I remember a time when the most exciting stocking stuffers were goo- or slime-based. When I couldn’t leave the house without a few Trolls and My Little Ponies in my backpack. When my biggest worry in life was whether I had fed my Tamagotchi or not. And I still feel a pang when I think of the time I dropped my Beanie Baby down a flight of stairs. Yup, you guessed it – I’m a ‘90s kid 😎
The ‘90s were a simpler time. The cold war had just ended, O.J. Simpson was on trial, and the biggest political scandal was Bill Clinton’s affair. Come to think of it, a lot was going on – maybe it just felt simpler because we were kids! Either way, today’s kids will never understand the anticipation of waiting for Ninja Turtles to come on as you ate your Fruity Pebbles. At least, we didn’t have the distractions of social media and the internet – we could focus on our weird, gooey, neon toys in peace.
Because let’s be honest, the ‘90s was a decade of some pretty wacky toys. From games that involved pulling out boogers to trampolines for your feet to dolls that wet themselves, it seemed like nothing was off limits. If you can already feel the nostalgia gears turning, get ready because there’s a lot more where that came from! We’re about to dive into all the most iconic ‘90s toys that will take you right back to your childhood.
While some ‘90s toys were (perhaps rightfully) discontinued forever, others have stuck around or morphed into different iterations. Wherever possible, we’ve included links to pages where you can buy re-releases, modern remakes or the vintage toys themselves in case the nostalgia hits you extra hard. So take my hand, and let’s set off down memory lane!
’90s Action Figures
1. Transformers Action Masters: Bumblebee
Released in 1990 in a collaboration between Hasbro and Japanese company Takara Tomy, the Transformers Action Masters were some of the most distinctive action figures of the 90s. Based on the Marvel Transformers comics, every kid who read the comics or watched the cartoon series wanted one (or several!). Just like in the cartoon, each action figure could transform from a humble car into a mighty armored robot.
Bumblebee, the Action Master Transformer listed here, converts between a Beetle-style minicar to a powerful Autobot. Reviewers noted that he is just like the original 1990 release!
| 💡TIP: Amazon also has the original Warpath and Swerve Transformer bots if you want the full collection. |
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Giant Turtles
Three and a half times the size of ordinary action figures, the Giant Turtles figures released in 1990 from Playmates Toys were turbo-charged versions of the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 13 inches tall and fully poseable, each figure was also equipped with his signature weapon. This Donatello figure is a modern re-release that is just like the original down to his sculpted muscles, perfect for getting a hit of righteous nostalgia!
This authentic re-release comes in packaging with classic 1980’s graphics for a real retro feel. One look at this giant Donny and you’ll be hungry for a slice of ‘za!
| 💡TIP: More of a Raphael than a Donatello fan? You can buy him here. |
3. Biker Mice From Mars Super Bendables
The Super Bendables were released in 1993 by a California toy company with the very ‘90s sounding name “Galoob” (or Lewis Galoob Toys Inc.) Based on the popular cartoon Biker Mice From Mars, which was itself inspired by TMNT, these action figures depict the three biker mice, Throttle, Modo and Vinnie. Vinnie is the thrill-seeking loose cannon of the group, who fights with a grip claw and spinning crowbar.
As the name suggests, these action figures were super bendable! Featuring flexible limbs instead of articulated joints, you can bend and twist Vinnie into any cool or bizarre pose you want.
4. Buzz Lightyear
To infinity and beyond! Yes, it’s Buzz Lightyear in his most nostalgic form – the 1995 action figure that came out just after the original Toy Story. Straight from the Disney store, this figure is new but exactly like the original from Thinkway Toys. Press his chest bars to hear over 30 phrases and sounds that will take you back to watching the movie for the first time!
This action figure was a wonder in the ‘90s, with its light-up, extendable wings, retracting face shield, karate-chopping arm and more! It’s just as fun today as it was then and will be a hit among kids and nostalgic adults alike.
5. Karate Action Power Rangers
Power Rangers is one of the most iconic ‘90s shows and the Power Rangers action figures were some of the most iconic and ubiquitous action figures of the decade too. These figures were released in 1994 to coincide with the new series, and they all featured an action-button that made the left leg do a karate-kick!
With this original Karate Kickin’ Jason figure, you’ll want to karate-chop and kick everything in sight, just like you did as a child! This striking toy is an important piece of Power Rangers history and an awesome snippet of the ‘90s to have on your shelf.
6. The Uncanny X-Men: Wolverine
The X-Men are superheroes who transcend just one decade, but the animated cartoon series about them is quintessentially ‘90s. As is this action figure of Wolverine, arguably the most iconic of the bunch! This is the original article, still in its packaging, that was released by Toy Biz in 1992 as part of the 2nd edition line of X-Men figures.
As well as articulated joints, this Wolverine also features slashing claws that spring out at the push of a button. And as if the figure wasn’t enough nostalgia already, it even comes with an official Marvel Universe Trading Card!
| 💡TIP: Like the Wolverine from the comics but not so hooked on the nostalgia of the original figures? This detailed option from Hasbro is the best of both worlds. |
7. My Little Pony Glow ‘n Show Starglow
The first generation of My Little Ponies were made by Hasbro from 1982-1992. Older ‘90s kids may remember Starglow, the star-spangled glow-in-the-dark My Little Pony with long pink and yellow tresses and wings for flying through the Milky Way. With her sisters Brightglow, Happyglow and Dazzleglow, Starglow was released in 1991 and dazzled us all with her sparkly glow.
While you can’t buy Starglow anymore, you can get other ‘80s and ‘90s My Little Ponie toys from Amazon for a dose of nostalgia or to introduce your kids to these adorable pastel ponies with their long tails and manes to comb.
| 💡TIP: Check out Gingerbread and Sweet Stuff for more ponies to add to your collection. |
8. WWF Hulk Hogan with Hulkster Hug
Rather than a superhero or cartoon character, this action figure depicts none other than possibly the most iconic pro wrestler in the history of WWF, Hulk Hogan. It’s sun’s out guns out with this version of Hulk as he shows off his muscles with a Hulkster Hug function. Even his face looks like the real thing with its familiar bared-teeth expression!
You can get the original Hulk Hogan action figure, released in 1991 by Hasbro from eBay. This one is very affordable as he’s not in his packaging anymore, while unopened figures are way pricier at around $150 a pop!
9. Street Sharks
Like Biker Mice From Mars, Street Sharks was another TMNT clone that aired from 1994-1997. And although the series was short-lived, it spawned an array of action figures released by Mattel throughout the ‘90s. These mutated, big-jawed crime fighters were almost too similar to TMNT to be successful, but they made for awesome toys.
There are Street Sharks figures all over eBay, so whether your favorite was Ripster, Jab, Streex or Big Slammu, you can take your pick. Or you could wait for Mattel to release a new retro toy line of the sharks, coming in 2024 for the show’s 30th anniversary!
10. The Incredible Crash Test Dummies
The Incredible Crash Test Dummies were the action figures for the weird ‘90s kids who wanted something different and perhaps a little macabre. Interestingly, these unique action figures, made by Tyco Toys throughout the early ‘90s, were modeled after the crash test dummy from a 1980s advertising campaign intended to educate people on seatbelt safety!
If you had the accompanying car and other accessories, these poor dummies could be crashed and bashed into pieces, and then put back together again. Kids have always smashed and ripped their toys apart anyway – this figure was simply the first to make it part of the design!
11. G.I Joe Snake Eyes
To me, G.I Joe is the prototypical “action figure” that instantly comes to mind whenever I hear the phrase. But of course, G.I Joe comes in many iterations. Released in 1991 by Hasbro, Snake Eyes is one of the most popular of them all. With his machine gun, spring-loaded grappling hook and bright red eyes, he was both awesome looking and offered loads of cool play features!
According to the original packaging, Snake Eyes is “the primo-baddest dude of all the G.I Joes” and the type of Ninja who would hunt rabbits barehanded – in between defeating bad guys of course!
| 💡TIP: If you’re interested, you can find the modern version of Snake Eyes here. |
12. Crazy Bones
Released in 1996 by Toy Craze, Crazy Bones were tiny colorful characters that came in hundreds of different designs, each with their own personality and abilities. The name and games you could play with these little plastic dudes were a nod to the ancient Greek game of Astragals, which involved throwing real bones and is also the origin of marbles!
While playing with bones may be ancient, Crazy Bones couldn’t be more ‘90s with their colorful blob-like designs that revealed expressive characters on closer inspection. While they got more detailed in later years, the original blobby generation is the one ‘90s kids will remember.
’90s Plush Toys
13. TY Beanie Babies Seaweed The Otter
Beanie Babies are definitely in the top five most iconic ‘90s toys. These little fuzzy creatures were wildly successful, partly because of their cute designs and creative packaging and partly because of creator Ty Warner’s propensity to retire specific animals at whim to drive scarcity and demand. And although the Beanie Baby bubble has deflated somewhat, a select few still sell for thousands of dollars!
While some Beanies are still fetching sky-high prices, you can get the adorable Seaweed the Otter for under $15 on Amazon. And if your goal is nostalgia rather than making a buck, you’ll love this seaweed-hugging cutie.
| 💡TIP: Not a big otter fan? Maybe Twigs the Giraffe or Fortune the Panda Bear will be more to your liking. |
14. Furby
Before Cozmo and Vector there was Furby, the original robot toy with the head of an owl, the beak of a chicken, the feet of a cat and the ears of a pig. Believe it or not, this awkward-looking, funny sounding creature was one of the most desired toys of the late ‘90s. I remember being utterly wowed by the fact that it could “learn” English over time!
The original generation was released in 1998, but if you want to impress your kids, you might want to go for one of the new Furbies. These feature a much cuter, colorful design and more advanced abilities!
15. Tickle Me Elmo
Produced by Tyco in 1996, Tickle Me Elmo was by far the hottest toy of the year, causing a craze the likes of which hadn’t been seen since the Cabbage Patch Kids riots. So if you had a Tickle Me Elmo, you were one of the lucky ones! While the laugh-when-tickled mechanism doesn’t seem that impressive in 2023, this giggling, shaking toy was an absolute sensation.
Today, you don’t have to fight anyone for a laughing Elmo – you can get the original or a modern remake from Amazon. The newer one has a lankier look than the OG Elmo and also kicks his legs!
16. Build-A-Bear Curly Bear
Although the point of Build-A-Bear is designing your own special teddies, in the ‘90s Build-A-Bear Workshops spawned quite a few coveted bears. The classic looking Curly Bear was one such, released at a workshop in 1997. And you can now buy this timeless teddy once more thanks to the rerelease for the brand’s 25th anniversary!
1997 was a stellar year for Build-A-Bear, as they released several beloved bears including the portly Chubby Cubby, which is unfortunately no longer available. But the brand is still going strong, so you can always go and design your own!
17. Doodle Bear
Released by Tyco Toys in 1995, Doodle Bears gave kids free reign to scribble all over their toys – or at least, this toy. This rebellious bear welcomed tattoos via the included markers, which could be washed off in the washing machine. He was the ultimate teddy for creative kids whose school books and jeans were already covered in doodles!
While the original Doodle Bear is no longer available, you can now get one with a 2023 twist – the ability to animate your doodles with an app. But the Doodle Bear’s main draw is comfortingly still simply about doodling all over your bear!
18. Puppy Surprise
The trend for toys that included a surprise really started in the ‘90s, and Puppy Surprise was one of the most iconic ones. Each toy came with a mommy dog and an unspecified number of hidden puppies – you didn’t know how many you would get, and it was exactly this mystery that made the toy a hit!
Puppy Surprise was produced by Hasbro from 1991 throughout the decade, as kids loved the mystery as well as the cute puppies and mom’s long groomable hair. It also seems to have impressive staying power as each time it is rereleased it sells like hotcakes!
19. Care Bears
The Care Bears began in the 1980s, but they remained extremely popular throughout the ‘90s as well despite the fact that the cartoon was no longer airing. The Care Bears Care About the Environment relaunch from 1991 was a particularly popular one, featuring a line of bears who all cared about a specific environmental issue.
Although the Care Bears are strongly associated with the ‘80s and ‘90s, the brand is still going strong. However, although they still have names like Tenderheart Bear, the new bears feature an updated design, so if you want the OG version, eBay is your best bet.
20. Secret Keepins
The original plushy that doubled as a container, Secret Keepins was a range of fluffy puppy dog toys that featured a big jewel-like disk on their bellies that revealed a secret hiding place inside. This unique and slightly creepy toy was released by Kenner in 1994 and hid many a little girl’s jewelry, secret notes and other trinkets.
It’s extremely rare to find an original Secret Keepins pup with the key still included, as almost everyone ended up losing their key! Luckily, they are still fairly easy to open without it, so you can still hide stuff inside.
’90s Dolls
21. Totally Hair Barbie
Of course, Barbie isn’t just a ‘90s toy – she’s also a ‘60s toy, a ‘70s toy and every decade since then. But the Totally Hair Barbie, released in 1992, is as ‘90s as they come. On top of that, with her ankle-length hair, this fabulous Barbie is actually Mattel’s best selling doll ever! And she’s a trendsetter, as after her, Barbies with outrageously long hair became more and more common.
Kids already loved playing with Barbie’s hair, and the Totally Hair Barbie played into that and thus skyrocketed to success. Lots more hair-related dolls came out after her, but she was the OG!
| 💡TIP: Shopping for your own little one? The contemporary version of the Totally Hair Barbie might be more their style. |
22. Spice Girls Dolls
We couldn’t go through a list of ‘90s toys without mentioning the Spice Girls, the chart-topping UK girl group that defined a decade. These Barbie-esque dolls were a must-have for young fans, and looked impressively similar to the pop stars they were modeled after! Each doll was dressed in a signature outfit and also came with their own accessories.
The original Spice Girls dolls were released in 1997, and came from a collaboration between the pop divas and Galoob toys. More dolls were to be released in the coming years, many of which are up for grabs on eBay.
23. Treasure Trolls
Troll dolls were a mainstay of every ‘90s kid’s toy box. Trolls were based on a much older toy from the 1950s, but the ‘90s version with its slimmer body and shock of colorful hair is immediately recognizable. Treasure Trolls came with a sparkly Wishstone (basically, a plastic gemstone) belly buttons and were marketed as being lucky.
The troll dolls were branded as good luck charms for children, but their secret to success was their unique appearance and small size that made them easy to carry around. Plus, each doll’s combination of uniqueness and familiarity makes them perfect for collectors!
| 💡TIP: Want to make a nod to nostalgia while keeping it current? Then check out this cool Rainbow Troll Funko Pop. |
24. Stretch Armstrong
The original Stretch Armstrong is actually a 1970s toy, a stretchy superhero made of latex and filled with boiled corn syrup. But he made a massive comeback in 1992 with a new ‘90s hairdo and wonderfully expressive face. You can buy the Kenner Products version ‘90s kids will remember on eBay, or a remake of the original ‘70s version from Amazon.
Toys that defy the laws of physics are always fun, and it was an absolute blast to stretch Armstrong out, tie him in knots and perform increasingly bizarre experiments on him. Amazingly, he always went back to normal afterwards!
25. Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid
The Cabbage Patch Kids’ height of popularity was the 1980s (anyone remember the Cabbage Patch Riots?) but they enjoyed a surge of popularity in the ‘90s when they were taken over by Mattel. The Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid was a line of Cabbage Patch kids designed to “eat” plastic snacks and became particularly popular during Christmas 1996.
Unfortunately, there were some incidents where children got their hair or fingers stuck in the dolls’ mouths which led to the Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid line to be withdrawn from the market in January 1997.
| 💡TIP: Did you know they still make real Cabbage Patch Kids? You can check out their store on Amazon. |
26. Baby Born
Created by Zapf Toys in 1991, Baby Born was billed as the most realistic baby doll yet. She could sleep, cry, eat, drink and yes, even go potty. This sounds like a wild idea but I remember it being one of the doll’s most exciting selling points. And although Baby Born has changed in the last 30 years, this function has remained!
You can find the OG Baby Born on eBay or go for a modern version on Amazon. The 1991 Baby Born was almost too realistic, so today’s version features a more cutesy design but is still remarkably lifelike.
27. Betty Spaghetty
Continuing in the popular ‘90s tradition of bendy toys comes Betty Spaghetty, produced by the Ohio Art Company in 1998. These colorful dolls upped the play potential of fashion dolls by making everything mix and match – not just clothes and accessories but limbs too! But her signature selling point was her spaghetti-like hair which inspired all kinds of creative hairdos.
With all her colorful hair accessories and dinky jewelry, Betty Spaghetty embodied ‘90s style. The version you can buy today has had a 2020s makeover, but the originals will always be the most stylish to me!
28. Mr Potato Head
Mr Potato Head is an extremely classic toy that hearkens all the way back to the 1950s. But thanks to appearing as the grumpy but loveable Toy Story character, he experienced a massive resurgence of popularity in the 1990s. What’s not to love about making silly faces, taking them apart and then putting them back again in an even sillier way?
The genius of Mr Potato Head is that the more of them you have, the funnier it gets, so kids always wanted another one. And as the ‘90s wore on, Hasbro kept coming out with more and more hilarious variations!
| 💡TIP: Why not give your spuddy friend a companion by buying Mrs Potato Head too. |
29. Sky Dancers
Sky Dancers were a range of Ballerina style dolls with wings who could “fly” when spun and released from the launcher. From Galoob Toys, these flying dolls were produced from 1994 to 2000, when they were recalled for causing various injuries. If you’ve ever had an older sibling wield a Sky Dancer against you, you probably know what I’m talking about!
You can buy newer versions of Sky Dancers today, which have been redesigned to be slightly less lethal. The trade-off is that they’re a little trickier to launch, but kids will still love their magical flying fairies!
’90s Toy Vehicles
30. Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash
Hot Wheels has released various Criss Cross Crash sets over the years, all featuring looping tracks and boosters in the middle. However, the original one came out in 1993 and was a hit with every car-loving kid. The stated objective was to get your cars to cross each other safely in the middle, but the real fun came when the cars smashed into each other and went flying!
Thanks to the enduring quality of Hot Wheels cars, crashing into each other didn’t total them or damage them at all, which is more than I can say for real cars!
31. Tech Deck Fingerboards
Tech Decks are genuine replica skateboards, featuring moving wheels, metal trucks, real grip tape and authentic graphics. You can do everything with a Tech Deck you can do with a real skateboard – with your fingers of course! Originally sold as novelty keychains from skate stores, these became a safer and cheaper alternative to actual skateboarding for kids who were dying to learn Tony Hawk’s best flips and tricks.
Tech Decks were originally released by New Deal in 1998, but they’re still on the market today featuring all-new graphics. One of these bad boys will help you remember how to ollie, flip and grind!
32. Micro Machines Super Van City
It’s a van, a set of micro cars, a city playset and a storage box all rolled into one – it’s Super Van City! This classic ‘90s toy might look like nothing more than a van, but if you open it up you’ll reveal an entire city, complete with an airport, carwash, working bridges and a whole range of micro-vehicles.
Produced by Galoob from 1993-1995, this thing provided endless hours of fun. Today, you can buy a modern version that will do the same for your kids. But if nostalgia is what you’re after, the very ‘90s-looking original is available on eBay!
33. Throttle’s Blazin’ Cycle
The Biker Mice from Mars already made an appearance in this article in the action figure section. However, these wild yet heroic mice were nothing without their hogs. The Blazin’ Cycles released by Galoob in 1993 included the mice and their bikes, which zoomed across the floor at alarming speeds when you pulled the ripcord!
This original from eBay is an awesome find for whoever snatches it up. The ripcord function still works so you can send Throttle zooming all the way to Mars! But make sure to bring him back soon so he can keep protecting Chicago from the evil Plutarkians.
34. Tyco Fast Traxx
From Tyco Toys, Fast Traxx were some of the most exciting RC vehicles of the decade due to their ability to cover almost any terrain at high speeds. Instead of normal wheels, these cars made use of a system of tracks that allowed them to speed over rough ground while remaining (relatively!) stable.
The first Fast Traxx model was released in 1990 and designed as a race car, while the following year Tyco released its hugely popular pickup truck model. Today, kids can choose from a massive array of RC cars, but back then it was Fast Traxx or bust!
35. Fisher-Price Great Adventures Pirate Ship
The Great Adventures Pirate Ship from Fisher-Price was another pioneer of interactive playsets. Featuring a moving steering wheel, fold-up cannon, a moving crow’s nest, a fold-down plank for your enemies to walk along and an adjustable anchor, this thing was more exciting than buried treasure! The original 1991 version even included a separate dinghy with a cannon that fired a grappling hook.
The Great Adventures Pirate Ship went through many iterations over the years, and today’s kids can create swashbuckling adventures with the latest model. This shark-themed ship can even bite enemies and imprison them in the hull!
36. Lego Star Wars X-Wing Fighter
Lego has released loads of iconic vehicles, but the X-Wing Fighter from Star Wars is one of the most memorable of all. When this came out in 1999, every young Star Wars fan wanted to have it! With its authentic design and R2D2 and Luke Skywalker figures, it was a highly coveted set.
Star Wars was on everyone’s minds in 1999 as the first film in the new series (Episode 1) came out in the same year. The X-Wing Fighter set was also the first Star Wars Lego set ever released, paving the way for many many more over the years!
| 💡TIP: If you’re still just as much of a Star Wars and LEGO fan as you were then, you’ll love this T-6 Jedi Shuttle set from the Ahsoka TV series. |
37. Jurassic Park Jungle Explorer
Jurassic Park is another classic ‘90s movie series, with the first film coming out in 1993. This neon green, yellow and red Jungle Explorer was released in the same year, and looks just like the tour car seen in the movie. With evidence of dino damage and the ability to fire blood sample missiles, this car put kids right in the middle of the action!
The original car is currently available at a steal of a price on eBay, so head on over there if you’re a ‘90s toy car collector or you just love the original Jurassic Park.
38. Batman Leap Scalextric
Introduced in 1957, Scalextric was a pioneer in slot car racing and is still producing hair-raisingly awesome race track sets. In the ‘90s, the brand was producing micro cars that were sleeker than ever. The Batman Leap set pitted the Batmobile against the Joker’s Porsche in a huge circuit with a feature that allowed the cars to leap over each other to victory – or disaster!
The Batman Leap Scalextric came out in 1990, the year after the very first Batman film that rocked cinemas worldwide. Today, you can buy a modern version modeled after Batman and the Joker from the 2022 film.
| 💡TIP: Up the excitement on your Scalextric track with this expansion pack. |
39. Tyco Rebound
Later in the decade (1996 to be precise) Tyco Toys released the Tyco Rebound, a 4×4 RC vehicle that could not only cover any terrain but also do all kinds of sick stunts, flips and tricks. Lots of modern RC stunt cars were inspired by the Rebound, with its simple yet genius mechanism that allowed it to continue driving despite any drops or obstacles!
The Tyco Rebound was always fun to drive, because it could traverse any obstacle and what it couldn’t traverse it could simply avoid by flipping itself over. It could also seemingly survive any number of crashes, scrapes and tumbles!
40. Buddy L Rattler
The basic premise of the Rattler is that if a 4-wheel drive vehicle is awesome, a 10-wheel drive is even more so. And with its slightly creepy snake-like design that could crawl its way over pretty much anything, it was awesome all right! Jalopnik even named it one of the 10 coolest RC cars of all time.
The Rattler was released in 1994 by Buddy L, accompanied by an ad campaign that dubbed it “the ultimate predator”. And while it may not have won any speed contests, it could easily defeat its foes with intimidation alone!
’90s Board Games
41. Hungry Hungry Hippos
Is it a toy or is it a board game? Who cares, it’s fun! Hungry Hungry Hippos was an extremely simple game that involved trying to make your hippo gobble up the most marbles. It’s fun lay in its fast-paced frenetic action and the novelty of a mechanical hippo whose jaw you could open by pressing a lever.
Hungry Hungry Hippos was released in 1978 but the game became incredibly popular during the ‘90s. As you probably know, it’s still being produced by Hasbro and you can buy it on Amazon. If you want the authentic ‘90s version though, eBay is your best bet.
42. Pokémon Cards
Pokémon cards are another one that has stuck around with impressive tenacity, like Pokémon itself. However, its heyday was definitely the ‘90s and early aughts. The first pack was issued in Japan in 1996, while they made their United States debut in 1998. For many kids, playing Pokemon and trading cards was almost more exciting than watching the show itself!
Beyond the game itself, what made Pokémon cards exciting were all the little things that made each card unique and potentially a prize trading commodity. If you’re wondering whether any of your old cards hold actual monetary value, check for errors and first editions!
43. Mr. Bucket
If you were a ‘90s kid, you probably already have the Mr. Bucket song from the commercial jingling through your head right now. For those who weren’t around, Mr. Bucket was a motorized bucket with a cartoonish face and large mouth that popped out balls of different colors. The aim was to be the first player to get all your balls inside before he could spit them out again!
Mr. Bucket was a simple game, but as he moved around continuously it required surprising dexterity. If you want to introduce your kids to this anthropomorphic bucket you’ll be glad to know he’s available on Amazon!
44. Jumanji
While Jumanji has the look of an antique board game, it actually only came out after the 1995 movie of the same name, not the other way round. The movie, which itself was based on a book, tells the tale of a magical board game which could make wild animals come to life and even transport you through time, with terrifying consequences…
Despite the movie’s fictional nature, for many a ‘90s kid, the boundaries of movie and game became blurred. Some even swear they heard the game send out drum beats when it wanted to be played, just like in the movie!
| 💡TIP: Want to blend the old and the new? Check out this deluxe electronic version of the game. |
45. Beyblade
From Tamagotchi to Pokémon cards, so many of the most iconic toys from the ‘90s came out of Japan — and Beyblade was one of them. Inspired by beigoma, a traditional Japanese spinning top, Beyblades were first introduced in 1999 by the toy company Takara with an accompanying manga series of the same name. They quickly exploded in popularity all over the world, and still often go through resurgences among new generations of kids.
Though you can spin Beyblades however and wherever you like, the formal game has fairly advanced mechanics. It involves battling other Beyblades in a special spinning arena, even using different ones for attack, defense and stamina!
46. Crocodile Dentist
Continuing the theme of snapping animal toys (à la Hungry Hungry Hippos), was Crocodile Dentist, a game that also utilized mechanical jaws. But in Crocodile Dentist, the fun came from the buildup of tension as you pulled out its teeth one by one until you got chomped! You never knew which tooth it was going to be, and somehow this was endlessly entertaining.
Crocodile Dentist was first produced by the Milton Bradley Company back in 1990. Today’s version involves pressing down the teeth instead of pulling them out, which lacks the realism of the original but does result in fewer lost teeth!
47. Gooey Louie
Gooey Louie made use of a very similar game mechanic to Crocodile Dentist, but with a seriously gooey twist. Instead of pulling out a crocodile’s teeth, you are pulling out gooey boogers out of Louie’s nose, and you lose if you pull the one that makes Louie sneeze and causes his brain to pop out!
Gooey Louie, released by Goliath Games in 1995, certainly capitalized on ‘90s kids’ love of the icky and gross. You can now give your kids the same license to pick a nose (Louie’s) as an updated version of the game is available on Amazon!
48. Karate Fighters
Karate Fighters, released in 1995 by Milton Bradley, took the concept of classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and gave them a ‘90s ninja kung fu twist. These mechanical fighters were controlled via a spinning dial that made them do physics-defying karate kicks. The winner was whoever managed to kick the other player’s fighter off his platform!
What was extra cool about the Karate Fighters was that they came in a range of different enemy duos, with legendary names like Red Ninja, Razorjaw and Serpent Strike. Each one had its own unique attributes, and some even let out blood-curdling screams when defeated!
49. Mouse Trap
Although Mouse Trap’s origins go all the way back to the 1960s, a successful ad campaign in the ‘90s made this one of the most popular kids’ board games of the decade. Part board game, part spectacular marble run, the aim of Mouse Trap was to trap your opponents’ mice and escape the ominous falling trap yourself.
The genius of Mouse Trap was the way the building of the trap mechanism was incorporated into the gameplay, so there was no boring setup to get through before you could play. And the excitement of watching the bizarre contraption of chain reactions never got old!
| 💡TIP: If you want to expand your nostalgic board game collection even more, you’ve gotta get a copy of Operation. |
50. Perfection
Perfection is another much older game that was launched to new heights in the 1990s thanks to a successful ad campaign featuring a catchy song. It also involves a similar mechanism to games like Crocodile Dentist in that you want to avoid all the pieces springing out at you. The difference is that it’s up to you to prevent this by completing the game before the time runs out!
Although Perfection was wonderful for improving kids’ spatial recognition and dexterity, it was also extremely nerve wracking. Just seeing the game is enough to send some ‘90s kids’ heart rates sky high!
51. Pogs
Did you know that this iconic ‘90s game was first played in Hawaii using old milk caps? The name comes from the juice brand POG, whose caps were often favored. To dig even deeper, this was a makeshift version of the much older Japanese game Menko, which involved players flipping over their opponents’ cards by throwing clay disks.
Pogs ditched the Japanese imagery and milk caps for gnarly ‘90s style monsters, but the basic premise of flipping over your opponent’s pogs was the same. The fad didn’t last long though, to the relief of teachers who were sick of Pog-related playground scuffles!
’90s Consoles & Electronic Toys
52. Playstation 1
The first Sony Playstation came out in 1994, and was an instant hit. While its clunky games and fuzzy graphics don’t seem too impressive today, it was a pioneering piece of technology and the first video game console to ship more than 100 million units! It was also the birthplace of such legendary games as Tomb Raider, Resident Evil and Crash Bandicoot.
With its repertoire of high-fidelity games, the PS1 was the origin story of many lifelong gamers. If you’re nostalgic for those Saturday mornings on the living room floor in your jammies, you can still buy the OG console from the Playstation store.
53. Nintendo 64
Playstation and Nintendo have always been the legendary rivals of the gaming world, and the N64 was Nintendo’s answer to Sony’s Playstation 1. This gaming console debuted in 1996 and was named “machine of the year” by Time Magazine. For the first time, Super Mario broke free of his 2D confines and was rendered in a 3D world!
If you were a gamer back then you probably have strong opinions about which console was better. We’ll just say that while the Nintendo 64 wins on overall power and memory, the PS1’s shift to CDs provided more space for the games themselves to be longer.
54. Sega Game Gear
Released in 1990, the Game Gear was an 8-bit handheld game console by Sega that was a direct competitor to Nintendo’s Game Boy. The Game Gear’s distinctive features compared to the original Game Boy was a full-color backlit screen and the unmistaken landscape format.
It went on to become one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles at the time, but the reality is that the Game Gear was way too expensive, too large and its battery life was terrible unless you were using the battery pack (which was huge and heavy) — all this helped make the Game Boy the more desirable handheld console.
55. Game Boy Color
The Game Boy was a mainstay of my childhood – not because I had one but because all my friends did and I was extremely jealous! The Game Boy Color, introduced by Nintendo in 1998, was the one we all wanted. 9 years after the very first Game Boy, this edition featured a much bigger game library than all of its predecessors as well as a color screen.
The Game Boy Color was also the first time the company launched a range of coloured variants of the console, which was a genius strategy as it prompted fans to buy multiple devices and build up a colorful collection.
| 💡TIP: Not into the pink? There are loads of other colors available, such as Atomic Purple, Dandelion and Kiwi. |
56. Dreamcast
I’ve mentioned the legendary rivalry between Nintendo and Playstation, but for a while there was also Sega. Sega’s Dreamcast, released in 1999, was intended to supersede both the Nintendo 64 and the PS1. Unfortunately, its timing was off, and it failed to gain enough momentum before the release of Sony’s PS2 in March 2000 which completely took over the market.
Though the Dreamcast was Sega’s last console as a solo developer, it was still a fantastic product and ahead of its time. So if you were a Dreamcast rather than a Nintendo or Playstation kid, you had an iconic piece of gaming history!
57. Tamogotchi
The Tamagotchi is without a doubt one of the most iconic if not the most iconic toys of the ‘90s. Housed in an egg-shaped device with a basic LCD screen, the Tamagotchi was a virtual pet that required constant attention. If you fed it enough, disciplined it and cleaned up after it, it would flourish, but if you didn’t, death was a real possibility!
Who knows why we were so obsessed with these digital pets. Perhaps part of it was the novelty, and part of it was the way it encouraged real care and responsibility. Either way, the Tamagotchi holds a treasured place in many ‘90s kids’ hearts!
| 💡TIP: The Tamagotchi has gone through a revamp for the 21st century – you can now take photos and interact with other Tamas with the Tamagotchi Pix! |
58. Talkboy Tape Recorder
Today, anyone with a smartphone has the ability to record almost infinite clips, but in the ‘90s, a portable tape recorder was a real novelty. While it originated as a prop in the 1992 movie Home Alone 2, the Talkboy Tape Recorder was turned into a real product off the back of the film’s overwhelming success.
The Talkboy was introduced in the very same year as Home Alone 2, and was quickly added to many a ‘90s kid’s wish list. The fact that a product first conceived for a movie became a trailblazer of recording tech signifies the intertwined nature of culture and technology.
59. Dream Phone
If you were to explain Dream Phone to kids today, it wouldn’t make too much sense. But after its release by Milton Bradley in 1991, it quickly became a sleepover staple. The game combined what adults saw as ‘90s girls’ two favorite pastimes: crushing on boys and talking on the phone. The aim was to guess the identity of a secret admirer, based on clues the phone gave you.
While it seems kitchy today, the combination of Clue-style mechanics with close-to-home themes made Dream Phone a hit. Extra twists like the Speakerphone and Mom Says Hang Up cards added even more drama!
60. Dear Diary
Continuing with products inspired by the ‘90s digital boom is Dear Diary, an “electronic organizer” that provided at least some of the functions that smartphones do today. It was released in 1996 and sold as a digital alternative to a secret diary, with password protection that was way more secure than a simple padlock!
As well as being a diary, Dear Diary could also tell you your horoscope, save phone numbers and shopping lists and had a calculator function. It was such a hit that it spawned countless imitations, but if you had one of these you had the real deal!
’90s Educational Toys
61. K’NEX Ferris Wheel
Back in the day, K’NEX rivaled Lego as one of the most popular building toys for kids. While LEGO had better staying power, K’NEX is more iconically ‘90s, featuring bright colors and an “extreme” mechanical look that fit the decade’s aesthetic. It joined the toy market in 1992, and though it may not be at the height of its powers, the brand is still in business!
At the time, K’NEX seemed edgy and cool, and the things you could make with it were really quite spectacular. From working ferris wheels to models taller than yourself, K’nex constructions were something to be proud of!
62. Bop It
Released by Hasbro in 1996, Bop It is one of the most iconic toys of all time. The rules were simple: obey its commands, and do it fast enough, or you lose! The bizarre sound effects and increasing speed of the commands were what made the game hilariously addictive, and there were few playgrounds that didn’t see the Bop It at some point in the ‘90s.
Today, you can buy a modern version of the game with an updated design on Amazon. However, while the basic concept is the same, true ‘90s kids will miss the insults it gave you when you failed!
63. Brain Wrap
Brain Warp came out in 1996 and was the brainchild of Tiger Electronics. This Bop It-style game requires players to rotate the toy so that the correct color or number is facing upwards when the command is called out. The brain warping comes in when you start to confuse colors and numbers and the rounds get faster till you short-circuit!
Like Bop It, Brain Warp also charmed players with its repertoire of catchphrases that seemed to imbue it with a real personality. It was also devilishly difficult when it got fast, which made it addictive as you wanted to try again immediately!
64. Dr. Dreadful Food Lab
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the ‘90s were the height of gross and creepy turned hilarious and fun, and no-one did it better than Dr. Dreadful. With this mad-scientist kit, released by Tyco in 1994, you could mix powders and potions to make icky edible creations that were perfect for creeping out parents and scaring younger siblings!
Although it was called a “food lab”, the edibility of the creepy creations you could make with Dr. Dreadful were somewhat questionable. They were certainly sweet, but in many cases they tasted almost as disgusting as they looked!
65. Moose’s Magic Sand
It was called Magic Sand, and to a child’s eyes it seemed like magic alright. This strange gloopy stuff held together underwater, but instantly turned back into dry free-flowing sand when exposed to air. And although there is a scientific explanation behind it, I can’t say we learned it while playing – it was simply magical and weird and fun!
Magic Sand was launched in the ‘80s, but by the ‘90s it came in a much wider array of colors. Today, it has been superseded by kinetic sand, which is also remarkable but doesn’t have that special ‘90s weirdness that Magic Sand does!
’90s Playsets
66. Polly Pocket Fairy Fantasy
The ‘90s were big on toys you could bring everywhere you went, and Polly Pocket was the ultimate version of that. Despite being pocket sized, there was an entire playset inside, complete with diorama, figures and movable elements! Though the first Polly Pockets were sold in 1989 by Bluebird Toys, they surged in popularity in the ‘90s after entering a distribution arrangement with Mattel.
Fans of these mini playsets will be glad to know that Polly Pocket is still around and their sets have more detail than ever before. But if the classic version is what you’re after, you can find it on eBay.
67. Lego Fort Legoredo
Back in the ‘90s, Lego didn’t release hundreds of new Lego sets each year to fit every possible niche, so the ones they did release were a lot more special. The Fort Legoredo set is one of the most iconic sets of all time and still holds up well today. Its unique log-cabin style walls and authentic design made it the best Westerner set Lego had released yet!
Released in 1996, Lego Fort Legoredo came with several excellent minifigs plus some awesome moving features like a trapdoor and working wagon. There were even tiny cards and coins for playing poker!
68. Mighty Max Trapped In Skull Mountain
This spectacular playset is another example of the penchant of ‘90s toys to lean towards the spooky and macabre. Our poor hero Max finds himself trapped in Skull Mountain by the Skull Master, who has all kinds of dreadful horrors lined up for him, from Giant Crabs to Skeleturtles to double-headed dragons and more!
This playset was a winner among spooky-minded and comic-loving kids, and it even came with a mini comic that told the story of Mighty Max and Skull Mountain. Although Max makes it out alive in the comic, some kids preferred to make him perish a gruesome death!
69. Power Rangers Deluxe Ninja Megazord
The Power Rangers are iconic ‘90s heroes, so of course they are gonna make more than one appearance on this list. The Megazord is the ultimate ninja mech made up of all the Power Rangers’ Ninjazords all morphed into one. With this in their toy arsenal, ‘90s kids felt powerful enough to take on anything!
What made this toy extra cool was its versatility, because you could play with the Ninjazords separately or morph them together to make the mighty Megazord. If you’re feeling nostalgic, the old version is still available, or you could go with a sleeker modern remake.
70. Thunderbirds Tracy Island
This iconic toy sold out so quickly after its release by Matchbox in 1990, that Blue Peter designed a DIY version for kids who missed out! But nothing could compete with the original, with its rocket sounds and pilots’ voices, secret compartments and evocative design. If you missed out back then, you can scratch that itch with a revamped version or get the original on eBay.
Thunderbirds was a British stop-motion animated series following the missions of the International Rescue team, a life-saving organization from the 2060s that used cutting-edge technology in their rescues. In other words, fertile ground for awesome toys!
71. Trendmasters Cinderella Castle Playset
I don’t know what it is that makes a castle playset look like it comes from the ‘90s, but even though I never had this castle, it instantly makes me think of my childhood bedroom and those of my friends. Modeled after Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, it provides endless hours of fun playing with the accessories and features like secret passageways, fireworks and a working clock tower.
Released by Trendmasters in 1993, this is a pretty spectacular playset guaranteed to hook the desires of any princess-loving kid. It definitely calls to mind the golden age of Disney princesses!
72. Fisher-Price Little People Farm
This farm playset from Fisher-Price was the kind of toy that was handed down from sibling to sibling over the years, getting increasingly battered but never actually breaking or losing its appeal. With its barnyard animals, farming equipment and a barn that opened out to reveal everything inside, it had everything a toy needed to inspire imaginative play in little ones.
Fisher-Price was founded in 1930 and has been the standard for quality toys for young kids ever since. However (and maybe it’s just my own nostalgia), there’s something about their ‘90s toys that feel like the quintessential Fisher-Price!
73. Fisher-Price Great Adventures Castle
The defining medieval castle playset of the ‘90s, this thing is guaranteed to bring up so many memories for anyone who had it growing up. Featuring armies of knights and giants, a drawbridge, working cannons and lots more, this playset was a world of adventure you always wanted to dive into.
Fisher-Price released this in 1994, and it quickly became one of their bestselling playsets. There are a few still bouncing around on eBay if you’re feeling nostalgic! And if you have kids of your own, you’ll find that it still holds a lot of appeal for little imaginations.
74. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Wars Playset
What happens when the evil Foot Clan attacks the home of the Ninja Turtles’ favorite thing – pizza? An epic battle of course! Featuring a pizza pie flinger, pizza delivery slide and so much more, this playset set the stage for a pizza-based battle of the most bodacious kind. It was definitely on every TMNT fan’s wish list when it came out in 1994.
This set came from Playmates Toys and featured so many authentic details for fans to enjoy. From pepperoni and grape jelly pizza to a tiny Michelangelo figure, it will make you want to relive old episodes of the show.
75. Disney Hercules Light and Sound Sword
In 1997, Disney released a movie about Hercules that went on to earn $252.7 million in box office revenue worldwide. Sure, it wasn’t Disney’s most successful movie but it definitely made a lot of money and earned raving reviews from critics and the public. As part of the marketing for the movie, Disney released a lightning bolt sword resembling that of Hercules that had lights and made cool sounds.
76. Captain Planet Toxic Sludge Dump
What would a list of ‘90s toys be without a little toxic slime? This particular slime accompanied an elaborate Captain Planet playset, featuring multiple figures, a helicopter and a contraption the eco-villains used to engulf our heroes in toxic sludge! The sludge in question was created by mixing powder and water, and usually ended up in all kinds of crevices far away from the playset itself.
While parents weren’t so keen on this playset, fans of Captain Planet went wild for it when Tiger Toys introduced it in 1991. It was the perfect opportunity to revel in villainy – and slime of course!
’90s Activity Sets
77. Mr Frosty
Was it a toy or a kitchen appliance? In the style of the Easy-Bake Oven, Mr Frosty combined the two in a way that was much safer for kids to use without careful supervision. With the help of this friendly snowman (and some adult muscle power), kids could make all kinds of frozen treats, from slushies to popsicles to ice cubes in fun shapes.
Mr Frosty was technically released in the 1980s by Hasbro, but was popular throughout the following decade. The perfect accompaniment to summer birthday parties, this guy kept kids cool (and sugared-up) in the most fun way possible.
78. Easy-Bake Oven & Snack Center
First introduced in 1963 by Kenner, the Easy-Bake Oven was revamped multiple times over the following decades. By the time the ‘90s version came out, the title had been taken over by Hasbro. But the concept was the same – it was a stepping stone to the real thing, and a way for kids to whip up something sweet themselves.
While the Easy-Bake oven was a fun way to feel like a real chef, it did require interminable waiting times for admittedly measly results. Though the 1993 version made use of a heating element rather than a lightbulb, it still took forever to bake!
| 💡TIP: The latest version of the Easy-Bake is less time consuming and you can make pretzels and pizza with it! |
79. Bob Ross Basic Paint Set
With his curly helmet of hair, comforting voice, and ability to turn even the most art-averse among us into painters, Bob Ross was an absolute icon. Whether you love his landscapes or think they’re unforgivably kitsch, you have to admit how much this one man did to bring art into the living rooms of ordinary Americans!
Bob Ross was the starting point for many creative ‘90s kids, and there’s a reason we’re still talking and making memes about him today. His art supplies were the perfect accompaniment to his show, and though the show is no longer, the supplies are still going strong.
80. Koosh Balls
While they may not be as famous, Koosh Balls were just as much a fixture of the ‘90s as Tamagotchis or K’NEX, despite making their debut in the 1980s. Made of rubber strands radiating from a steel-bound core, the Koosh was much easier to catch than a bouncy ball, and was invented as a stepping stone for kids who struggled with hand-eye coordination.
While it was intended to be used in games of catch, the Koosh was the type of toy that made its way everywhere. It was a textured fidget toy, weird alien creature and catchable ball all rolled into one!
81. Etch A Sketch
While the Etch a Sketch probably wouldn’t impress kids who grew up with tablets and touch screens, back in the ‘90s it really seemed like magic. Though it was introduced in the 60’s by the Ohio Art Company, the “original magic screen” was popular throughout the nineties. Kids loved it, and parents loved having something to give their kids during long car rides!
The Etch a Sketch was so ubiquitous in the ‘90s that it was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. Today, you can buy ones that include color, though the classic will always be my favorite.
| 💡TIP: This magnetic drawing board allows for a little more creativity as kids can draw their own pictures with the pen. |
82. Treasure Rocks
Produced by Hasbro between 1993 and 1995, Treasure Rocks were a winner because of all the levels of fun they provided. First, you got to watch the rocks become jewels in the “magic revealer”, then you got to watch them turn bright colors when hit by sunlight, then you got to make your own beautiful (read: unabashedly gaudy) jewelry with them!
While they don’t make Treasure Rocks anymore, we were able to find someone selling a full set on eBay. I’m hoping someone reading this snaps it up, if only for the gloriously kitsch glamor shot on the box!
83. Slap Bracelets
Slap Bracelets first hit the market via Main Street Toys in 1990 under the name “Slap Wrap”. Part fashion statement, part endlessly addictive toy, the slap bracelet continued to rear its head throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s. Unfortunately, this also led to several copycat products that didn’t have the same safety standards as the original, leading to some painful injuries.
The genius of slap bracelets is that they are cheap to make and you can never have too many, so people kept on buying them. I remember kids who could cover their whole arms with all their slaps!
84. Gak
Lots of ‘90s toys involved some form of slime or sludge, but none was more iconic than Nickelodeon’s Gak. Nickelodeon was already synonymous with slime due to constantly emptying buckets of it over contestants on a range of TV programs. The slime made it into the outside world with Gak, and immediately ‘90s kids longed to stick their hands into the goopy stuff.
There was something magical about the way Gak was endlessly goopy and splatterable and yet always stayed together and didn’t cause a mess. Fun, gross, colorful, gooey and fantastically versatile, Gak was the epitome of the nineties!
85. Yomega X-Brain
The Yomega wasn’t any old yo-yo. It featured an auto-return system that brought it back to your hand when it began to slow down, making it much easier to perform impressive-looking tricks. The Yomega X-Brain was very popular because it was the easiest to get the hang of, but kids who wanted to be yo-yo pros always saw it as a starting point from which to graduate to more challenging models!
The X-Brain was released by Yomega in 1998 with an incredibly catchy and memorable commercial. Soon, playgrounds all over the country were full of clusters of kids showing off their yo-yo tricks!
| 💡TIP: Want to challenge yourself? Go for this three pack and graduate yourself from the Brain to the Fireball and then the Spectrum. |
’90s Outdoor Toys
86. Super Soaker 50
Water pistols were nothing new by the ‘90s, but the Super Soaker 50 took that concept and dialed it up to 100. With a range of up to 50 feet, this pump-action air-pressurized soaker was the most powerful water gun yet! It was the perfect toy for hot summer vacation days and of course ideal for surprising unsuspecting siblings with a good soak.
The Super Soaker 50 was first released in 1990, followed by multiple rereleases throughout the decade. However, other than a few limited editions, the brand stuck with its iconic neon yellow and green color scheme even in newer designs.
87. Barbie Jeep Power Wheels Beach Buggy
Smaller than a real Jeep but bigger than one Barbie herself could drive, the Barbie Jeep Power Wheels Beach Buggy was just the right size for young kids. It also cost a small fortune, so if you were lucky enough to own one, chances are you had all the neighborhood kids clamoring at your door to have a go!
The Barbie Beach Buggy came out in 1993 from Mattel and Fisher-Price. At the time, it was marketed to kids aged 1-7, which has today thankfully been increased to 3-7. In hindsight, giving a free-roaming, battery-powered vehicle to a toddler doesn’t seem like the best idea!
88. Skip-It
Named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 best toys ever, the Skip-It is a rare example of an innovation on the humble jump rope. Because of smart targeted advertising on Nickelodeon, kids everywhere were begging their parents for a Skip It and the product was an instant success.
While there were some versions in the ‘80s, the product’s real success came in 1991 when Tiger Toys introduced a version with a counter so you could track the number of jumps you managed. For a while, there was no playground in America that didn’t see daily Skip It battles!
89. Moon Shoes
Unfortunately, the moon is still not a place where kids can go. So what’s the next best thing? Moon Shoes, of course! Dubbed “anti-gravity shoes”, these contraptions were released in 1992 by Hart and are basically mini trampolines for your feet. Like Gak, they made their first appearance on the Nickelodeon show Double Dare, and soon every daredevil kid wanted a pair.
While you can buy a version of these from Amazon, I recommend doing this for nostalgia purposes only. It’s probably best to keep them away from the kiddos unless you want to be dealing with sprained ankles in the coming weeks!
| 💡TIP: If you’ve got young kids, a real trampoline is probably a safer option. |
90. Micro Scooter
As someone who was a kid in the late ‘90s, Micro Scooters seemed like a constant fixture of life, and they still feel like that today due to their enduring popularity. However, while kick scooters were invented in the 19th century, they were only popularized in 1997 when Wim Ouboter invented the Micro Scooter, a folding scooter that kids and adults alike could use to get around.
Micro Scooters were more compact than bicycles, safer than skateboards, and had a novelty factor that added to their fun. They were the perfect way for kids to feel some independence zipping around the neighborhood park!
91. Socker Boppers
Socker Boppers were first introduced in the 1970s, but popularized again in 1997 by Big Time Toys with the promise that they were “more fun than a pillow fight”. They were essentially big blow up balls you could stick your hands into for a (hopefully) safe and injury-free boxing match. However, like anything that gives kids license to brawl, playing with these could end in tears!
If you thought they were called “Sock’em Boppers”, don’t worry, you’re not going crazy – that was their name before Mattel sued the company because it was too similar to “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots”!
| 💡TIP: If you’ve got a tip or an alternative to recommend, use a box like this one. |
92. Nerf Fencing
Nerf Fencing was first released in 1988, but remained popular throughout the ‘90s. These foam swords were safe to use, and encouraged real skill development through the inclusion of foam targets around the hilt that your opponent had to knock down to win. This simple game mechanic gave Nerf Fencing the edge over other toy swords, and meant there could be no disputes regarding the winner!
A 1990 ad for Nerf Fencing suggests that feuding kids “settle their differences the safe Nerf way”. Unfortunately, they are no longer available for purchase as a conflict-resolution device, but maybe that’s for the best!
93. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
Little Tikes released the Cozy Coupe back in 1979, but it was in the ‘90s that the product really took off. In fact, it was so successful that it became the best selling car in the world, a title it still holds today! That’s right, more of these colorful, grinning vehicles have been sold than any Ford or Toyota.
Besides its friendly face, the genius of this car is that toddlers as young as 18 months can drive it with their feet alone. And other than minor design changes, it’s still being sold in its original form – because if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
94. Scratch Velcro Toss & Catch
The year was 1991. It was a simpler time, when you could still use the word “velcro” instead of “hook and loop” even if you weren’t referring to the official brand. In the summer, a new sticky craze hit playgrounds, beaches, and neighborhood streets – the Velcro Toss & Catch from Paliafito America Inc.
Featuring the obligatory neon color scheme of the ‘80s and ‘90s, these were immensely popular. They were easy enough for young kids while allowing older ones the opportunity to perfect fancy moves and tricks. You can still buy them today, with the “velcro” part removed from the name!
Are Your 90s Toys Worth Any Money?
Wondering whether your old Beanie Babies and Pokemon cards could make you rich? As is so often the case, the answer is “it depends”. While it’s not all that likely that your old toy box stashed away in the attic is hiding a secret fortune, there are some toys from the ‘90s that are worth some serious coin. If you’re wondering which toys in particular fall into this category, check out our article on the topic.
Besides the specific toys, a key factor in the value of ‘90s toys is the condition they’re in. So if you were one of those weird kids who kept your toys in their packaging and didn’t remove the label, you’ve set yourself up well. But for the rest of us, chances of retiring off your old toy stash are much slimmer!
How to Determine the Value of Your 90s Toys
Before you either give up or dive into researching the value of each toy individually, there are a few ways to gauge whether your old ‘90s toys will bring in the big bucks – or are more suited to the bargain bin.
1. Rarity. It’s pretty much a universal rule that the rarer something is, the more expensive it is. So if you had a limited edition Barbie or a Beanie Baby with manufacturing errors, such as the dark blue version of Peanuts the Elephant, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
2. Condition. While manufacturing errors increase value, damage to the toy after purchase decreases it. The most valuable ‘90s toys are the ones in mint condition, with the tag on – bonus if you still have the packaging!
3. Edition. If you happened to snap up the very first edition or collectors’ edition of a toy, this could mean it is worth thousands. However, it definitely depends on the toy.
4. Authenticity. Fakes aren’t worth much, and if you have a certificate of authenticity to prove your toy is the real deal, that’s gonna up its value significantly.
5. Type. Beyond those factors, it really just depends on the toy. Best candidates for valuable ‘90s toys are collectors’ edition Barbies, Beanie Babies and Pokemon cards with errors, limited edition action figures and Furbies still in their boxes.
