These nifty little gadgets have been popular since the 1950s, really hitting their stride in the ’70s and ’80s. With just a stylus and a thin sheet of vinyl over a darkened wax board, the Magic Slate felt like, well, magic.
The concept was as simple as they come — and that was the genius of it. Kids could draw and write whatever popped into their minds, then lift the top sheet to make it all disappear. It was the perfect outlet for creativity without the mess of crayons or markers. Plus, the instant reset meant that kids could start fresh as often as they liked, no erasers needed.
These toys were also a hit with parents. The compact size made them great for road trips or keeping kids occupied at restaurants. They didn’t require batteries, and unlike more fragile toys, Magic Slates could take a beating. Whether you were trying to keep siblings from squabbling in the backseat or just needed a quiet moment, a Magic Slate was often the go-to solution — no chargers required.
Today, these toys are a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time — a classic example of how something doesn’t need to be high-tech or flashy to be loads of fun. If you’re curious to see what these old-school toys looked like, we’ve gathered a collection of vintage photos and ads below that show off the charm of Magic Slates in their heyday.
And if you really want to try these toys again, several retro and new models are available on eBay and Amazon!
Hours of fun for youngsters (1970)
Magic Slate pads will delight every young child. Colorful characters surround the drawing surface, which can be used over and over. Complete with plastic stylus for easy writing or drawing.
Peanuts (1960s)
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Mr Jinks from Huckleberry Hound (1959)
Magic slate pad – use over and over again! Children draw and write, then lift top sheet and see… a “new” surface again! Has an assortment of activity charts.
“The Incredible Hulk (1981)
Fun for a kiddie in a hospital, a help to anyone who’s had a jaw broken or suffered a massive attack on his wisdom teeth, could be this “Magic Slate.” You write your message on it, pull it straight up to wipe out your words forever. It’s fine for playing endless bedside games of tic-tac-toe. (1977)
Star Trek (1978)
Magic Slate Pads have delighted young children for generations
Vintage magic slate toys: Tom and Jerry (1972)
Donald Duck retro drawing toy (1980s)
Vintage Magic Slate toys: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1990s)
Tweety Bird’s Global Patrol – Save Our Planet (1990s)
MORE: How many of these vintage Saturday morning cartoons & TV shows can you remember?
2 Responses
My mother always got me one of these when I would come home sick from that virus while my father went and got me some Ginger Ale. It made the recovery go very well
Kids always had bunches of these primarily because they were cheap. They made great stocking stuffers at Christmas, and they also found their way into Easter baskets and birthday party favors. Half the fun of “magic slates” was making whatever you wrote or drew disappear just by lifting the plastic sheet! In college, people used versions of these as message boards in their dorm rooms.