[Emerald U.]

Remember Being Hooked on This?​

Did you ever manage to get all the rings on the pegs? This colorful little gadget didn’t flash or beep—but the bubbling water, the squishy button, and the satisfying clink of a successful toss are probably etched in your memory. A road trip staple, a dentist's waiting room distraction, or maybe something that lived on your nightstand. Can you name it?

Image source: Reddit

It’s the Waterful Ring-Toss—one of the simplest yet most addictive handheld toys of the ‘70s and ‘80s. No batteries, no screens, just water pressure and patience. All you had to do was press the button to send a burst of water that tossed the rings toward two tiny pegs. Easy in theory, frustrating in practice, and strangely hard to put down. Did you have one growing up? Or maybe you had a different favorite from your childhood? Share your memories in the comments!

 

[Gayle B.]

I didn’t have one of these toys growing up. I was an adult when I first saw them and knew as an overgrown kid, I had to get one for myself. I don’t know how long it took me to master it, but it didn’t take long at all. Then I found more toys like this one. I was obsessed! Any maze type toys, I had a dozen of them that were in one and half inch squares with different games inside them. I have most of them squirreled away someplace! I’d love to have them handy to play with all over again as they would be like brand new toys! I don’t want to relive my childhood though! Hmmm