The nostalgic toy retailer that once went bankrupt is making a comeback for Christmas.
For many kids growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s, Toys “R” Us was a special place. Stepping inside felt like entering a magical world, where you could finally see all the cool toys you’d seen on TV commercials.
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The company faced hard times when it declared bankruptcy in 2017 and had to close stores right before the holidays. Fortunately, things have improved since WHP Global bought the brand in 2021. According to PR Newswire, they plan to open 10 new main stores and 20 temporary holiday shops before the year is over.
Where are the new Toys “R” Us stores going to be?
The retailer hasn’t announced the exact locations for its new stores, but sources like 9News have identified some, including sites in California, Illinois, Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado.
- Aurora, Illinois – Chicago Premium Outlets (Opening September 20)
- Camarillo, California– Camarillo Premium Outlets (October)
- Hanover, Maryland– Arundel Mills (October)
- Emeryville, California – Bay Street
- Long Beach, California
- West Des Moines, Iowa – Jordan Creek
- Omaha, Nebraska– Westroads Mall
- Thornton, Colorado – Denver Premium Outlets
Toys “R” Us will also open seasonal pop-up locations across the U.S.
When will the new Toys “R” Us stores open in 2025?
While the specific dates aren’t available yet, Toys “R” Us, through its partner Go! Retail Group, has announced that more stores will be opening before the end of 2025.
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It’s great to have this beloved store back, particularly during the holiday season. For a trip down memory lane, you might also enjoy checking out the most popular toys from the year you were born.
LOOK: The top holiday toys from the year you were born
1920: Raggedy Ann doll
Original estimated retail price: $1
Raggedy Ann started as a character in a book created by Johnny Gruelle, a well-known political cartoonist. Soon after, in 1920, handmade Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls were being sold with the book, and everything became incredibly popular. It’s not surprising that the story of Raggedy Ann’s creation is full of legends, considering she came from a storybook world.
1921: Lincoln Logs
Original estimated retail price: 50 cents to $1
John Lloyd Wright, son of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, created Lincoln Logs after seeing a unique building foundation during a trip to Tokyo. The foundation, made of interlocking beams, was part of a hotel his father had designed. Early versions of the toy were made from redwood and came with colorful roof pieces. The origin of the name ‘Lincoln Logs’ remains a mystery – it’s unclear if it honors Abraham Lincoln or if it’s a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s middle name, Lincoln.
1922: Tinkertoy
Originally priced at just 59 cents, the first Tinkertoys sets included wheels, rods, and pulleys and came in a unique mailing tube. Though they started slowly, by the 1920s, these creative building sets became a popular gift found under many Christmas trees across America.
1923: A. C. Gilbert chemistry sets
Original estimated retail price: $1.50 to $10
It’s surprising to learn that the chemistry sets released this year by magician A.C. Gilbert – which were incredibly popular – actually contained flammable and explosive materials! These early sets, dating back to 1923, were designed specifically for boys, and it wasn’t until much later that gender-neutral versions became available.
1924: Erector Set
Originally priced between $1 and $10, the Erector Set was a groundbreaking toy created in 1911 by A.C. Gilbert while traveling by train. It was the first toy advertised nationally, and uniquely featured a motor in some sets, making it very popular. Initially designed around building skyscrapers, it was updated in 1924 to include a wider range of models like trains and Ferris wheels. The name “Erector Set” became so well-known that it’s often used today as a general term for any build-it-yourself construction toy.
1925: Teddy bear
Original estimated retail price: 79 cents
The first teddy bears came about thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt. It all started with a cartoon showing Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear that had been captured and tied to a tree during a hunting trip. Morris Michtom, a shop owner who made stuffed animals with his wife, Rose, saw the cartoon in The Washington Post and was inspired to create a stuffed bear, naming it after the President. After getting Roosevelt’s approval, Michtom displayed two of these “Teddy’s Bears” in his shop window, and they quickly became a huge success.
1926: Crayola Crayons
Original estimated retail price: 5 cents
I always found it fascinating that the name “Crayola” actually comes from combining French words for “chalk” and “oily” – it really fits, considering crayons were originally made to be a better alternative to poor-quality chalk! When they first came out in 1903, a box of crayons only had eight colors, but by the time Binney & Smith bought the company in 1926, they’d expanded the selection to 22, which felt like a huge variety back then.
1927: Radio Flyer wagon
Original estimated retail price: $2.99
Antonio Pasin, an Italian inventor, was surprised by how much American children loved his wooden wagons. As demand grew, he looked to car manufacturers for inspiration and started using stamped steel to make the wagons quickly and efficiently in 1927. He also gave them a new name – Radio Flyer – reflecting his interest in airplanes and the radio.
1928: Yo-yo
Original estimated retail price: 5 cents
Yo-yos have a surprisingly long history, dating back to around 500 BC. They became incredibly popular in America thanks to Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant, who teamed up with toy maker D.F. Duncan Sr. to produce them on a massive scale – up to 300,000 per day! With promotion from media mogul William Randolph Hearst, yo-yo competitions sprang up nationwide, turning the toy into a huge craze.
1929: Pop-up book
While it’s hard to say what early pop-up books cost, the idea actually goes way back – all the way to the 1300s! A Catalan mystic used moving parts to illustrate his ideas. However, the pop-up books we recognize today really started with the 1929 “Daily Express Children’s Annual No. 1,” created by Louis Giraud and Theodore Brown. These books, then called “movables,” featured a simple pull-tab that made cardboard figures pop up.
1930: Mickey Mouse doll
Original estimated retail price: not available
In 1928, Walt Disney introduced the animated short film “Steamboat Willie,” which quickly made Mickey Mouse a beloved character. Because Mickey became so popular so fast, Disney asked Charlotte Clark to create the first Mickey Mouse stuffed animal in 1930. However, demand was so high that Disney couldn’t produce enough, leading many mothers to start making their own Mickey dolls at home.
1931: Finger paint
Original estimated retail price: not available
I recently learned about a fascinating piece of art history – the story behind finger paint! It wasn’t just a happy accident, but a deliberate creation by American educator Ruth Faison Shaw while she was traveling in Italy. What struck me most was her intention wasn’t *just* about getting kids to be creative, but about helping them emotionally. She genuinely believed letting children explore art through the freedom of messy fingerpainting was actually therapeutic, and that’s a pretty powerful idea.
1932: Sock monkey
Original estimated retail price: 10 cents
In 1932, the Nelson Knitting Company differentiated its best-selling socks by adding a unique red heel, protected by a patent, to combat copycats. Resourceful mothers, facing hardship during the Depression, started creatively repurposing old Rockford socks into monkey puppets for their children. Nelson Knitting Company, learning of this trend, thoughtfully began including a monkey pattern with every pair of socks they sold.
1933: Marx wind-up toys
Original estimated retail price: 25 cents
The Great Depression was difficult for most toy companies, but Louis Marx & Company actually prospered. They believed successful toys needed to be recognizable, exciting, challenging, fun, affordable, easy to understand, and durable. By focusing on these qualities and keeping production costs low, Marx successfully predicted what customers wanted. Their wind-up toys were especially popular throughout the 1930s and for many years after.
1934: Buck Rogers Disintegrator Pistol
Originally sold for 50 cents, the Buck Rogers Disintegrator Pistol was the very first toy ray gun. Inspired by the Amazing Stories comic book, it was promoted as Buck Rogers’ futuristic weapon and made a distinct “zap” sound when fired.
1935: Shirley Temple doll
Original estimated retail price: not available
Shirley Temple began her acting career at just four years old and quickly became famous all over the world by the 1930s. Her popularity led to many products being made in her image, like dolls, dinnerware, and clothes. Although she stopped making movies in 1950 at age 22, Shirley Temple dolls continued to be incredibly popular for many years after.
1936: Balsa wood models
Original estimated retail price: 10 cents to $1
Following Charles Lindbergh’s famous flight across the Atlantic, children became fascinated with airplanes, and Balsa Model Fighter Planes quickly became popular. Created by Paul K. Guillow, who initially ran his business from his family’s barn, these planes were simple to put together and made from inexpensive balsa wood, making them an accessible and affordable toy for families during the Great Depression.
1937: Monopoly
Original estimated retail price: $2
The incredibly popular board game Monopoly almost never existed. The story goes that Parker Brothers initially rejected the game when its creator, Charles Darrow, first presented it to them in 1933. Later, in 1936, the company’s founder, George S. Parker, briefly stopped production before quickly reversing his decision.
1938: Microscope Set
Original estimated retail price: Not available
A. C. Gilbert, a well-known toy maker already skilled at creating home science kits, began selling a Microscope Set for children in the 1930s. These microscopes were surprisingly capable, offering three different levels of magnification, and each set included insects like bees and flies for kids to examine in detail.
1939: View-Master
Originally priced at just $2, the View-Master came about after Harold Graves of Sawyer’s Photographic Services witnessed William Gruber experimenting with attaching two cameras together in 1938 at the Oregon Caves. Gruber hoped to create 3D color slides, and the two collaborated to bring the idea to life, launching the View-Master in 1939. During World War II, the U.S. government recognized its potential and bought millions of View-Master reels to help train soldiers in identifying enemy aircraft and ships.
1940: Red Ryder BB Gun
Original estimated retail price: $5
The Red Ryder BB Gun is arguably the most well-known BB gun ever made. It was designed to look like a Winchester rifle and named after a popular comic book character. However, it’s probably best remembered today as the Christmas gift the main character in “A Christmas Story” desperately wants – despite warnings that he might shoot his eye out!
1941: Beach ball
Original estimated retail price: 5 cents
The inflatable beach ball is a classic accessory for fun in the water. It’s believed to have been created by Jonathon DeLonge in California. Interestingly, while today’s beach balls are quite large, the very first one was reportedly small enough to hold in your hand.
1942: Little Golden Books
Original estimated retail price: 25 cents
Launched in 1942, Little Golden Books provided affordable and engaging stories for children, offering a welcome distraction during the difficult years of World War II. The first twelve titles, published by Simon & Schuster, were a huge success, selling over a million copies in just five months, and the series quickly grew from there.
1943: Little green army men
Original estimated retail price: 5 cents
Beginning in the late 1930s, the Bergen Toy and Novelty Co. started selling small, plastic army men that quickly became a hit with boys across the country. These little soldiers were molded in different fighting positions and had small bases to help them stand. They were especially popular during World War II, and the designs from that era are still what most people think of when they picture plastic army men today.
1944: Soap bubbles and bubble blowers
Back in the early 1940s, a company called Chemtoy sold a bubble solution for just 10 cents. While the name might raise eyebrows today, parents at the time happily bought it for their kids. Like children today, they mostly used bubble wands to enjoy the fun.
1945: Slinky
Original estimated retail price: $1
Let me tell you about a happy accident! Back in 1943, engineer Richard James was actually trying to create a spring to help keep things stable on boats. But when he dropped some early versions, he noticed something amazing – they didn’t just fall over, they *walked*! That little ‘walk’ sparked an idea – a fun, new toy. Two years later, he and his wife had their first delivery – 400 Slinkies to Gimbels in Philadelphia. And timing couldn’t have been better! It was just before Christmas, and they sold out instantly. Since then? Over 250 million Slinkies have brought joy to people over the last seventy years. It’s a simple toy with a surprisingly wonderful story.
1946: Lionel Trains
Original estimated retail price: $30
Lionel Trains commercials famously claimed they could make “a boy feel like a man and a man feel like a boy.” The brand became the favorite of kids, collectors, and train lovers across the country thanks to clever marketing, incredibly detailed designs, and trains that could run at different speeds. Founded in the early 1900s, the company faced hard times during the Great Depression and temporarily stopped making trains during World War II. However, 1946 saw full production resume after the war, leading to a significant increase in the brand’s popularity.
1947: Tonka Trucks
Original estimated retail price: $1
Tonka Trucks got its name from Lake Minnetonka and started with three men in Minnesota who originally planned to make garden tools. However, after acquiring another company and unexpectedly receiving a toy steam shovel, they decided to try making toys instead. This first toy digger, along with a working crane and clam, proved popular, selling 37,000 units. Seeing this success, the founders quickly shifted their focus entirely to creating toy construction vehicles for children, abandoning their original garden tool business.
1948: Toy Piano
Original estimated retail price: $8
Unlike today’s small, plastic toy pianos, those made in the 1940s were larger and crafted from wood like walnut. These instruments gained unexpected recognition in 1948 when composer John Cage featured a toy piano in his performance of “Suite for Toy Piano.”
1949: Clue
Originally priced at just $3, the board game Clue – known as Cluedo in Britain – has captivated players for decades. Created by a British lawyer during World War II, it was first patented in 1947 and introduced to North America as Clue in 1949. The mystery of who committed the murder – was it Colonel Mustard in the library, or Professor Plum in the study? – has remained a popular question, even inspiring a movie in 1985.
1950: Magic 8 Ball
Original estimated retail price: not available
The Magic 8 Ball has its roots in a device called the Syco-Seer, which was a crystal ball containing dice. It was originally created by Albert Carter, whose mother was a psychic. Carter and his brother-in-law, Abe Bookman, tried several times to sell the Syco-Seer, but weren’t successful. After Carter’s death in 1948, Bookman revamped the design, eventually leading to the Magic 8 Ball we know today.
1951: Colorforms
Back in 1951, art students Harry and Patricia Kislevitz were frustrated with the expense of paint. They started exploring vinyl as a cheaper alternative and came up with Colorforms – colorful shapes that could stick to surfaces and be used again and again. Children loved them, and parents didn’t have to worry about the cost of art supplies!
1952: Mr. Potato Head
Original estimated retail price: 98 cents
George Lerner created detachable facial features to make vegetables more appealing to children. These were first offered as prizes inside cereal boxes. In 1952, the Hassenfield brothers bought the idea and launched Hasbro Toys, leading to the creation of Mr. Potato Head, then Mrs. Potato Head, and many other characters.
1953: Model Car
Original estimated retail price: $1-$2
Early toy cars from the 1920s weren’t really meant as playthings or items to collect. Instead, car manufacturers made these tiny models to advertise their full-sized vehicles. By the 1950s, collecting and playing with model cars had become a popular hobby for both boys and men. These models were typically made of metal—like tin, steel, and zinc—but in the U.S., plastic became a common material by the 1950s.
1954: Scrabble
Originally, Scrabble cost just $2. The game was invented during the Great Depression by Alfred M. Butts, an unemployed architect. He designed a tile-based game played on a grid, similar to a crossword puzzle, and initially called it things like CrissCross Words and Lexiko. He eventually licensed the idea to James Brunot, who renamed it Scrabble. Sales were slow at first, but by 1954, the rights were owned by Selchow & Righter, who, after being acquired by Hasbro, successfully marketed the game.
1955: Silly Putty
Original estimated retail price: $1
The origins of Silly Putty are a bit unclear, but it was likely discovered by accident. During World War II, the U.S. government asked chemists to develop an artificial rubber. Instead, they created a peculiar, meltable substance that couldn’t hold its shape – making it seemingly useless. Luckily for the toy industry, this ‘failure’ became a hit. By 1955, Silly Putty was being sold in plastic eggs to children with great success. Remarkably, even though a dollar was a significant amount in 1955, the price of Silly Putty has remained about the same for over 60 years.
1956: Play-Doh
Original estimated retail price: 99 cents for four
Teachers told Joe McVicker that children didn’t enjoy using stiff modeling clay. So, he started providing schools with a soft cleaning product originally made for wallpaper as a more appealing alternative. This alternative quickly became known as Play-Doh by 1956, and it’s been a favorite in elementary schools ever since.
1957: Water balloons
Original estimated retail price: 10 cents
Water balloons weren’t intentionally invented – they were a happy accident! It all started with Edgar Ellington, a British inventor trying to create a waterproof sock using latex and cotton. When his early attempts leaked, he frustratedly threw one onto a table, where it burst. This gave him a much better idea, and his new invention – which he called “water grenades” – quickly became very popular by the late 1950s.
1958: Hula Hoop
Original estimated retail price: $1.98
The Hula Hoop started with an idea from an Australian named Alex Tolmer, who created a plastic version of the bamboo hoops children in Australia were already using. He sold his design to the American toy company Wham-O, and they named it the “Hula Hoop” after the Hawaiian dance. To get people excited about it, Wham-O gave Hula Hoops away to kids in Southern California and showcased them on “The Dinah Shore Show.” This clever marketing worked incredibly well, and the Hula Hoop quickly became a national craze, selling 25 million units in just the first two months.
1959: Barbie
Originally, Barbie cost just $3. She was created by Ruth Handler as a more realistic alternative to the flat paper dolls her daughter enjoyed. Barbie quickly became, and remains, the most famous doll ever made. However, her success wasn’t without controversy. Some feminists criticized her appearance and clothing, arguing they weren’t positive role models for girls. Mattel, the company that makes Barbie, responded by working to make her a symbol of diversity and female strength, giving her different backgrounds, jobs, and looks over the years.
1960: Etch A Sketch
Original estimated retail price: $2.99
The Etch A Sketch, originally called “magic screen” in French (L’Ecran Magique), was invented by Andre Cassagnes, a French electrical technician. He tried to sell his invention for a year without success until the Ohio Art Company bought the rights for $25,000 and gave it a new name. Thanks to some effective TV commercials, the Etch A Sketch became one of the most popular toys in the country by 1960.
1961: Slip ’N Slide
Original estimated retail price: $8.95 per box of six
It’s not surprising the Slip ’N Slide started with some risk! Back in 1960, Robert D. Carrier noticed his son and his friends were sliding down their wet driveway. Using his experience with fabrics, Carrier designed a plastic slide to make the activity smoother and hopefully safer on hard surfaces.
1962: Chatter Telephone
Original estimated retail price: $1.42
The Chatter Telephone came about when Ernest Thornell noticed his daughter playing with their old phone like a toy. Inspired, he added wheels and buttons that made sounds. While the original Chatter Telephone was crafted from wood, the ones you see today are usually made of plastic.
1963: Easy-Bake Oven
Original estimated retail price: $15
I always thought the Easy-Bake Oven was such a clever idea – and it really was! But when it first came out in 1963, a lot of parents were understandably worried about safety. To make it safer, the folks at Kenner came up with a really interesting solution: they used two 100-watt light bulbs to provide the heat, which helped lower the risk of kids getting burned.
1964: G.I. Joe
Original estimated retail price: $1.95
In 1964, while Barbie was popular with girls, Hasbro created G.I. Joe, a tough, heroic figure aimed at boys. Hasbro deliberately avoided calling G.I. Joe a “doll,” instead marketing him as an “action figure.” Though G.I. Joe’s look and character have evolved over time, even reflecting real-life heroes and celebrities, he has always maintained a strong, masculine image.
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1965: Wham-O Frisbee
Original estimated retail price: 79 cents
The story of the Frisbee starts in the late 1800s with students in New England who playfully threw pie tins from the Frisbie Baking Company. However, the first plastic flying discs weren’t sold until 1948, when Walter Morrison and Warren Franscioni began offering their “Flying Saucers” and “Pluto Platters” at fairs. The toy company Wham-O recognized their potential, purchased the rights in 1955, and rebranded them as Frisbees. By the mid-1960s, Wham-O Frisbees had become a common sight in backyards and on college campuses.
1966: Twister
Original estimated retail price: not available
Milton Bradley, the company behind many popular board games, was hesitant to release Twister. They feared its playful and suggestive nature could damage their family-friendly image. Although Twister debuted in 1965 without much excitement, it quickly became a hit after Johnny Carson and Eva Gabor played it on television, showing teenagers how fun it could be. Since then, Twister has remained a popular part of youth culture.
1967: Lite-Brite
Original estimated retail price: $10
Man, I remember the Lite-Brite! It was this awesome toy with a light-up grid, and you’d cover it with dark paper. The fun part was poking holes to make pictures. Later on, they started including templates of characters we all loved – Darth Vader, Scooby-Doo, the whole gang! It was a simple idea, but hours of fun.
1968: Hot Wheels
Original estimated retail price: 59 cents
Elliot Handler, who co-founded Mattel with his wife Ruth (the creator of Barbie), wanted to design a toy that boys would love as much as girls loved Barbie. This led to the creation of Hot Wheels – a series of colorful, metal toy cars inspired by American hot rods and modeled after the popular English Matchbox cars. The first Hot Wheels collection in 1968 included 16 different designs.
1969: Lego building sets
Original estimated retail price: 10 to 30 cents per brick
The name “Lego” comes from the Danish phrase meaning “play well,” and it’s been the most popular toy not just of recent years, but for the entire last century. Starting in 1949 as simple red and white connecting blocks, Lego quickly became a huge cultural trend, even opening its own Legoland theme park by the late 1960s.
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1970: Nerf ball
Original estimated retail price: $2
The Nerf ball, made from a special foam that didn’t leave dents or marks, was an immediate success when Parker Brothers introduced it as the world’s first indoor ball. It sold over 4 million units in its first year, and soon other Nerf products, like the football, appeared. Eventually, the Nerf football became the most popular item in the Nerf line.
1971: Weebles
Original estimated retail price: $6.58
Weebles were colorful, egg-shaped toys that moved in a captivating way. Popular in the early to mid-1970s, these toys were famous for their slogan, “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down,” and were highly sought after by children.
1972: Uno
Original estimated retail price: not available
Merle Robbins, who ran a barbershop and loved playing card games, believed he could make the game Crazy Eights even better. He created Uno and first sold it at his barbershop and around town. In 1972, he sold the rights to a man who owned a funeral home in Illinois, and that’s when Uno really took off and became popular across the country.
1973: Shrinky Dinks
Original estimated retail price: not available
Shrinky Dinks, those fun plastic sheets you decorated and then baked in the oven, seemed like magic when they first came out in 1973. But the secret wasn’t magic at all! It was a special type of plastic called polystyrene. When heated, the plastic’s chains straightened, causing it to shrink and harden as it cooled.
1974: Skateboard
Original estimated retail price: $20 to $60
Skateboarding started in 1958 as a fun way to mimic surfing on the streets, using roller skate wheels fixed to a board. However, it wasn’t until the early 1970s, with the invention of smoother urethane wheels, that skateboarding really took off and became popular.
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1975: The Pet Rock
Original estimated retail price: $3.95
The story goes that Gary Ross Dahl came up with the idea for a Pet Rock while chatting with friends, envisioning a perfect pet that was completely carefree. Combined with a smart marketing strategy and good timing, it became one of the most well-known – and admittedly pointless – products in American history. Even today, the Pet Rock is seen as both a celebration and a satire of the power of the free market.
1976: Stretch Armstrong
Original estimated retail price: $5
Stretch Armstrong was a remarkably durable toy. You could pull, twist, throw, and even beat him without causing any damage. This was thanks to his unique construction, a special mix of plastic, rubber, and gel, which allowed his limbs to stretch up to four times their original length.
1977: Atari 2600 Game System
Original estimated retail price: $199.99
The Atari 2600 played a huge role in the history of video games. It was easy to use and featured popular games like “Frogger,” “Pac-Man,” and “Space Invaders.” While not the very first home console, it was a key factor in launching the home gaming boom we know today.
1978: Star Wars action figures
Original estimated retail price: $3 and up
Today, “Star Wars” sets the standard for all other franchises. However, its huge success in 1977 was unexpected, even for the toy industry. Kenner, a toy company, quickly released puzzles and games to try and meet the initial demand, but they weren’t very successful. Everything changed in 1978 when the 3.75-inch action figures – Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia – became available. Suddenly, “Star Wars” merchandise was just as popular as the movies themselves.
1979: Simon
Original estimated retail price: $24.95
Ralph Baer, the inventor of the first video game system in the 1960s, drew inspiration from the Atari arcade game “Touch Me” when he created Simon in the mid-1970s. This electronic memory game, where players had to repeat increasingly complex color sequences, was famously launched at Studio 54 and quickly became a popular toy in homes across America.
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1980: Rubik’s Cube hits the shelves
Original estimated retail price: $1.99
In 1974, Hungarian designer Erno Rubik created a 3D puzzle he originally called the Magic Cube. By 1980, the toy company Ideal Toy & Novelty had rebranded it as Rubik’s Cube, and it quickly became a huge hit. In just the first two years, over 100 million cubes were sold. Since then, a whole culture has grown up around the puzzle, including competitions, guides, and many copycat designs.
1981: He-Man action figures
Original estimated retail price: $4.99
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe first appeared in 1981 as a line of action figures known for their unique punching action – you could make them throw punches by pulling and releasing a mechanism. These figures were also impressively large, standing almost two inches taller than popular action figures from the Star Wars and G.I. Joe lines.
1982: My Little Pony
Original estimated retail price: $3 and up
This year, Hasbro’s My Little Pony proved a strong competitor to Barbie. These small, vinyl horses featured long, colorful, and brushable hair. Each pony also had a cute name and a special symbol on its flank.
1983: Cabbage Patch Kids
Original estimated retail price: $40
Cabbage Patch Kids, with their soft, rounded bodies and big heads, became incredibly popular after being featured on the TV show “Real People” in 1980. By 1983, the demand had exploded, leading to chaotic scenes as parents fought each other in stores to buy the dolls before Christmas. This frenzy, known as the “Great Cabbage Patch Craze,” was so memorable it even inspired the movie “Jingle All the Way,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad.
1984: Transformers
Original estimated retail price: $4 and up
The story of Transformers started in 1984 with Hasbro’s release of a new line of action figures. These toys were based on Japanese designs that could transform from robots into vehicles. Along with the toys came a detailed backstory and a comic book series. Over time, the Transformers universe expanded to include TV shows, video games, popular movies, and even promotional items like cereal boxes.
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1985: Teddy Ruxpin
Original estimated retail price: $69.99
I remember being absolutely amazed by Teddy Ruxpin when he came out! It was all thanks to this former Disney Imagineer, Ken Forsse, who used the same technology from Disney’s theme park robots to create this incredibly lifelike, storytelling bear. He had a cassette tape inside, and his mouth and eyes actually *moved* as he read! Even though he was a bit expensive, Teddy Ruxpin was the hottest toy around in ’85 and ’86 – everyone wanted one!
1986: Nintendo Entertainment System
Original estimated retail price: $199.99
By the mid-1980s, the popularity of Atari had faded, and it looked like home video game consoles might disappear in the United States. However, Nintendo of Japan decided to try entering the American market in 1985. To convince stores to carry their system, Nintendo offered a unique deal: retailers would only pay for consoles that actually sold, and could return any unsold units. While this initial strategy wasn’t a huge success, it kept Nintendo from failing until the release of “Super Mario Bros” in 1986. Since then, video games have become a lasting part of American culture.
1987: Jenga
Original estimated retail price: $12
Jenga is a game where players take turns removing blocks from a tower until it falls. First released in 1983, it took a little while to become popular. Interestingly, Robert Grebler, the person who introduced Jenga to North America, is said to have built the tallest Jenga tower ever – over 40 blocks high!
1988: Troll Dolls
Original estimated retail price: $2 and up
Troll Dolls began as wooden figures created in the late 1950s by a Danish fisherman named Thomas Dam, inspired by Scandinavian folklore. American companies quickly copied the idea, making plastic versions that became very popular in the 1960s. The dolls saw another surge in popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming a must-have toy for children and a common decoration for office workspaces.
1989: Game Boy
Original estimated retail price: $89.99
Look, mobile gaming existed *before* the Game Boy, but for me, it’s the device that *really* kicked things into high gear. It wasn’t fancy, just a simple 8-bit handheld, but it was so easy to pick up and play. Plus, it had a killer library of games and, let’s be real, the convenience factor was huge. Coming after the NES, it felt like a total game-changer – an instant classic, honestly.
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1990: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures
Original estimated retail price: $3.99 and up
I totally grew up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! It all started with their awesome cartoon – they were hilarious, fought crime, and were *always* eating pizza in New York. By the time the first live-action movie came out in 1990, they were a huge deal. Seriously, everywhere you looked there were Turtle toys, and the movie proved just how popular they’d become – it was a massive hit!
1991: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Original estimated retail price: $199.99
The Super Nintendo was a significant improvement over the NES in almost every way, and it continued to dominate the video game market. But this time, it faced much stronger competition from the Sega Genesis, a new 32-bit console. This marked the start of the first major rivalry in the console industry.
1992: Talkboy
Original estimated retail price: $29.99
The Talkboy first appeared in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” as a handheld recorder used by the mischievous Kevin McCallister. It was released for sale the same day as the movie, likely leading to countless copycat pranks. Due to its popularity, several similar versions were also made, such as Talkgirl and Talkboy FX Plus.
1993: Super Soaker
Original estimated retail price: $10 to $50
Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a nuclear engineer who also assisted NASA with its Jupiter mission, was developing a water-powered heat pump as a side project. During testing, a powerful stream of water shot across the room, inspiring him to build a high-powered water gun instead. He created a first version, the “Power Drencher,” using simple materials like PVC pipe and a soda bottle, and it worked by using air pressure to shoot water. After some improvements, this invention became the popular Super Soaker.
1994: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Original estimated retail price: $10
In 1993, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” became a huge hit on Fox Kids, quickly capturing the public’s imagination with its action-packed battles. Because it was so popular right away, it was natural to create toys and even a movie in 1995. Like many beloved franchises, the Power Rangers faded in popularity for a while, but eventually made a successful comeback.
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1995: Beanie Babies
Original estimated retail price: $5 and up
What caused the huge craze for small, affordable stuffed animals filled with beads in the mid-to-late 1990s? Beyond simple supply and demand, it’s hard to explain – just like it’s surprising that some rare Beanie Babies still sell for thousands of dollars today.
1996: Tickle Me Elmo
Original estimated retail price: $29.99
Let me tell you, the ‘Tickle Me Elmo’ craze of 1996 was something else. Tyco Toys struck gold when they made a doll of that adorable, giggling Elmo from Sesame Street. But they had *no* idea what was coming. Once the toy sold out, all bets were off. I’m talking absolute pandemonium in stores – people were literally trampling employees and fighting each other just to get their hands on one. It was a bizarre, slightly terrifying display of holiday shopping fever, honestly.
1997: Tamagotchi
Original estimated retail price: $17.99
Before smartphones became popular, many kids and teenagers were obsessed with Tamagotchis – small, virtual pets. These digital pets needed constant care, because if you didn’t pay attention to them, they would virtually starve and ‘die,’ making them require a lot of attention.
1998: Furby
Original estimated retail price: $35
The Furby, a cute, fuzzy toy that reminded many of Gizmo from the movie “Gremlins,” became incredibly popular after it was released in 1998. Though it originally “spoke” a language called Furbish, it quickly learned common English phrases, like “I love you.”
1999: Pokémon trading cards
Original estimated retail price: $3 to $4
Pokémon started in Japan in 1996 as a Game Boy game and rapidly grew into a huge franchise with television shows, toys, and films. However, Pokémon trading cards became especially popular. Beyond simply collecting them, the cards led to the creation of an official competitive league called Pokémon Organized Play.
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2000: PlayStation 2
Original estimated retail price: $299
The original PlayStation helped launch a new era of gaming in the mid-1990s, but it was the PlayStation 2 that truly established Sony as a dominant force in home entertainment. The console generated $250 million in sales on its first day, quickly selling out due to production issues and then becoming highly sought-after on the resale market. The gaming landscape hasn’t been the same ever since.
2001: Bratz Dolls
Original estimated retail price: $9.99 to $22.99
The Bratz dolls, known for their trendy outfits and confident attitudes, were introduced in 2001 as a fresh alternative to Barbie. Starting with just four dolls, the line quickly expanded as they became incredibly popular. This success led to a variety of Bratz-themed movies, music, TV shows, and video games.
2002: Beyblades
Original estimated retail price: $10 and up
Beyblades started as characters in a Japanese comic book, but quickly became popular spinning tops that kids battle with in a special arena. Their popularity led to competitions all over the country, and the original comic was even turned into a three-season animated TV show.
2003: Cranium Hullabaloo
Original estimated retail price: not available
In 2003, the Toy Association named Cranium’s Hullabaloo the top game of the year. It’s a fun game for kids that combines elements of Twister and musical chairs – players race to reach colored pads on the floor before an electronic voice tells them to stop. Hullabaloo was praised for getting kids moving, even when they’re stuck inside.
2004: Robosapien
Original estimated retail price: $99
Robosapien, created by Mark Tilden and made by WowWee, was a remote-controlled robot that could talk and perform 67 different actions. A fun detail: whenever you turned it off with the remote, it would playfully recreate the famous Rosebud scene from the movie “Citizen Kane.”
2005: Xbox 360
Original estimated retail price: $399
Microsoft entered the console market in the 2000s and quickly made a big impact with the 2005 release of the Xbox 360. It offered significant upgrades and online connectivity, and went on to sell over 77 million units in the following eight years.
2006: Nintendo Wii
Original estimated retail price: $250
As a movie and gaming fan, I remember when Nintendo really shook things up with the Wii! It wasn’t just about better graphics – though it *did* have a bright, fun look – it was about how it made gaming feel. They created a system that felt personal and, with those motion controllers, made everything way more engaging and social. It was clear right away they had a winner on their hands, because the Wii just *flew* off the shelves and racked up tons of awards. It was a really exciting time for gaming!
2007: Guitar Hero
Original estimated retail price: $90
“Guitar Hero” became popular in 2005, taking advantage of the new ways people were interacting with video games. The third game in the series, “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock,” was the top-selling video game of 2007 and is believed to be the first to earn over $1 billion in sales.
2008: WALL-E Toys
Original estimated retail price: $7 and up
Disney/Pixar’s 2008 film, “WALL-E,” was a hit with audiences of all ages, praised for its thoughtful story and beautiful animation. Ironically, while the movie depicted a future filled with trash and consumerism, Disney released a huge amount of WALL-E merchandise that actually contributed to the very problem the film warned against.
2009: Angry Birds
Original estimated retail price: $5 and up
Angry Birds is still the go-to choice for simple, yet highly engaging mobile games. First launched in 2009, it continues to be incredibly popular. The brand has expanded beyond the original game to include a TV show, a movie, and countless plush toys, selling millions of units worldwide.
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2010: iPad
Original estimated retail price: $499
The iPad, first released in 2010, quickly became popular as a device that fit between traditional laptops and smartphones. It sold a million units in its first month. It became so well-known so fast that, even years later in 2015, when the NFL partnered with Microsoft to use Surface tablets, commentators often mistakenly called them iPads during live broadcasts.
2011: Skylanders
Original estimated retail price: $5 and up
I’m a huge fan of Skylanders! What’s so cool about it is that you can actually bring the physical toys you collect into the game. It uses this special technology where the game recognizes the toys when you place them near the console. It really kicked off this whole ‘toys-to-life’ trend, and it’s been incredibly popular with kids like me!
2012: LeapPad Explorer
Original estimated retail price: $99.99
The LeapPad Explorer is similar to a durable iPad designed specifically for children, offering its own selection of apps. It first appeared in 1999 as an interactive book that could talk.
2013: Tekno the Robotic Puppy
Original estimated retail price: $94.99
Tekno, the robotic puppy, was first released in 2000 and has been a popular toy ever since. This smart dog not only follows commands but also uses sensors to respond to its surroundings. It can even fall asleep by itself and do backflips! In 2013, Tekno received a makeover with new colors, and owners gained the ability to control it with smartphones and other smart devices.
2014: Frozen dolls
Original estimated retail price: $10 and up
Despite the popular song encouraging people to “Let it Go,” audiences really embraced the 2013 Disney movie *Frozen*. The movie’s popularity extended to its merchandise, with *Frozen* dolls becoming a huge hit and even surpassing Barbie as the top-selling toy for girls in 2014.
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2015: Shopkins Toys
Original estimated retail price: $5 and up
Shopkins aren’t just adorable, collectible toys – they’ve become a whole universe with books, trading cards, and even videos. They were so popular, in fact, that many fake versions appeared, leading police to confiscate 150,000 counterfeit toys from factories in China in 2015.
2016: Hatchimals
Original estimated retail price: $49.99 to $59.99
James Martin created Hatchimals after seeing how popular “unboxing” videos were on YouTube. He came up with the idea for a robotic animal toy that would hatch itself from its egg. Hatchimals quickly became incredibly popular, selling out almost immediately and frustrating many parents who couldn’t find them. The toy continued to be a huge hit the following year.
2017: Fingerlings
Original estimated retail price: $14.99
Fingerlings, those cute, interactive toys that curl around your finger, first came out in August 2017 and quickly became very hard to find, especially around the holidays. The popularity didn’t fade in 2018, as new versions offered even more animals and features.
2018: Don’t Step In It
Original estimated retail price: $19.99
The Hasbro game “Don’t Step In It” involves players creating rainbow-colored clay shapes that look like unicorn poop and putting them on a mat. Players are then blindfolded and spin a spinner to determine how many steps they take across the mat, trying not to step on the ‘poop.’ According to Jackie Breyer from The Toy Insider, toys like this that focus on silly or ‘gross’ themes are currently very popular.
2019: Baby Shark Official Song Puppet
Original estimated retail price: $19.99
Since 2016, the song “Baby Shark” has become incredibly popular, and like many trends, it’s now inspired a range of products. One of the most sought-after toys this season is the Pinkfrog Baby Shark Official Song Puppet, made by the creators of Fingerlings. When you move the puppet’s mouth, it plays the song, and you can even change the speed of the music by how quickly you open and close its jaws. You can find it on Amazon in three colors: yellow, blue, and pink.
2020: Animatronic ‘The Child’
Originally priced at $62.99, this toy captures the immense popularity of “The Child” – often called Grogu, though sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Baby Yoda” – from Disney+’s “The Mandalorian.” Since the show’s debut in 2019, the character became a pop culture sensation for nearly two years. The second season of the show centered around the Mandalorian’s journey to reunite Grogu with the Jedi, giving fans more of the charming interactions between the adorable green character and his quiet protector. This provided toy makers with a perfect idea, and “The Mandalorian” toys, including this animatronic version, were featured on many holiday gift lists in 2020, allowing both children and adults to experience the joy of having their own Grogu.
That was popular the year you were born, but remember these popular ’90s toys?
’90s Toys That Spark Instant Childhood Memories
American Girl Doll
These dolls were incredibly popular back then, and people still love them now. Owning one was a sign of being trendy, and it was fun to have a doll that resembled you.
Baby Alive
My Size Barbie
Barney
Chances are, if you grew up with the song “I Love You, You Love Me,” you also had a Barney toy – whether it was a plush dinosaur or even a Jack-in-the-Box!
Bop It!
Don’t Break the Ice
Bumble Ball
Beanie Babies
Before the current craze for Squishmallows, Beanie Babies were all the rage. They were *the* collectible item of the 1990s – and despite a popular internet rumor, they definitely weren’t filled with spider eggs!
Crocodile Dentist
Maybe this is where your dream of becoming a dentist began! Though, looking at it now, those little chompers might make you wince a bit.
Dream Phone
It was such a fun game! We all got together with our friends to find out which cute guy liked us, but honestly, we were mostly obsessed with that adorable pink phone.
Doddle Bear
Easy-Bake Oven
Furby
Gak
Don’t Wake Daddy
It created a tense, playful feeling, reminding us of sneaking around for late-night snacks as kids, trying to avoid getting caught before morning.
Game Boy
It brought all the fun of Nintendo to a portable device, and it famously included the then-new game, Tetris.
Giga Pets
Hit Clips
Was there anything cooler than having a bunch of short song clips on tiny cartridges? The more you could hang from your backpack or belt, the more popular you were.
Glow in the Dark Stars
Hungry Hungry Hippos
This game made us surprisingly competitive. We were just frantically mashing the button, even if there wasn’t a ball to hit!
Let’s Go Fishin’
K’NEX
Lite-Brite
The commercials were amazing, but the actual experience wasn’t quite as good. Still, we enjoyed ourselves.
LIFE
Mall Madness
You likely hadn’t thought about this place in years – until you saw that iconic display with the escalator running through it. It reminds you of the good old days when malls were the place to be.
Miss Magic Hair
Those hair stamps are amazing! It feels like there should be a modern store, similar to the old Toys “R” Us, where people who didn’t get them as kids could finally buy them.
Mood Rings
If you don’t like these, that’s okay, but it’s hard to understand how you’d figure out how you’re feeling without them.
Mouse Trap
Nintendo
Ninja Turtles
Pin Art Board
Pez Dispensers
Operation
Putting aside the gruesome part – actually removing ribs from someone – that experience was truly frightening.
Playstation
Pogs
Pokémon Cards
Polly Pocket
Poo-Chi Dog
You’ve likely forgotten these! They were advanced robotic companions, and if you owned two, they’d playfully ‘bark’ at each other.
Rainbow Art
Power Rangers
The show’s theme song got us really excited, and we each chose a Power Ranger based on our favorite color.
Sega
Sky Dancers
These tiny helicopters were surprisingly aggressive while flying. Though cool, getting hit by one wasn’t fun.
Socker Boppers
Spirograph
Slinky
Slap Bracelets
Stretch Armstrong
This person faced a lot of difficulties. We pushed them to their limits, but they always persevered and never gave up.
Super Nintendo
Tamagotchi
This small toy taught us a lot about responsibility – we had to care for it as if it were a real baby.
Waterful Ring Toss
Tech Deck Finger Skateboards
Whoopie Cushion
YoYos
Remember those original fidget spinners? So many of us spent hours learning tricks with them, trying to be the best on the playground.
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2025-10-08 23:34