The 1990s were a time of exciting and memorable toys, games, and gadgets that entertained kids in the United States. Some of the most popular items for kids in the '90s included:
Beanie Babies: These small, plush animals filled with plastic pellets became highly collectible, and their popularity soared in the mid-to-late '90s.
Tamagotchi: This digital pet on a keychain required kids to feed, play with, and care for the creature to keep it alive, teaching responsibility and providing entertainment.
Pokémon: The Pokémon franchise, including trading cards, video games, and television shows, became a massive phenomenon in the late '90s, capturing the imagination of millions of kids.
Pogs: These small, round cardboard discs were collected and used in a simple game where players would try to flip over their opponents' Pogs by slamming a heavier "slammer" onto the stack.
Furby: This furry, electronic, owl-like creature became a must-have toy in the late '90s, with its ability to learn and speak English over time, as well as interact with other Furbies.
Game Boy: Nintendo's portable gaming console was hugely popular, providing hours of entertainment with games like Tetris, Pokémon, and Super Mario Land.
Super Soaker: This powerful water gun changed the game for water fights, becoming a summer staple for kids in the '90s.
Barbie: While Barbie dolls have been popular since the 1950s, they continued to be a hit in the '90s, with new editions and accessories regularly released.
Easy-Bake Oven: This toy oven allowed kids to bake small treats using a light bulb as a heat source, sparking an interest in cooking and baking for many.
Tickle Me Elmo: This Sesame Street character became a sensation in 1996 when the plush toy that laughed and shook when tickled flew off store shelves and was in high demand.
These are just a few examples of the popular toys and games that defined the childhoods of many kids growing up in the United States in the 1990s.