Babes in '80s Toyland

By Heather Won Tesoriero

A sign that gen xers are growing up: their toys are back. and this holiday season, industry experts expect the '80s-toy hit parade to entertain a new generation. "It's a very strategic move on the part of manufacturers to bring these back," says independent toy consultant Chris Byrne. "The appeal is the nostalgia factor. These toys are the highlights of their era." Will Reagan-era toys fly off the shelves? Hard to say, but retailers are not waiting to find out. They're already looking beyond this Christmas. Among the '80s retreads that will make a comeback next year: Strawberry Shortcake and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Cowabunga! --By Heather Won Tesoriero