to catch, throw, and squeeze. Its colourful design and unique texture made it instantly appealing to children and adults alike. For kids who found one in their stocking or under the tree, the Koosh Ball wasn’t just a toy—it was a tactile experience that offered endless fun.

1987: A Year in Context

1987 in the UK was a year of big cultural moments. The Great Storm swept across Britain, Kylie Minogue’s pop career began, and bold fashions ruled the high street. In this climate of colour and fun, the Koosh Ball fit perfectly. Its bright strands and playful feel matched the aesthetic of the times, making it a standout toy in a sea of electronic gadgets and action figures.

The Magic of the Strands

The Koosh Ball was invented by engineer Scott Stillinger, who wanted a ball that his children could easily catch. The result was a toy that was soft, safe, and endlessly satisfying to hold. Its rubber strands spread when thrown and then bounced back together, giving it a distinctive look and feel. Unlike traditional balls, it didn’t roll away easily, making it perfect for indoor play (see Koosh Ball history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

Children who unwrapped a Koosh Ball in 1987 were often mesmerised by its feel. Parents recall kids tossing them across rooms, squeezing them like stress toys, and even using them as decorations thanks to their vibrant colours. Stocking-sized and affordable, they became quick hits for families, often bought in multiples so siblings wouldn’t fight over just one.

Adverts and Popularity

The Koosh Ball was marketed as “easy to catch, hard to put down,” and the slogan couldn’t have been more accurate. Its unique texture and colours made it popular not just with children but with teenagers and adults. By the late eighties, Koosh Balls were everywhere—on desks, in classrooms, and even used in therapy sessions for stress relief.

Price Then and Now

In 1987, the Koosh Ball retailed for around £3.99, or about £12 in today’s money. Cheap and cheerful, it was the perfect stocking filler. Today, Koosh Balls are still available in updated forms, with vintage originals prized by nostalgic collectors. Their enduring popularity proves the timeless appeal of simple, tactile fun.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved the Koosh Ball because it was fun to touch as much as to play with. The soft strands made it safe for indoor games, while its squishy texture made it endlessly satisfying to hold. Unlike many toys of the era, it wasn’t tied to a franchise or cartoon—it stood on its own as a simple invention that encouraged play, creativity, and sensory exploration.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the late eighties, the Koosh Ball is remembered as one of the quirkiest yet most beloved toys of childhood. Adults today recall tossing them around classrooms, using them in playground games, or just keeping one on a desk as a fidget toy. Its simplicity and universal appeal have kept it alive for decades, making it a cultural icon of eighties play.

1987 Christmas Memories

Families recall Christmas stockings filled with Koosh Balls in a rainbow of colours. Parents loved how affordable and safe they were, while children adored their bouncy, tactile fun. For many, the Koosh Ball was a little gift that created big memories during the festive season.

Conclusion

The Koosh Ball of 1987 proved that sometimes the simplest toys are the most enduring. With its colourful strands, squishy feel, and universal appeal, it became one of the most memorable stocking fillers of the decade. If you remember receiving one, explore the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1987 archive. See how it ranks among the most popular Christmas toys, and compare it with today’s favourites in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. The Koosh Ball remains a symbol of quirky, hands-on fun that defined eighties childhood.

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