12 Toys That ’90s Kids Had to Have For Christmas
Ah, the ’90s … a simpler time when kids rode bikes until the streetlights came on and our biggest concern was which Saturday morning cartoon to watch. While modern toys are flashy and tech-heavy, nothing quite compares to the iconic toys of the 1990s. They brought us joy, created memories and defined our childhoods. While we may have begged for these toys all year, the time when we could finally have our wishes fulfilled was Christmas time! Of course, there were the tried-and-true Christmas list favorites like Barbies, Lite Brite, LEGOs and Easy Bake Ovens, but there were also some other popular picks during this decade.
Here’s a list of just some of the toys that ruled the decade, why they were so popular, a bit of their fascinating history plus where you can buy them now:
1 Tamagotchi
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Before smartphones ruled the world, kids in the ’90s had Tamagotchis, the little digital pets we carried around on keychains. Released in 1996 by Bandai, Tamagotchis let kids experience the responsibility of feeding, cleaning and playing with a virtual creature. Of course, many of us learned heartbreak when our little friends ahem didn’t survive. Tamagotchis were addictive and a status symbol on the playground. Who had the coolest color? Who kept theirs alive the longest? The anxiety of having to leave your pet at home alone while you were at school was so real.
What are they worth and where to find Tamagotchi’s now:
They recently made a resurgence and are back with the original 1997 programming and fresh new designs. But if you want a true original, they, of course, can be found on eBay. If you have deep pockets, there are a few versions selling upwards of $2,000, in their original packaging.
2 Beanie Babies
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If you were a kid (or parent or grandparent) in the ’90s, you knew the craze of Beanie Babies all too well. Launched in 1993 by Ty Inc., these soft, under-stuffed animals with beans in the butts were not only adorable, they became a highly-coveted collector’s item. The cute toys were sold for just a few dollars, but rumors of their “future value” turned them into hot commodities. Remember Princess the Bear, the purple Beanie Baby commemorating Princess Diana? Some toys were worth small fortunes … or so we thought. Regardless of value, they’ll always hold a special place in ’90s kids’ hearts. For instance, I remember one time my grandma and I met up with her friend in the parking lot with her trunk full of Beanie Babies I could choose from. It was quite an experience, and I still have bags full of the creatures to reminisce with.
What they are worth and where to find Beanie Babies now:
While maybe not as popular as they once were, you can pretty much find them at any yard sale, but if on the lookout for a particularly rare one, eBay or other auction sites are here for the rescue! For more info, check out our guide on buying used Beanie Babies. Unfortunately, most of them aren’t worth much as we were promised.
3 Furby
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Furby, the talking, blinking and slightly creepy pet, took the world by storm in 1998. Created by Tiger Electronics, Furby seemed revolutionary at the time. It spoke its own language (Furbish!) but eventually “learned” some English the more you interacted with it. They were like a combination of Tamagotchi and a real-life pet. Parents, however, weren’t so sure. A Furby could chirp to life unexpectedly in the middle of the night … and that was nightmare fuel. I used to make my Furby “eat” until he burped many times, and I definitely got scared when he came to life unexpectedly!
What they are worth and where to find Furby now:
a Furby is another toy that recently got a modern makeover, and you can purchase the new versions for around $50 on Amazon. For the classic ’90s versions, you can find them on eBay ranging in price from around $25 up to $125.
4 Super Soaker
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Summers in the ’90s weren’t complete without a water fight, and nothing made you cooler (or wetter) than the Super Soaker. Invented in 1989 by NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson, the Super Soaker became a household staple by the early ’90s. Its pressurized water blasts gave kids the ultimate edge during backyard battles. Whether you were wielding the Super Soaker 50 or upgrading to the Super Soaker CPS 2000, you knew you were in for hours of fun when the weather heated up.
What they are worth and where to find Super Soakers now:
Super Soakers and other water guns haven’t gone away, and you can purchase them on Amazon for around $15. If you want a true ’90s original, eBay has some options for around $60, plus some are available to bid on for the holiday season.
5 Polly Pocket
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Girls of the ’90s adored Polly Pocket, the tiny doll that lived in even tinier play sets. Created in 1989 by Bluebird Toys, Polly Pocket really took off in the early ’90s. The compact design made it easy to carry Polly everywhere you went, from sleepovers to long car rides. Plus, Polly’s world was always magical, whether she was in a miniature castle, a beach resort or a shopping mall. The doll and her micro-sized accessories sparked endless creativity for kids with big imaginations. I’ve heard that a Polly Pocket film may be on its way after the success of Barbie and I personally can’t wait to see what it is like!
What they are worth and where to find Polly Pocket now:
Like many of the toys on this list, the newer versions can be found on Amazon and in stores like Target. They range in price based on the accessories. The ’90s versions can be found on eBay for around $25, to over $100, depending on how many items are included.
6 Power Rangers Action Figures
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When Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit TV screens in 1993, kids were hooked. Suddenly, every kid wanted to be part of the team, and Power Rangers action figures made that dream a reality. With posable arms, removable weapons and Zords to collect, these toys were the ultimate companions for backyard adventures. Who didn’t argue over who got to be the Red Ranger? If you weren’t into Power Rangers, no fear, there were tons of action figures in the ’90s … you could also get Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, your favorite Harry Potter characters, superheroes and many more!
What they are worth and where to find Power Rangers action figures now:
You can purchase a bundle of some of the original Power Rangers action figures on eBay for around $25.
7 Game Boy Color
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Nintendo’s Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming in the late ’80s, but the ’90s gave us the ultimate upgrade: the Game Boy Color. Released in 1998, this pocket-sized console brought portable gaming to life with color. Games like Pokémon Red and Blue, Super Mario Land 2 and Tetris became instant classics. Kids spent hours (and stacks of AA batteries) leveling up Pokémon, beating bosses and bragging about their high scores. I was obsessed with the see-through purple version and remember collecting and trading different games with my friends. Which game was your favorite?
What they are worth and where to find Game Boy Color now:
You can find used and refurbished versions on Amazon or eBay for around $100.
8 Bop It
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“Bop it! Twist it! Pull it!” If those words just triggered a burst of nostalgia or you just remembered you still have one in your closet, you’re not alone. Released in 1996 by Hasbro, Bop It was an electronic game that tested your reflexes and listening skills. Simple yet addictive, kids competed to see who could follow commands the longest without messing up. It was the perfect mix of fun and frustration, especially when the game got faster and faster. Bop It taught us hand-eye coordination, but mostly, it taught us how to trash talk our friends if we got really good at it.
What they are worth and where to find Bop It now:
There are several different versions of Bop It, even mini ones, and they range in price from $8 to $25 on Amazon. Some nostalgic versions are on eBay for around $20.
9 Pogs
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Pogs were the ultimate playground currency in the ’90s. These little cardboard discs came in every design imaginable: cartoon characters, neon patterns and holographic styles. Kids played for keeps, stacking and slamming Pogs in heated battles to win their friends’ collections. Pogs originated in Hawaii but became a global phenomenon in the early ’90s. Even though most adults didn’t understand the appeal, kids were obsessed. I remember trading them on the bus and being elated or disappointed when I realized which new Pog I received.
What they are worth and where to find Pogs now:
Pogs are reportedly coming back, but for now, the old versions are sold in huge bundles for around $20 on eBay.
10 American Girl Dolls
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This is perhaps my favorite on this list … American Girl Dolls were more than just toys. They felt like friends that came with their own backstories and wardrobes to match. Launched in 1986 by Pleasant Company, American Girl Dolls hit their stride in the ’90s, when they became a cultural phenomenon. Each doll came with a unique historical narrative, teaching kids about different time periods through the stories of characters like Kirsten, Samantha and Addy. The dolls were beautifully crafted and could be personalized with accessories, books, clothes and even furniture. For many kids, owning an American Girl Doll felt special. I certainly treasured mine for many years and dressed her up with pride. Plus, the catalogs were practically required reading back then, and it was so exciting to circle everything for your Christmas wish lists!
What they are worth and where to find American Girl Dolls now:
American Girl Dolls are still very popular, and there are even huge stores with cafés in Chicago and Texas. The already-owned versions are going on eBay for under $100, but a new one from the website will cost you around $115 with customization options and, of course, lots of accessories.
11 Tickle Me Elmo
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If there was one toy that caused complete chaos during the holiday season of 1996, it was Tickle Me Elmo. Produced by Tyco, this laughing, wiggling Elmo doll from Sesame Street sparked a nationwide craze. Parents lined up for hours and even fought in stores to snag one for their kids. The doll’s infectious giggle made it irresistible to children, yet slightly unnerving to adults after hearing it repeatedly. I’ll be honest: I was more into Big Bird toys myself!
What they are worth and where to find Tickle Me Elmo now:
If you want an original Tickle Me Elmo from the ’90s, you can find them on eBay for around $35.
12 Toy Story toys
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When Toy Story debuted in 1995, it was an instant success. It was the first entirely computer-animated movie and one that captured kids’ imaginations everywhere. Naturally, the toys followed. Buzz Lightyear action figures, Woody dolls with pull strings and even Mr. Potato Head (already a classic) saw a resurgence thanks to the film. Buzz’s “To infinity and beyond!” catchphrase turned the space ranger into a must-have toy. Which one did you have? I personally loved Slinky Dog!
What they are worth and where to find Toy Story toys now:
Of course, the Toy Story franchise kept going, so new toys come out all the time, especially in Disney World’s Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. However, if you want a true toy from the ’90s, you can find them on eBay for around $10.
What other ’90s toys would you add to this list?
Remind 
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
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