Life
'90s Toys That Are Still Worth Buying As An Adult
Believe you me, if I could spare a few minutes every day, I would still be playing with my favorite games and dolls from my childhood — because there are plenty of '90s toys still worth buying as an adult. Life is all taxes and gyno appointments; who wouldn't want to spend a few hours with a GI Joe Mobile or Baby Alive? This girl right here sure would.
Things certainly look different as a grown-up. Tea parties with my Cabbage Patch Kids and American Girl dolls turned into meeting a friend at fancy coffee shops, where I pay $12 for one drink and they spell my name wrong. And I'm not entirely sure, but I would at least entertain the thought of swapping my iPhone for a Talk Boy and my 2007 Ford Focus for a Power Wheels. I'd sell my dog for a chance to relive the playtime of the '90s. (Not really, but you get the idea.)
And on that note, there's good news for everyone (including my dog): There are plenty of iconic '90s toys that you can still buy today. Some are still being made; others you'll likely have to buy used. But they're out there, largely in the world of Internet shopping — and they're going to bring back some of the most heartwarming memories of your youth.
1. Mr. Sketch Markers
If your markers aren't scented, you're doing something wrong. I'm partial to cherry, but there's also an argument to be made for cinnamon. It is rather delicious-smelling.
Mr.Sketch Scented Markers, $8,Amazon
2. Bop It
The toy that pushed your anxiety to its absolute limit as a youngster is still around for purchase, in case — you know — you'd like a little more anxiety as an adult. (For real, though, that game was all kinds of adrenaline-pumping fun.)
3. Moon Shoes
I feel like we don't get hurt enough as grown-ups. Did you know that you can still enjoy the ankle-twisting fun of Moon Shoes today? All right, all right. I admit it: I loved these things.
Moon Shoes, $30, Amazon
4. Gak
I can't be the only one who thinks Gak is an awesome stress reliever. Don't listen to people who tell you it's just for kids. You don't need people like that in your life.
5. Furby
The fuzzy, fluffy, and mildly terrifying pets are still around. They can be cool to play with, as long as you don't make eye contact. If Furbies are your thing, you're in luck: Hasbro carries a wide variety. Some of them are kinda cute!
6. Easy-Bake Oven
SCORE. There is no pan of brownies I won't burn, but I'll never pass up the chance to buy this '90s childhood classic. Martha Stewart, look out. Besides, sometimes you just don't want an entire pan of brownies, you know? Just one will do.
Easy Bake Oven, $40, Amazon
7. Creepy Crawlers
My neighbor had these, and I used to love how gross they were.
8. Skip-It
Did you know these are still around? They've undergone a facelift, but Skip-It is alive and well and ready to bruise the hell out of your shins. (And also give you a pretty good dose of cardio.)
9. Troll Dolls
Some people are creeped out by these, but I still think they're cute. I used to love running their fuzzy hair through my fingers. And those little belly button jewels were just all kinds of cute.
Troll Doll (3 PC), $20, Amazon
10. Socker Boppers
I wonder how parents today feel about these. Back in the '90s, it was perfectly appropriate to pummel the sh*t out of your neighbor with giant, inflatable fist thingies.
Socker Boppers, $10, Amazon
For Bustle conversations on everything from '90s nostalgia to being a woman online, check out our podcast, The Chat Room. You can find more on our Soundcloud page.
