Remember When Christmas Morning Meant Beanie Babies and Game Boys?
If you were a kid in the ’90s, Christmas was a magical time! It was full of toys that didn’t need an app or Wi-Fi to be fun. Whether you were circling items in a toy catalog or waiting in line at Toys “R” Us, the excitement was real. These gifts defined an entire generation.
Today’s holiday wish lists look a bit different. So let’s take a trip down memory lane to remember the top Christmas gifts of the ’90s, and how they compare to what’s trending now.
8 Iconic Christmas Gifts Every ’90s Kid Remembers
1. Beanie Babies
Not just toys, these plush collectibles were treated like gold. With rare tags and “retirement” status, some kids thought they'd fund their college tuition. While the market crashed, Beanie Babies remain a nostalgic keepsake, and some rare ones still hold value.
2. Tamagotchis
A virtual pet that lived on a keychain and demanded constant attention. Feed it, clean it, love it, or it might "die." Today’s kids have apps, but Tamagotchis have made a modern comeback with added color screens and Bluetooth syncing.
3. Furby
This talking creature was part pet, part alien, part chaos. It learned language (sort of), blinked, and often freaked you out at 3 a.m. Furby has been rebooted multiple times, but the original remains iconic.
4. Polly Pocket
Tiny dolls, tinier accessories, and entire worlds you could close up and carry. The newer versions are larger and safer for little kids, but the OG pocket-sized cases are collector favorites.
5. Super Soakers
Though a summer toy, many were gifted during Christmas. Bright-colored, pump-powered, and capable of full-scale backyard warfare. Today’s water toys are often motorized, but none replaced that glorious soak-and-spray.
6. Power Rangers & Ninja Turtles
Action figures based on our favorite Saturday morning heroes. Each had weapons, costumes, and storylines. While characters have evolved, these franchises are still gifting gold, even for grown-up collectors.
7. Tickle Me Elmo
Red, fuzzy, and impossible to find in ’96. This toy literally laughed when you tickled it and caused retail chaos. It’s still around—but it’s no longer the must-have sensation it once was.
8. Talkboy
Made famous by Home Alone 2, this toy let you record and distort your voice. It was peak ‘90s cool. Today, kids use smartphones and apps, but the Talkboy still gets retro love online.
How Christmas Gifts Have Changed Since the ’90s
Back then, toys were more tactile, collectible, and physical. We waited all year to unwrap one or two major items—and maybe played with them for years.
Today, gifts are faster-paced and often tech-driven. Tablets, VR headsets, and influencer-approved merch dominate wish lists. Instead of catalogs, kids scroll TikTok or YouTube to find their “must-haves.” Trends burn hot and fast and disappear just as quickly.
But one thing remains true: the magic of unwrapping something you really, really wanted on Christmas morning never goes out of style.
Bringing Back the Magic for Today’s Kids
Want to mix a little nostalgia into this year’s gifting?
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Grab a re-released Tamagotchi or retro Polly Pocket set.
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Create a “throwback” stocking with toys you grew up loving.
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Tell your kids about your favorite Christmas morning as a kid.
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Wrap gifts the old-school way—lots of paper, bows, and mystery.
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Play '90s holiday music and bring the whole vibe full circle.
Don’t Forget a Classic Holiday Tradition: The Santa Photo
While gifts may have changed, some traditions never go out of style—like getting that annual Santa photo. It’s the magical moment that kicks off the season and creates a keepsake you’ll treasure forever.
Make sure to book your Santa session early to secure your spot!
