Some of the most popular toys of the 2000s: Bratz dolls, Beanie Babies, Bop It, chatter ring, RipStik and Furby.
Some of the most popular toys of the 2000s: Bratz dolls, Beanie Babies, Bop It, chatter ring, RipStik and Furby.
If you’re a geriatric Gen Z, chances are you alternate wearing wide and straight-leg jeans, remember VCRs and dial-up internet but now can’t stop scrolling TikTok, and had a few if not all of these iconic toys on your Christmas wishlist.
The 2000s, or the noughties, were arguably one of the greatest decades when it came to kids’ toys – what was popular in the 90s spilled over into the 00s. Better yet, most of these are still as popular as ever and still available today.
Should you wish to relive your childhood or finally make your 2005 Christmas wishlist a reality, you can still get your hands on a Furby, a Tamagotchi or a RipStik.
Here are 10 of the most coveted toys of the noughties – and where you can get them today.
Of those born in a certain decade, who didn’t have a Beanie Baby?
Each one came with a tag, a short poem and a unique “birthday”. Some (with “some” being the keyword) of these iconic bears are worth hundreds or even thousands today. But sadly, most of them are worth virtually nothing and were not the rock-solid investment we told our mums they would be while begging at the Farmers counter.
You can find some of the original Beanie Babies on eBay, or the more modern Ty Beanie toys at Toyworld or Farmers.
Furbys were originally released in 1998, but their popularity hasn’t wavered – you can even find one in the NZ Herald’s kids’ Christmas gift guide this year.
And just like our younger siblings, they never stopped talking, asking questions and honestly getting an easy ride.
Today, you can find them at Farmers, The Warehouse or Kmart.
Tamagotchis
Tamagotchi.
Once again, this is an iconic 90s/2000s toy that is surprisingly still available today.
If you could never keep these digital pets alive as a kid and left them to die while at school camp, now’s your chance for redemption – you can find them on shelves at JB Hi-Fi or EB Games.
Bionicle
Lego Bionicle.
This line of Lego was short-lived, but the name was on everyone’s lips – and wishlists – from 2001 to 2010.
An offshoot of the Lego Technic brand, and just like you and your first boyfriend they were discontinued but came back time and time again.
The range was retired in 2016, so unless your mum kept them in storage, you’re out of luck.
Ripstik
A RipStik.
Raise your hand if you or your ankles have been personally victimised by a RipStik. They’re similar to a skateboard, but with a twist – quite literally.
You can find them today at Farmers, Toyworld or online.
Chatter rings
Chatter ring.
A chatter ring, or jitter ring, originated in New Zealand and is made of a wire ring with beads. The trick is to get the beads to spin while turning the ring.
Popular on the playground in the 90s and noughties, they were also deeply divisive because of the noise they made. Your dad may have told you they were a waste of money and tried to make you one in his garage which did not make the noise, or form a circle.
You can still find these online – just don’t tell Dad.
Barbie
Greta Gerwig's film brought back the Barbie craze. Photo / 123rf
Sure, your brother broke her arm off and you stuck it back on with Blu-Tack and gave her a gnarly fringe trim, but she still holds pride of place in your memory box – right next to your fluffy padlocked diary and framed picture of Jesse McCartney.
Speaking of Barbies – if you’re in your 20s now, chances are you were either a Barbie, Bratz or Polly Pocket girl.
Bratz dolls were created in 2001 by a Mattel designer and well and truly gave Barbie a run for her money. You can find these in Toyworld or scour TradeMe for the original dolls.
Heelys
Heelys.
The original Heelys – sneakers with wheels in the soles – were patented in 1999 and popular throughout the 2000s. They’re still available now, though they come with strict warnings as they can lead to injuries that our ageing knees now remember every winter.
Bop It
Bop It. Photo / Etsy
It’s been around since 1996 and hasn’t gone anywhere – the handheld electronic toy can be found in most family homes and toy shops today.
Sure, it made Dad yell and banish it to the top of the cupboard while the cricket was on because of its ghastly sound effects, but you’ll never forget that moment when you set a new PB, your cousins watched on in awe and you cracked open a fresh Ribena to celebrate.
