Popular Toys in 2000: A Look Back at the Best Toys of the Year

The early 2000s were a time of nostalgia for many people who grew up during that era. Childhood memories of playing with toys from the 2000s are still fresh in the minds of many, and these toys continue to hold a special place in their hearts.

The Era of the Early 2000s

During this time, there was a wide variety of toys available for children of all ages. Some of the most popular toys from the 2000s included the following:

• Bratz dolls: These dolls were known for their edgy fashion sense and unique personalities. They quickly became a favorite among young girls.
• Beyblades: These spinning tops were popular among boys and were often used in battles with friends.
• Tamagotchis: These virtual pets were a hit among kids who loved taking care of their own digital creatures.
• Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards: This trading card game was a favorite among kids who loved collecting and battling with their cards.
• Game Boy Advance: This handheld gaming console was a must-have for kids who loved playing video games on the go.

These toys from the 2000s were not only popular among children but also held a special place in the hearts of many adults who grew up during that era. The nostalgia associated with these toys is a testament to their enduring popularity and cultural significance.

Revolution in Toy Industry

The year 2000 marked a revolution in the toy industry as new technologies and innovative designs changed the way kids played. The toys of the 2000s were not just playthings but tools for learning, creativity, and imagination.

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of electronic toys, which included interactive games, educational toys, and electronic pets. These toys incorporated technology to enhance play and learning, making them popular among kids and parents alike. The LeapPad Learning System, for example, allowed kids to interact with books and games using a stylus and touch screen, while the Furby toy responded to touch and sound, creating a lifelike experience for kids.

Another category of toys that gained popularity in the 2000s was action figures and collectibles. With the release of movies such as Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, action figures became more than just toys for kids. They became collectibles for fans of all ages, with detailed designs and accessories that made them highly sought after.

In addition to electronic and action toys, the 2000s also saw a rise in eco-friendly and sustainable toys. These toys were made from natural materials such as wood and recycled plastic, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility. The Green Toys line, for example, used recycled milk jugs to create colorful and durable toys for kids.

Overall, the toy industry in the 2000s underwent a significant transformation, with new technologies, innovative designs, and a focus on sustainability. These changes created a new generation of toys that were not only fun but also educational, collectible, and environmentally conscious.

Popular Dolls and Figures

Bratz Dolls

In the early 2000s, Bratz dolls took the world by storm. These dolls, with their oversized heads and trendy outfits, quickly became a must-have for young girls. The Bratz dolls were known for their sassy attitudes and edgy style, which set them apart from the more traditional Barbie dolls.

Barbie Dolls

Barbie dolls have been a staple in the toy industry for decades, and the year 2000 was no exception. With her long blonde hair and endless wardrobe, Barbie continued to be a popular choice for young girls. In 2000, Barbie even had her own animated movie, “Barbie in the Nutcracker,” which added to her popularity.

My Little Pony

My Little Pony was another popular toy in 2000. These colorful ponies with their long manes and tails were a hit with young girls. My Little Pony also had a popular animated series that aired in the early 2000s, which helped to boost their popularity even more.

Bionicle

Bionicle was a line of action figures that were popular with boys in 2000. These figures were known for their intricate designs and ability to transform into different shapes and sizes. Bionicle also had a storyline that was featured in comic books and animated movies, which added to their appeal.

Littlest Pet Shops

Littlest Pet Shops were miniature animal figures that were popular with young girls in 2000. These figures came in a variety of animals, from cats and dogs to hamsters and rabbits. Littlest Pet Shops also had a line of playsets and accessories, which allowed children to create their own miniature worlds for their pets.

Overall, dolls and figures were a popular choice for children in 2000. From the sassy Bratz dolls to the classic Barbie dolls, there was something for everyone. Bionicle and Littlest Pet Shops also added to the mix, providing options for boys and girls alike.

Iconic Toys of 2000s

Furby

Furby, the lovable robotic toy, was a sensation when it was first released in 1998. However, it continued to be popular in the early 2000s with new versions and colors. This interactive creature could speak its own language and respond to touch and sound. It was a must-have for kids and adults alike.

Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi was another popular toy in the early 2000s. It was a virtual pet that required constant attention and care. The tiny device had a screen that displayed the pet’s status and needs. It was a fun and educational toy that taught kids about responsibility and time management.

Razor Scooters

Razor scooters were a hit in the early 2000s. These lightweight and foldable scooters were perfect for kids who wanted to ride around the neighborhood or park. They came in various colors and designs and were a fun and affordable way to get around.

Beyblades

Beyblades were spinning top toys that became popular in the early 2000s. Kids would battle their Beyblades against each other in specially designed arenas. The toys came in various designs and had interchangeable parts, making them customizable and collectible.

Tickle Me Elmo

Tickle Me Elmo was a plush toy that was all the rage in 2000. When tickled, Elmo would giggle and shake, making kids laugh and smile. The toy was in high demand and sold out quickly, leading to long lines and even fights in stores.

Zhu Zhu Pets

Zhu Zhu Pets were robotic hamsters that were popular in the late 2000s. These cute and cuddly toys could move and make sounds and came with various accessories and habitats. They were a fun and interactive way for kids to play and learn about caring for pets.

Pillow Pets

Pillow Pets were plush toys that doubled as pillows. These cuddly creatures could be folded and transformed into a pillow for nap time or travel. They come in various designs and sizes, making them a popular choice for kids and adults alike.

Overall, these iconic toys of the 2000s brought joy and entertainment to kids of all ages.

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys were all the rage in 2000. These toys allowed children to engage with them in a way that was not possible before. Here are some of the most popular interactive toys of 2000:

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii revolutionized the gaming industry with its motion control technology. Players could use the Wii remote to control their on-screen characters by physically moving their bodies. This made gaming more immersive and interactive than ever before. The Wii was a huge success and sold over 100 million units worldwide.

Dance Dance Revolution

Dance Dance Revolution was an arcade game that became popular in the early 2000s. It involved stepping on a dance pad in time with the music. The game was a great way to get kids moving and exercising while having fun. It was so popular that it spawned a home version that could be played on consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox.

Webkinz

Webkinz were stuffed animals that came with a unique code that could be used to access an online game. Kids could create a virtual world for their Webkinz and play games with them. The game was a huge hit with kids and parents alike, and it helped to introduce a new generation to the world of online gaming.

Club Penguin

Club Penguin was another online game that was popular with kids in 2000. Players could create their own penguin avatar and explore the virtual world of Club Penguin. The game was a great way for kids to socialize with each other and make new friends. It was eventually bought by Disney and became even more popular.

Pixel Chix

Pixel Chix were interactive toys that resembled tiny houses. Kids could interact with the toy by pressing buttons and moving a joystick. The toy would respond by lighting up and making noise. It was a fun and engaging way for kids to play with a toy that was both physical and digital.

Dream Life

Dream Life was a line of interactive dolls that allowed kids to create their own virtual world. The dolls came with a CD-ROM that could be used to access a virtual world where kids could play games and interact with their dolls. The game was a huge hit with young girls and helped to introduce them to the world of technology.

Overall, interactive toys were a huge hit in 2000. They allowed kids to engage with their toys in a whole new way and helped to introduce a new generation to the world of technology.

Collectibles

Collectibles have always been a popular item for children and adults alike. In the year 2000, there were a few collectibles that stood out from the rest.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards

Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards were a huge hit among children in the year 2000. The game was based on a popular anime series and involved players using cards to battle each other. The cards featured different characters and abilities, and players could collect and trade them with their friends. Some of the rarest cards were highly sought after and could fetch high prices on the secondary market.

Beanie Babies

Beanie Babies were a phenomenon in the late 90s and early 2000s. These small stuffed animals were filled with beans and had a unique design for each animal. They were highly collectible, and some of the rarer ones could fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The popularity of Beanie Babies eventually died down, but they remain a nostalgic item for many people.

Hit Clips

Hit Clips were a unique collectible that allowed children to listen to their favorite songs on a small device. The device came with a small clip that could be attached to clothing, and the songs were played on a small cartridge. Each cartridge featured a single song, and children could collect different cartridges to listen to their favorite artists.

Silly Bandz

Silly Bandz were a popular collectible among children in the early 2010s, but they first gained popularity in 2000. These small rubber bands came in a variety of shapes and colors and could be worn as bracelets. Children could collect different shapes and trade them with their friends. Silly Bandz were a cheap and fun collectible that allowed children to express their personality through their accessories.

Overall, collectibles were a popular item in the year 2000. Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards, Beanie Babies, Hit Clips, and Silly Bandz were just a few of the collectibles that children were collecting and trading with their friends.

Novelty Toys

Aqua Dots

Aqua Dots were a popular novelty toy in 2000. These small, colorful beads could be arranged into designs and then sprayed with water to fuse them together. The toy was marketed as a safe alternative to traditional iron-on beads, which required heat to fuse together.

However, in November 2007, it was discovered that the coating on the beads contained a chemical that, when ingested, could turn into a powerful date rape drug. The toy was recalled, and the manufacturer was fined millions of dollars.

I-Dog

Hasbro’s I-Dog was a popular novelty toy that was released in 2005. The toy was a small, plastic dog that could be connected to an MP3 player or other music source. The I-Dog would then “dance” and light up in time with the music.

The I-Dog was a hit with children and adults alike, and several different versions of the toy were released over the years. However, as technology advanced, the I-Dog became less popular and was eventually discontinued.

Heelys

Heelys were a type of shoe that had a wheel embedded in the sole. The shoes were designed to be used for both walking and skating, allowing wearers to glide along on one foot.

Heelys were a huge hit with children and teenagers in the mid-2000s, and the company sold millions of pairs of shoes. However, the shoes were banned in many schools and public places due to safety concerns, and the popularity of the shoes eventually waned.

Fidget Spinners

Fidget spinners were a popular novelty toy that became a craze in 2017. The toy consisted of a small device with a bearing in the center, which allowed it to spin rapidly when flicked.

Fidget spinners were marketed as a tool to help people with ADHD or anxiety to focus and relieve stress. However, many critics argued that the toys were simply a distraction and had no real therapeutic value.

Despite the controversy, fidget spinners were a huge hit, and millions of units were sold worldwide. However, the craze eventually died down, and the toys are now much less popular than they were in 2017.

Electronic and Tech Toys

iPod

In 2000, Apple Inc. introduced the iPod, a portable media player that revolutionized the way people listened to music. The iPod was a sleek, compact device that could store thousands of songs, and its intuitive interface made it easy to navigate through a user’s music library. The iPod quickly became a must-have gadget for music lovers and helped to establish Apple as a major player in the consumer electronics market.

Gameboy

The Gameboy was a handheld video game console developed by Nintendo and released in 1989. By 2000, the Gameboy had already established itself as a classic and was still going strong. With its simple yet addictive games and long battery life, the Gameboy was a popular choice for kids and adults alike.

My Password Journal

The My Password Journal was a tech toy aimed at young girls who wanted to keep their secrets safe. The device was a small electronic diary with a voice-activated lock that could only be opened with a password. The My Password Journal also had a built-in light and a secret compartment for storing small items.

Easy Bake Oven

The Easy Bake Oven was a toy oven that allowed kids to bake small treats using a light bulb as a heat source. The Easy Bake Oven was first introduced in the 1960s and had been a popular toy for decades. In 2000, the Easy Bake Oven was still going strong and had undergone several updates to keep up with changing technology and safety standards.

Overall, electronic and tech toys were becoming increasingly popular in 2000, with devices like the iPod and Gameboy leading the way. The My Password Journal and Easy Bake Oven also showed that even traditional toys were getting a high-tech makeover.

Social Media and Toys

The year 2000 marked the beginning of a new era for toys, with the rise of social media. Social media platforms such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter became increasingly popular, and toy companies quickly realized the potential of these platforms for promoting their products.

Toy companies began to use social media to engage with their customers and build brand awareness. They used social media to showcase their products, run contests and promotions, and interact with customers. Social media also allowed toy companies to get feedback from their customers, which they used to improve their products and services.

One of the most significant impacts of social media on toys was the rise of unboxing videos. Unboxing videos became a popular trend on YouTube, with kids and adults alike creating videos of themselves unboxing and reviewing toys. These videos became a powerful marketing tool for toy companies, as they allowed customers to see the toys in action and get an idea of what they could expect from the product.

Another trend that emerged in the wake of social media was the rise of collectible toys. Social media platforms allowed collectors to connect with each other and share their collections, creating a community around collectible toys. This community helped to drive demand for collectible toys, and toy companies responded by creating more collectible toys and accessories.

Overall, social media had a significant impact on the toy industry in 2000. It allowed toy companies to connect with their customers in new ways, and it created new marketing opportunities that were previously unavailable. As social media continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how toy companies continue to use these platforms to promote their products and engage with their customers.