I was born in the early 80s, which by my math (and feel free to disagree with me here), makes me a 90s kid. At least a kid part of the 90s.
I’m sure everyone feels like their childhood was the golden era to be a kid, but I truly believe that was true of the late 80s and particularly the 90s. Remember how exciting Nickelodeon was? I mean truly remember it? Hit show after hit show. Every commercial was for a toy, cereal, or some new show that was made for YOU. This was also the golden age of MTV. And TOYS!
So let’s take a trip down memory lane with the most iconic 90s toys that we all saw endless commercials for, saw our friends get for their birthdays, or maybe we were lucky enough to own.
1. Tamagotchi
- Why It Was Iconic: This 90s toy was a digital pet that taught kids responsibility by requiring constant feeding, cleaning, and attention.
- Fun Fact: The Tamagotchi name is a blend of the Japanese words for “egg” (tamago) and “watch” (uochi).
2. Furby
- Why It Was Iconic: The interactive “pet” that spoke its own language (Furbish) and “learned” English as you played with it.
- Fun Fact: The FBI reportedly banned Furbies in the Pentagon due to concerns they could record classified conversations.
Related: 10 Rarest Toys from the 80s and 90s That Are Worth Thousands Today
3. Bop It
- Why It Was Iconic: A fast-paced, reflex-based game that required players to “Bop it, Twist it, and Pull it” in rapid succession.
- Fun Fact: Bop It’s catchy audio commands were voiced by Scott Parkin, a professional voice actor.
4. Pogs
- Why It Was Iconic: Pogs became the ultimate playground collectible and tradeable game. It was essentially schoolyard gambling, which is also why it was banned.
- Fun Fact: Pogs originated in Hawaii as part of a milk bottle cap game.
Related: The Epic History of Pogs: The Iconic 90s Toy Crave That Took Over Recess
5. Skip-It
- Why It Was Iconic: This ankle-hopping 90s toy tracked your jumps, turning outdoor play into a friendly competition.
- Fun Fact: Skip-It’s original version didn’t have a counter, but it was added later to make it more “gamified.”
Related: Skip-It: The Nostalgic 90s Toy That Kept Kids Active
6. Super Soaker
- Why It Was Iconic: The ultimate water gun with pressurized water blasts that changed backyard battles forever.
- Fun Fact: It was invented by NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson, who also worked on the Galileo spacecraft.
7. Beanie Babies
- Why It Was Iconic: Beanie Babies were collectible plush toys that sparked a global craze.
- Fun Fact: Some rare Beanie Babies, like “Princess” the bear, still fetch high prices on resale markets.
8. Cabbage Patch Kids
- Why It Was Iconic: Cabbage Patch Kids dolls were must-have toys for kids in the 80s and 90s.
- Fun Fact: Each doll had a unique name and “birth certificate,” making them feel special to each owner. Also there was a version called the Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kid that was recalled for eating kids fingers and hair that made our list of dangerous and banned toys.
9. Power Rangers Action Figures
- Why It Was Iconic: Inspired by the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” TV show, these action figures let kids recreate their favorite battles.
- Fun Fact: The Power Rangers franchise is still going strong with new TV shows and toy lines.
10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
- Why It Was Iconic: The action figures were a must-have for kids who loved the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” TV show.
- Fun Fact: The franchise remains popular today, with modern reboots keeping the Turtles’ legacy alive.
11. Game Boy Color
- Why It Was Iconic: Nintendo’s Game Boy Color revolutionized handheld gaming by adding color graphics.
- Fun Fact: The Game Boy Color was released in 1998 as a major upgrade to the original Game Boy.
12. Talkboy
- Why It Was Iconic: The voice recorder that made kids feel like spies, popularized by “Home Alone 2.”
- Fun Fact: The Talkboy was originally a prop created for “Home Alone 2” but later became a real product due to demand.
13. Gak
- Why It Was Iconic: Nickelodeon’s gooey, stretchy slime that made the “plop” sound kids loved.
- Fun Fact: Gak was named after a slang term for heroin, unbeknownst to Nickelodeon.
14. Slap Bracelets
- Why It Was Iconic: Metal bands wrapped in fabric that “slapped” around your wrist.
- Fun Fact: Poorly made versions caused injuries, leading some schools to ban them.
15. Buzz Lightyear Toys
- Why It Was Iconic: Launched with the success of Disney’s “Toy Story,” Buzz Lightyear became an instant classic.
- Fun Fact: Buzz Lightyear’s design was inspired by NASA’s space suits.
16. Tickle Me Elmo
- Why It Was Iconic: This plush Elmo doll from “Sesame Street” would giggle when tickled.
- Fun Fact: The craze for Tickle Me Elmo was so intense that it sparked shopping mall stampedes.
17. Koosh Ball
- Why It Was Iconic: Simple yet satisfying, the soft, rubbery Koosh Ball became a sensory delight.
- Fun Fact: The Koosh Ball’s name comes from the sound it makes when it lands—”koosh.”
18. Easy-Bake Oven
- Why It Was Iconic: The Easy-Bake Oven allowed kids to bake their own mini treats using a simple light bulb as a heat source.
- Fun Fact: The Easy-Bake Oven was originally released in 1963 but saw a resurgence in popularity in the 90s, with updated models and new recipe kits.
19. Tiger Electronics Handheld Games
- Why It Was Iconic: These portable, handheld electronic games were a go-to for quick, on-the-go gaming before Game Boys became more widely available.
- Fun Fact: Tiger Electronics specialized in creating affordable, simple games based on popular TV shows, movies, and video games. They were a precursor to the more advanced handheld gaming devices that followed.
20. Polly Pocket
- Why It Was Iconic: Polly Pocket playsets were miniature, portable dollhouses that fit in a pocket, allowing kids to carry their tiny world of adventure anywhere.
- Fun Fact: Created by Bluebird Toys in 1989, Polly Pocket hit its peak popularity in the 90s. Its success even inspired “Mighty Max,” a more “boy-focused” version of the same concept.
21. Power Wheels
- Why It Was Iconic: Power Wheels were motorized ride-on cars for kids that made them feel like grown-ups behind the wheel.
- Fun Fact: Early Power Wheels models included Jeeps and convertibles, and later versions featured brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels.
22. Small Soldiers Action Figures
- Why It Was Iconic: Action figures based on the hit movie Small Soldiers that featured the Gorgonites and Commando Elite.
- Fun Fact: The toys were designed to look like real military-grade action figures, adding to their “cool factor” for kids.
23. Sega Saturn
- Why It Was Iconic: This video game console offered advanced 3D graphics and was a rival to the Sony PlayStation.
- Fun Fact: Sega Saturn’s surprise launch in 1995 took retailers and customers by surprise, causing supply chain issues.
24. Voltron Lion Toy
- Why It Was Iconic: Voltron’s transforming lion robots combined to create a massive super robot.
- Fun Fact: The 90s re-release of Voltron toys followed a resurgence of the TV show on syndication.
25. Crossfire
- Why It Was Iconic: A fast-paced, marble-shooting board game with an unforgettable rock-inspired TV jingle.
- Fun Fact: The jingle “You’ll get caught up in the… CROSSFIREEE!” is still remembered by 90s kids to this day.
26. Polly Pocket Mansion
- Why It Was Iconic: This larger version of Polly Pocket gave kids an expanded world of tiny adventures.
- Fun Fact: The “mansion” was a more elaborate version of the original compact Polly Pocket, appealing to kids who wanted “bigger and better.”
27. Technodrome Playset (TMNT)
- Why It Was Iconic: A massive playset from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line, shaped like the villainous Technodrome lair.
- Fun Fact: The Technodrome’s eyeball turret and hidden traps made it one of the most sought-after toys of the era.
28. Ricochet RC Car
- Why It Was Iconic: A remote-controlled car that could flip and keep driving on either side.
- Fun Fact: The Ricochet’s design set a new standard for “stunt RC cars” that could drive upside down.
29. Moon Shoes
- Why It Was Iconic: These trampoline-like shoes promised “gravity-defying fun” with every step.
- Fun Fact: Moon Shoes were originally invented in the 1950s, but their 90s reboot made them a hit once again.
Related: Moon Shoes: The Bouncy 90s Toy That Made Kids Feel Like Astronauts
30. American Girl Dolls
- Why It Was Iconic: Each doll had a unique backstory and historical setting, teaching kids about different eras and experiences.
- Fun Fact: The American Girl line started in 1986 but became a status symbol and collectible sensation in the 90s.
31. Spy Tech
- Why It Was Iconic: Spy Tech gadgets let kids live out their dream of being secret agents.
- Fun Fact: Spy Tech was part of a broader spy-craze trend, fueled by the popularity of spy-themed TV shows and movies.
33. Jurassic Park Compound Playset
- Why It Was Iconic: A sprawling playset inspired by Jurassic Park with dinosaur cages and sound effects.
- Fun Fact: The sound effects were activated by pressure pads that triggered famous lines like “Dino damage in sector two!”
34. Password Journal
- Why It Was Iconic: A voice-activated journal that required kids to say a secret password to open.
- Fun Fact: If the voice password didn’t work, many kids found themselves locked out of their own secrets.
35. Rainbow Art
- Why It Was Iconic: This art kit let kids paint in multiple colors at once, creating rainbow-like designs.
- Fun Fact: While the commercials promised “easy cleanup,” many parents found it anything but.
36. Street Sharks Action Figures
- Why It Was Iconic: These action figures of humanoid sharks became cult classics thanks to their “jaw-some” look.
- Fun Fact: Street Sharks action figures remain popular among collectors and retro toy enthusiasts.
37. Creepy Crawlers
- Why It Was Iconic: A toy oven that let kids “bake” rubbery insects, bugs, and critters.
- Fun Fact: Originally launched in the 60s, Creepy Crawlers returned in the 90s as a safer, updated version.
The 90s were a golden era for toys, packed with creativity, fun, and unforgettable memories. From Beanie Babies to Game Boy Color, these childhood classics bring back waves of 90s nostalgia. Relive the magic of your youth and share your favorite 90s toys with friends. Dive deeper into some toy nostalgia and explore our collection of retro toys for more trips down memory lane.
