90’s Nostalgia Toys Get A Modern Update

As kids of the 1980s and ‘90’s begin to build families of their own, the nostalgia for 1990s childhood is stronger than ever. Today, we’re looking back at some of our favorite toys from the last decade of the 20th century, and suggesting a few modern alternatives of our own. 

Care Bears

Along with Beanie Babies, these colorful bears had a hold on culture starting in the 1980s and well into the early 2000s. Nowadays, people seem to have tired of total bearmania and are flocking to collect quirkier plushies of butterflies, lions, and even popcorn! 

2023 Update: All things Jellycat

Bead Mazes

These tactile toys were the reason you agreed to go to the doctor’s office (try not to think about how many kids touched one in a given day). Though there are likely bead mazes still in circulation, modern parents are investing in smaller handheld mazes specifically designed to develop cognitive abilities! 

2023 Update: Ball mazes by Manhattan Toy

Yo-Yos

You were the coolest kid on the block if you how to “walk the dog” with a neon yo-yo. Today’s high energy kids are gravitating towards something equally as compelling (though we doubt there will be an entire professional sport dedicated to fidget spinners…)

2023 Update: Fidget slime by Schylling

Easy Bake Ovens

Though the commercials for Easy Bake ovens made them seem, well, easy, in reality these toys were the culprit for many a mess. Today’s parents skip the explosion risk in favor of quieter, more natural toys that cultivate a culinary interest.

2023 Update: Wooden kitchen sets by Tender Leaf Toys

Action Figures

Back in the day, girls had dolls and boys had TMNT, Power Rangers, and of course, the Rescue Heroes. These ultra-macho toys had slightly bendable joints, weaponry, and grisly facial expressions. Modern kids have more progressive options, including cuddly, lovable dolls designed for boys!

2023 Update: Boy dolls by Tikiri