19 Toys and Gadgets Every Millennial Owned
Millennials grew up in a time when tech was just starting to boom, and their toys and gadgets are proof of that wild and wonderful era. They had a mix of classics that were a little analog and a lot digital, paving the way for today’s hyper-connected world. Each of these gadgets brings a flood of nostalgia, and some were so iconic they’re still around today in one form or another. Here’s a list of 19 toys and gadgets that every millennial either had or desperately wanted.
1. Tamagotchi
The original virtual pet, Tamagotchi taught millennials the harsh realities of pet ownership—and that virtual pets could be surprisingly high-maintenance. These egg-shaped toys beeped and demanded constant attention, whether you were in class or asleep. Keeping them alive was a task in itself, and many a Tamagotchi met its untimely end. If you could keep yours alive for more than a week, you were basically a hero.
2. Nintendo Game Boy
Nothing beat the Game Boy for entertainment on the go. Millennials played endless rounds of Tetris, Super Mario, and Pokémon, all in glorious black-and-white graphics. Game Boys were chunky, durable, and usually came with a library of cartridges rattling around in backpacks. Forget phone games—Game Boys were the ultimate boredom busters, even if they ate batteries like candy.
3. Razor Scooters
The Razor scooter was a millennial’s first taste of freedom on wheels, ideally paired with a helmet and a few scraped knees. These foldable metal scooters were incredibly popular, even if they had a tendency to slam into your ankle at top speed. Whether cruising down the block or doing (attempted) tricks at the skate park, a Razor scooter was a status symbol.
4. Furbies
Furbies were strange, fluffy, and somehow adorable little robots that spoke their own language and slowly learned English—or at least tried to. These toys were both fascinating and a bit creepy, especially when they “woke up” on their own in the middle of the night. But everyone wanted one, and they were a major playground conversation starter. Furbies were proof that cute and slightly unsettling could be a winning combo.
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5. iPod (Classic)
The iPod revolutionized how millennials listened to music, packing an entire library into one device. Gone were the days of carrying around a CD case; you just needed your iPod and those iconic white earbuds. It was the ultimate in cool, letting you walk around with thousands of songs in your pocket. If you were serious about music, you also spent a lot of time curating your iTunes playlists to perfection.
6. Polly Pocket
Polly Pocket was small enough to fit in a pocket, making it the ultimate portable playset. Each compact came with tiny dolls and accessories, all perfectly miniaturized and detailed. Kids took their Polly Pockets everywhere, creating tiny worlds on the go. They were the OG of portable entertainment, and losing one of Polly’s tiny shoes was practically a rite of passage.
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7. Sony Walkman
Before iPods, there was the Sony Walkman. Millennials would pop in a cassette tape, put on some headphones, and zone out to their favorite mix of songs. They were durable, easy to use, and introduced a generation to the concept of making mixtapes. The Walkman was the gateway to personal music curation long before digital playlists took over.
8. Bop It
“Bop it, twist it, pull it!” The Bop It game was an absolute classic, challenging kids to respond to commands as quickly as possible. It was like having a mini game show in your hands, and every kid was determined to beat their own high score. The only downside? It was highly addictive and tended to drive everyone in the room a little crazy.
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9. Motorola RAZR Flip Phone
The Motorola RAZR wasn’t just a phone; it was a fashion statement. With its slim design and sleek flip, it was the phone to have before smartphones took over. You could dramatically flip it shut to end a call, and it had a certain James Bond vibe that was hard to beat. It may not have had apps, but it did have Snake, and that was more than enough.
10. HitClips
HitClips were tiny, keychain-sized music players that played a few seconds of popular songs. Sure, you only got a one-minute clip, but it was pure magic back then. They were basically little musical snacks and perfect for quick bursts of musical enjoyment. Having a whole HitClip collection attached to your backpack was the height of coolness.
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11. Nerf Guns
Millennials knew that a Nerf battle could break out at any time, and these foam dart guns were essential for backyard warfare. From tiny dart blasters to massive, fully automatic guns, Nerf was the tool of choice for friendly (and sometimes fierce) skirmishes. It was all fun and games until someone lost a dart in the bushes, never to be seen again.
12. Skip-It
Skip-It was both a toy and a workout. You’d strap it around your ankle and spin it while jumping over it with your other leg. It was perfect for showing off during recess, especially if you could rack up a high score. Skip-Its came in bright colors and were endlessly entertaining, not to mention great for coordination skills.
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13. Beanie Babies
Millennials were there for the Beanie Baby craze, collecting every floppy little stuffed animal they could find. They had their tags on, in pristine condition, because one day these Beanie Babies were supposed to be worth a fortune. Spoiler alert: most didn’t hold their value, but they’re still treasured keepsakes of the ‘90s.
14. CD Players (and Portable CD Cases)
Before MP3s, CD players were the music device of choice. Millennials lugged around portable CD players, along with bulky cases full of favorite CDs. Skipping songs wasn’t always easy, but you could shuffle through an album with a simple skip button. It was a bit clunky, but for millennials, it was music freedom.
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15. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven was every millennial’s first shot at being a chef, even if it was just heating up powdered cake mix under a light bulb. It was thrilling to bake your own mini cakes and cookies, even if the “baking” sometimes took forever. Nothing was quite as satisfying as making a tiny chocolate cake in your own kitchen setup.
16. Talkboy
Made famous by Home Alone 2, the Talkboy was the ultimate voice recorder for any kid looking to leave funny messages. It was a way to prank, record yourself, or even just make silly sound effects. Millennials everywhere tried to re-create that iconic movie moment, capturing their best (and silliest) ideas.
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17. Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite was one of the most creative toys around, letting kids make pictures out of little glowing pegs. It was like a tiny LED art studio, and the results were surprisingly beautiful. There was something magical about turning out the lights and watching your creation glow. Plus, those pegs made excellent mini missiles when creativity ran out.
18. Pogs and Slammers
Pogs were simple cardboard disks, but they ruled the playground. The goal was to stack them up and slam them down, collecting them along the way. Pogs were highly collectible, and everyone wanted the coolest designs. Slammers came in all shapes and sizes, from metal to glittery plastic, making Pogs one of the simplest yet most competitive games of the era.
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19. Laser Tag Sets
Laser tag brought arcade-level fun to backyards and basements. Millennials got to live out their sci-fi dreams by wearing those iconic, beeping vests and chasing each other around with laser guns. It was high-energy fun that usually ended with someone sneaking up and claiming victory in a dramatic fashion. It was the ultimate in active play and made everyone feel like an action star.
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