Nostalgic Toys Every Early 2000s Kid Will Remember
25 Nostalgic Toys That Still Go Hard, From Bratz Dolls to Skip-It
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There was something magical about growing up in the early 2000s. Be it the fashion trends, the iconic movies, or just the simpler times we got to enjoy as kids (read: no social media taking over our lives), the early aughts were a great time to be a kid. Riding Razor scooters around the cul-de-sac with your friends after school, playing with Bratz dolls at every sleepover, and showing your competitive side during a tennis match courtesy of your cool friend who had the brand-new Nintendo Wii were just some of the highlights of our childhoods. If you, too, were raised on all the best toys out there, this list will bring back waves of nostalgia you never saw coming. Keep reading to see the best toys you most definitely had or desperately wanted if you were a kid in the early 2000s, all of which you can still buy today.
1 Slinky
Slinky ($4)
We know we're not the only ones who thought watching a Slinky glide down the stairs was peak entertainment. As far as we're concerned, everyone should experience playing with one at least once in their lives.
2 Mad Libs
Mad Libs ($7)
Mad Libs was a sleepover staple that never failed to end in uncontrollable laughter. Here's your chance to relive the fun, or gift it to someone who hasn't experienced it yet.
3 Uno
Mattel Uno Card Game ($7, originally $8)
Filled with wild cards, reverse orders, mandatory card draws, and of course, the constant vigilance required to be the first to shout "Uno!", it's a game that keeps you on your toes.
4 Magic 8 Ball
Mattel Games Retro-style Magic 8 Ball ($11)
If you didn't consult the Magic 8 Ball for every life decision — major or minor — did you even come of age? My sources say no.
5 Beanie Babies
Ty Beanie Bellies Lillibelle The Pink Kitten ($12)
Amazon is brimming with adorable Beanie Babies that are so cute, your little one might just want to start a collection of their own. Lillibelle is one of our favorites, but fair warning: you could spend hours scrolling through all the options.
6 Care Bears
Care Bears 9" Bean Plush ($12, originally $13)
Care Bears are still going strong in 2025! Take this Grumpy Bear, for example, part of a larger line celebrating a range of emotions like "thankful" and "cheer." Bonus: they're made from recycled materials, which is always a win.
7 Candy Land Board Game
Candy Land ($12, originally $13)
You knew it was a good day when you got to play the Candy Land board game. If you got Queen Frostine's card early on, you were riding high. It's designed for ages three and up, so just about everyone can join in.
8 Magna Doodle
Cra-Z-Art Retro Magna Doodle ($14)
Whether you use it to draw, play tic-tac-toe, or write messages, there's something irresistible about being able to slide the eraser across the board for a clean slate. This retro-inspired version makes a great gift for kids, and a nostalgic throwback for adults.
9 YoYa Toys Liquipen
YoYa Toys Liquipen ($14, originally $16)
Doodling was 100 times more fun with these mesmerizing pens, which were kind of like the writing utensil version of a lava lamp. Parents note in the reviews that they make great stocking stuffers, in case you're looking to get ahead on holiday shopping. (Smart move.)
10 Bratz Doll
Bratz Alwayz Sasha Fashion Doll ($15, originally $25)
If you had a Bratz doll, you were automatically in the cool crowd. From their tiny accessories to their over-the-top glam, they set themselves apart from every other doll on the market. Worth noting: the brand still releases new dolls, but Sasha's one of the OGs.
11 Bop It!
Bop It! ($16, originally $17)
The Bop It! could occupy us for hours on end, and given the fact that it has over 10,000 five-star ratings, it's clear that it's still a hit today.
12 Littlest Pet Shop
Littlest Pet Shop Winter Besties Collector Set ($17, originally $20)
Whether you're part of the devoted Littlest Pet Shop collecting community or just looking for a fun figurine-themed gift, these tiny animal cuties are hard to beat. These days, there's even a virtual component, so you can interact with them both tangibly and online.
13 Polly Pocket
Barbie Polly Pocket Dreamhouse Compact ($19, originally $22)
Tiny and adorable, you could never go wrong with a Polly Pocket set. These days, the classic toy comes in countless versions, but this Barbie Dreamhouse collab is easily one of our favorites.
14 Pillow Pets
Pillow Pets Originals Stuffed Animal Plush Toy ($23, originally $40)
Cute and cozy, a Pillow Pet was the best to snuggle with — and who's to say it still isn't? Choose from so many adorable creatures!
15 Baby Alive
Baby Alive Time for School Baby Doll Set ($25, originally $30)
Yep, this doll actually drinks from her juice box and wets her diaper — just in case you forgot. Her name is Baby Alive, after all.
16 Transformers Toy Action Figure
Transformers Toys Heroic Optimus Prime Action Figure ($25)
These iconic shape-shifting figures have been fueling epic battles between Autobots and Decepticons for decades. Whether you're a longtime fan or introducing a new generation, this Transformers action figure brings all the nostalgia.
17 Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Game
Mattel Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Game ($29)
Originally launched in the '60s, this game has been a harmless (and hilarious) way for siblings to settle scores for decades. "The box design is vintage and I'm excited to give it to my grandkids," wrote one five-star Amazon reviewer. "It brings back many memories if you had one as a child."
18 Webkinz
Webkinz ($30)
The virtual world of Webkinz was all the rage, prompting us to own so many of these small animals. It's been a hot minute since we logged on, but you can still order your favorite and jump back in — or introduce the magic to your kids.
19 Razor A-Kick Scooter
Razor A-Kick Scooters ($38, originally $40)
Let's be real, Razor A-Kick Scooters are still the best mode of transportation, and we bet the kids in your life would back us up on that. They come in a bunch of colors, so you can find just the right one.
20 Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi ($38)
The responsibility of owning a Tamagotchi was real but super satisfying (and slightly addicting). The iconic digital pet has been around since 1997, and it's not too late to grab one, complete with its classic programming.
21 Lincoln Logs
Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Tin ($40, originally $50)
Lincoln Logs have stood the test of time, and this 100th Anniversary Tin proves it. It's a hands-on throwback that's just as fun for kids today as it was a century ago.
22 Heelys
Heelys Unisex-Child Voyager Tennis Shoe ($44, originally $60)
Heelys — sneakers with built-in wheels that let you walk or roll — were the ultimate fusion of a toy and fashion statement in the early aughts. And they're bound to elicit just as many oohs and aahs today.
23 American Girl Doll
American Girl WellieWishers Camille Doll ($70)
Flipping through the American Girl catalog and circling dream dolls and accessories was an event in itself. But actually owning one? Even better. And the same holds true today.
Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.
