I have a serious question for all the ’90s babies: what happened to your Tamagotchis? If your answer is “huh?”, you must be either too young to remember the Tamagotchi craze or too old to give a flip. However, if you had the sudden urge to dig through the boxes in your parents’ attic in search of your Polly Pockets and Beanie Babies, you are a certified ’90s child!
Do you remember slapping colorful bracelets on your friends’ arms? Does the memory of Furby’s buggy eyes cause a chill down your spine? The ’90s blessed the kiddos with an abundance of toys. Some were cute, some funny, and some downright weird. Many created precious memories. Can you tell your Beanie Baby from your Care Bear? Test yourself with this ’90s toys picture quiz.
The ’90s were a time of technological advancement, cultural change, and unforgettable toys. From Tamagotchis to Super Soakers, the decade saw the rise of countless playthings that snatched the hearts and imaginations of both adults and kiddos. Grab your pogs, put on your Walkman, and join us as we dive into the world of 90s toys.
In 1996, the world was introduced to Tickle Me Elmo, a plush toy straight out of Sesame Street. Ticklish Elmo quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The toy’s popularity was due in large part to a segment on The Rosie O’Donnell Show, where the host’s enthusiastic endorsement sparked a nationwide buying frenzy. Stores across the country sold out of the toy within hours, and some desperate shoppers resorted to paying thousands of dollars on the secondary market. The appeal of Tickle Me Elmo lay in its ability to engage children in playful and interactive ways. Kids and adults alike found its soft, wriggly plush body and contagious laughter irresistible. Tickle Me Elmo became a symbol of the 90s toy craze and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Who doesn’t know these anthropomorphic turtles who loved both ninjutsu and pizza? The comic book series first appeared in 1984. Animated televisions series, movies, and tons of merchandise followed suit, The funny warrior turtles lived through their glory days in the early 90s, with their image appearing on everything from lunchboxes to action figures. The goofy yet heroic animals ruled over the children’s imagination and were some of the most popular characters. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remain enduring cultural icons to this day.
Which of the pizza-loving ninja turtles are you?
Since its launch in 1963, the Easy-Bake Oven has been a mainstay in American homes, but its popularity peaked in the 1990s. The miniature oven, which uses a light bulb to bake tiny cakes and treats, appealed to children’s desire to mimic the adult world and develop culinary skills. The 90s version of the Easy-Bake Oven featured a sleeker design and updated recipes, making it more appealing to contemporary tastes. The Easy-Bake Oven became a must-have item for many children..and parents of eager wannabe-chefs.
Beanie Babies were a line of stuffed toys – mostly animals – produced by Ty Inc. in the mid-90s. The toys were small and soft, with beans (plastic pellets) inside that gave them a distinctive feel. Each Beanie Baby had its name, backstory, and unique design, making them highly collectible and valuable. The popularity of Beanie Babies was due in part to their perceived scarcity. Ty Inc. would regularly retire specific designs, creating a sense of urgency among collectors. The toys became a nationwide phenomenon, with adults and children alike amassing vast collections and trading them online and at conventions.
Furby was a toy that resembled a unique hybrid between a hamster-like creature and an owl. The toy arrived on shelves in 1998 and became an instant hit. Furby’s unique selling point was its ability to “learn” and respond to its owner’s interactions. The furry creatures appeared to learn English over time after being programmed to speak less and less of the Furby language as they “grew.”
Betty Spaghetty was a line of dolls introduced by Ohio Art in 1998. The dolls featured bendable limbs and interchangeable parts, allowing children to mix and match their outfits and hairstyles. Each doll had a distinct personality and backstory, adding to the toy’s appeal. If you’ve played Poppy Playtime: Chapter 2, you might notice similarities between Betty Spaghetty dolls and the game’s antagonist, Mommy Long Legs. Betty may have been an inspiration for Mommy’s design and her creepy, stretchy limbs.
The 90s had so many cool toys. How many of them can you possibly identify? Can you name that ’90s toy? What about that one? Take your guesses!
