I hate to even call these "novelty" toys, as they provided hours of entertainment for me and my siblings, and I find myself coming back to them for my kids.

Spirograph is one of the neatest drawing toys ever, and is a great diversion for kids who have outgrown the Lite Brite phase. Spiropgraph is one of those toys that has remained largely unchanged over the years, yet the newer boxes seem to be a bit less premium than the games of old. Spirograph and a trusty four-color pen make a wicked combination.

And how about Colorforms? Shrinky Dinks? View Masters? Did you ever have a talking View Master? Rock on! Easy Bake oven? Excuse me, I think my cake is just about done . . .