Everyone has certain memories and aspects that they remember from their childhood. Here are 15 of my favorite websites, toys, and games that I will always treasure:
1. Polly Pockets
Polly Pockets were always so exciting to play with, especially when spending time with friends. You could personalize them however you wanted, trade clothes with others, and personalize your very own world for them. It took years for me to become bored of them.
2. Tamagotchi
Whether or not like we all liked to admit it, most of us had a Tamagotchi. You could bring them anywhere just by attaching them to your bag or jeans loop. It was vital that you took good care of your pet or else you would lose them. Also, everyone loved connecting them together and letting their pet play with others.
3. My Little Pony
My Little Pony definitely stayed popular throughout the years, and eventually made their way online and into a TV show. There were multiple different varieties of them, and under their paw they all had a special magnetic heart.
4. Club Penguin
As a child, I didn't know anyone who didn't use Club Penguin at some point. It really was a version of an alternate world: you dressed your penguin, socialized with other users, could personalize your home and adopt a pet. Additionally, you could get a job or just spend hours exploring around.
5. American Girl Dolls
As expensive as they were, the American Girl franchise has only grown since we were younger. They all came with their own storybook, outfit, and beautifully crafted hairstyle and figure. While the apparel and accessories are to die for, they happen to be especially expensive, some of the dolls themselves costing over $100.00.
6. Furbies
Looking back, Furbies look a bit petrifying. However, they were insanely popular when we were younger and made for popular holiday and birthday gifts. They move their eyes and speak their own language, but the more that you play and interact with them, the more English they start to speak.
7. Easy Bake Oven
Although the Easy Bake Oven has been around since the 1960's, it still remains one of the most sought-after toys today. We all remember making our own desserts and feeling like professionals.
8. The Power Wheels Barbie Car
When the Power Wheels Barbie Car/Jeep was released, many girls were overjoyed that there was now a car that appealed to more of their interests. Although expensive, the car was a great addition to playing outside and spending time with friends and family.
9. The Huge Box of Crayola Crayons
Having a box of 200 crayons was always more exciting than the typical box of 24. We all searched through them to find the Periwinkle or Mac and Cheese crayon. And don't even get me started on Rose Art.
10. Beanie Babies
Beanie Babies were some of the most collectible toys one could have as a child. They came in classic designs and in animals that were one of a kind. Today, many of them are worth a significant amount of money.
11. Calico Critters
Calico Critters were a lot like Polly Pockets, in the sense that you could personalize your own world for them. They were soft and small, so easy to bring wherever you went. Also, they were known to be very collectible and still are today.
12. Lisa Frank...everything.
We most likely all had or still own a notebook, folder or set of stickers from Lisa Frank. Their bright, rainbow colors made them especially popular with children.
13. Leap Pad
Leap Pads were learning systems that our parents most likely bought for us as an educational toy, but we were unaware of it. Using a stylus pen, you would connect a story and/or game to the pad and could interact with it.
14. i-Dog
The i-Dog became especially popular when iPods and MP3 players started to be used more by preteens. You would connect them to your music and they would light up according to how the music sounded.
15. Webkinz
Last but not least, who could forget Webkinz? Not only did you have the physical toy with you, but their special code provided you access to an online platform where you could do many of the things you would on Club Penguin, except more personally. Because they were only $20.00 for the plush animal and online code combined, many of us most likely had a row of them laying on our beds.
Whether it was the holiday season, our birthdays, or even just gifts from a family member, these were most likely absolutely essential in all of our lives.