Submitted by Katrina G, treat of the year:

Before the days of the Happy Meal, the ‘Treat of the Week’ existed. All you had to do was ask for it, and it was yours, no strings attached. Same great toys as the happy meals, but completely free. I miss the good old days!

Submitted by Amber H, who broke her elastic string.

A wooden paddle, an elastic string, and a ball. When those elements combine, there is only one thing that can happen: EPIC FUN!!! I’m sure that nearly every child played paddle ball at some point in their youth. It really is one one those universal toys, perhaps because it is so simple and accessible. Just be careful not to use too much force; it is still possible to hurt yourself with the ball, even though it is attached to a string. I would know.

Submitted by Amber H, caramel-coated.

We could all sit here and chat about how we loved to rip open a box of Cracker Jack and munch down the caramel-coated popcorn and nuts. But let’s be honest: We really only cared about the prize hidden somewhere in the sugary goodness.

Submitted by MQueen, who also smells of fries and chocolate:

Every Halloween, I would beg Mom to take us to Mcdonald’s so we could get these pails! I also used them for trick or treating. My brother and I had a blast. By the time Halloween was over, they smelled of fries and chocolate.

McDonald’s and its many products, commercials, and playlands sure bring out the nostalgia in this bunch!

Submitted by Christian M, k’nected.

K’NEX, like Legos, were—still are, in fact—building/construction-focused toys that allowed the user to build models using rods and connectors (and, in the more advanced kits, hand cranks, wheels, pulleys, and motors). I most certainly remember assembling K’NEX models with my brother after we had outgrown (or temporarily become sick of) Legos.