FOR the last in our Object of the Week Christmas specials we return to Preston Park Museum, in Stockton.

And it’s not just one object, but several, as staff at the museum take a nostalgic look back at popular presents from Christmas past.

The most wanted toy at Christmas has changed a lot over the decades.

In Victorian times, children would be considered lucky if they received an orange on Christmas morning whereas today’s children are more likely to be anticipating an Xbox or the latest mobile phone.

We have delved into our toy collection at Preston Park Museum to compile the top most wanted Christmas gifts over the decades.

Did any of these make your list or bring back memories of childhood fondness?

The 1910s to 1930s was all about imagination

Wooden rocking horses, toy trains, dolls, yo-yos and the Acrobat Torsion Toy were top of the list.

In the 1940s, Lego was the top toy at Christmas.

In the 40’s Lego made its debut and became the most popular toy of the year.

Nearly 80 years on, Lego is still as popular as ever with children and adults alike. Meccano was also a hit and another toy that is still around today.

Now to the 1950s and the decade when Barbie makes her debut.

When Barbie first hit the shelves it was at the top of most little girls’ Christmas list. Her rival, Sindy followed four years later.

Mr Potato head also came out around this time, although the original was a little different from the one we know today.

The Mr Potato head of 1950 was a real potato with body parts stuck into it.

Toys on display at Preston Park from the 50s include Sooty’s Xylophone song book from the TV series Sooty and Sweep, a spinning top and toy wagons.

In the 1960s, G.I Joe, Play Cookers and Etch a Sketch were at the top of Santa’s list.

Who remembers the G.I Joe action toy? Play Cookers and the Etch a Sketch could also be found under the tree in this era.

The 1970s was the decade Star Wars was first released

The first Star Wars film hit the screens in 1977 and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon which led to the launch of Star Wars toys.

The1980s was when the Rubik Cube craze hit the country.

Originally called Magic Cubes, The Rubiks cube craze helped this toy top the most wanted list in the 80’s.

Despite reaching its height of popularity in this decade, it is still widely known and baffling folk today.

Other popular 1980s toys included Cabbage Patch Kid dolls and Transformers.

The 1990s was the decade of Furby, Game Boy and Power Rangers

The Furby was the ‘must have’ toy of the 90’s. The updated Furby was released in 2012 and proved to be just as well-loved as the original.

The Nintendo Game Boy from 1995 looks like an antique in comparison to today’s modern version.

Spice Girls Dolls, Thunderbrirds, Tamagotchis as well as Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles were also firm favourites.

A new century bow and 2000s saw the Nintendo Wii and Bratz Dolls

In 2000, shoppers would need to dig deep into their pockets in order to afford these wish list presents, including the Nintendo Wii.

Despite a move towards tech presents, classic toys such as the board game Hungry Hippos still remain popular.

Who remembers playing this frantic marble-grabbing game?

Right up to date now and 2010s, with the Playstation and Xbox topping wanted lists.

The trend towards technology continues with Playstations, Xboxes, mobile phones, and the Nintendo switch all being a big hit in the last decade.

l The museum would love to hear about your favourite toys over the years. Please share your stories and photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #nostalgictoys