The 1960s was a decade fuelled by exploration and imagination, thanks to the Space Race. This fierce competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to conquer space didn’t just revolutionise science and technology—it shaped pop culture and inspired an entire generation of children to dream big. And, of course, toy manufacturers wasted no time cashing in. Who wouldn’t want to play astronaut or imagine having a tea party with little green men? Today, these retro treasures are like gold dust for collectors (and a source of endless envy if you stumble across a pristine set at a car boot sale).
The Cultural Impact of the Space Race
It all started in 1957 when the Soviets launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, into orbit. Fast forward to the 1960s, and we had Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human in space and Neil Armstrong’s famous Moon landing in 1969. The world couldn’t get enough of space. It was on telly (Lost in Space, anyone?), in magazines, and—most importantly for this toy enthusiast—in toy shops.
Toymakers jumped on the bandwagon, creating everything from hyper-realistic astronaut gear to colourful aliens with backstories more elaborate than your average soap opera.
Top Space-Themed Toys of the 1960s
Let’s take a closer look at some of the toys that made kids feel like budding space explorers.
Major Matt Mason (Mattel, 1966)
This astronaut action figure was as close as most kids got to space training. With gear modelled on actual NASA equipment, Matt Mason came with nifty accessories like the Space Crawler and Moon Suit. Playtime had never been so high-tech (or NASA-approved).
Why Collectors Love It: Its realism and durability mean it’s a top-tier collectible today. Just don’t expect to snag one for a fiver!
Read more about Major Matt Masons history
Space Crawler ( Major Matt Mason Mattel)
This mechanical marvel mimicked the movements of lunar rovers. Watching it scuttle across the floor made kids feel like mini mission controllers.
Why Collectors Love It: Its durability and clever engineering make it a mechanical masterpiece of its time.
Rex Mars Planet Patrol Playset (Louis Marx and Company)
This playset turned your living room carpet into an alien landscape, complete with figures, vehicles, and terrain. Who needed an actual planet when Rex Mars was around?
Why Collectors Love It: Its intricate design and sheer nostalgia make it a star attraction in any collection.
The Outer Space Men (Colorforms, 1968)
Colourful and bendable, these alien figures came with names like Commander Comet and Orbitron. Each had its own backstory—because why wouldn’t an alien need a detailed CV?
Why Collectors Love It: Their vibrant designs and rarity mean these quirky characters are collector gold.
Lost in Space Robot (Remco)
Straight out of the telly, this toy moved, lit up, but didn’t shouted, “Danger, Will Robinson!” unfortunately. It was the perfect companion for space-themed adventures.
Why Collectors Love It: Its TV fame and interactivity make it a standout collectible.
Technological Optimism in Toy Form
These weren’t just toys; they were educational props for a generation. Major Matt Mason showed kids the science side of space, while The Outer Space Men let imaginations run wild with ideas of extra terrestrial life. It was a brilliant mix of reality and fantasy—perfect for inspiring young dreamers.
Collecting Today
Want to build your own space-toy collection? Be prepared to blast off into the world of:
- Condition: Toys in their original packaging are basically the Holy Grail.
- Rarity: Limited-edition sets or hard-to-find characters command the highest prices.
- Cultural Ties: Anything linked to the Moon landing or TV shows is always a hot ticket.
A Lasting Legacy
The 1960s wasn’t just a golden age for space exploration; it was a golden age for space-themed toys too. These gems mirrored the ambition and optimism of the time, making them timeless reminders of when humanity reached for the stars (and kids reached for their toy rockets).
So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who loves a bit of retro charm, these toys are a window into an era where the cosmos felt tantalisingly close—and playtime was always out of this world.