Top 10 Old School Games Every Singaporean Kid Played in the 80s & 90s
OLD SCHOOL GAMES SINGAPORE
Before smartphones, YouTube, and TikTok took over, growing up in Singapore was all about simple joys — playing with friends downstairs at the void deck, or outside the classroom after school. Those were the real kampung days, where fun didn’t need screens, batteries, or Wi-Fi.
At Sin Tat Toys, we love keeping those precious memories alive. So here’s our list of 10 old school games every Singaporean kid from the 80s and 90s confirms plus chop remember!
1. Five Stones
Ah, this one classic sia. Just five small fabric bags filled with sand or beans, but hours of fun! Many of us used to sew our own five stones, using leftover cloth from home. It was all about skill and timing — throw, catch, balance.
👉 You can find ready-made Five Stones sets at Sin Tat Toys — perfect for teaching your kids how we used to play last time.
2. Chapteh
You sure remember this — the one we kick around using only our feet! A simple rubber base with colourful feathers, but wah, can play whole afternoon also never sian. The real pros could go hundreds of kicks without dropping.
Find classic Chapteh sets and other kampung games in our Old School Collection to bring those memories back.
3. Pick-Up Sticks
The rule was simple — don’t move the pile! Everyone would hold their breath trying to pick just one stick. One wrong move, kena scolding from your friends. Great for testing your patience and steady hands (especially before tuition time).
Check out our Pick Up Sticks that are just as fun and competitive today!
4. Marbles (Goli)
“Eh, your turn ah!” Remember crouching on the ground with a circle drawn in chalk or sand? We’d flick our marbles (goli) to knock others out and collect them as trophies. Every kid had their favourite marble — some transparent, some shiny — and everyone guarded their collection like treasure.
You can still get these colourful marble sets at Sin Tat Toys — great for both kids and nostalgic collectors.
5. Rubber Band Skipping
Before skipping ropes were a thing, we used to link hundreds of rubber bands together to make our own. Cheap, fun, and confirm every HDB corridor also got one group playing. It was teamwork, laughter, and lots of jumping around till dinner time.
6. Zero Point
This was the “next level” version of rubber band skipping. You start low — ankle height — then slowly go higher until shoulder or even head level. The best part? The chants and laughter from everyone trying not to trip. It was recess-time Olympics.
7. Old Maid
Card games were a big thing during rainy days or school camps. The goal: don’t get caught with the “Old Maid”! The tension, the bluffing, the laughter — pure childhood joy.
We’ve got classic card games like Old Maid, Donkey, Snap, Happy Family — perfect for parties or family bonding.
8. Snakes and Ladders
A true family favourite. Everyone’s heart would race as the dice rolled — praying not to land on a snake. Simple, fun, and full of laughter. Best part? No arguing over rules… okay, maybe a bit.
Discover our family board games — perfect for weekend fun or gifting.
9. Donkey Card Game
Fast hands and loud laughter — that’s the Donkey game. Once you’ve got your matching set, faster shout “DONKEY!” before anyone else. If you’re the slowest one… too bad, kena teased by everyone else. Still a hit at kids’ parties today.
Get your own Donkey card set and relive those void-deck tournaments again.
10. Country Erasers
The ultimate school desk battle. Every kid had a collection of erasers with country flags — Singapore, Japan, USA, you name it. The rule was simple: flip over your friend’s eraser, and you get to keep it. Some of us even traded them like Pokémon cards. Power lah, those days.
Grab a pack of Country Flag Erasers from Sin Tat Toys and see who’s still got the best flicking skills!
💭 Why These Games Still Shiok Today
These old school games were more than just play — they built friendships, creativity, and that kampung spirit we still talk about today. Simple things like these made childhood in Singapore so special.
At Sin Tat Toys, we’re proud to bring back that nostalgia. Whether you’re a parent showing your kids how you used to play, or a teacher planning a retro-themed school event, you’ll find all your old school games and nostalgic toys right here.
🎲 Relive Your Kampung Childhood
Browse our Old School Games Collection and rediscover the fun of the 80s and 90s. From Five Stones to Country Erasers, it’s time to share those precious memories with the next generation — because good fun never goes out of style.
