Do You Remember The Best Selling Christmas Gifts Of The 1980s And 1990s?

Earlier this week, on the 23rd of November, it was exactly 20 years ago that the first Tamagotchi was sold in Japan. Shortly after, this digital pet became one of the biggest toy fads of the 1990s. Still sold in toy stores all over the world – the number of Tamagotchi’s sold lays today close to a 100 million.

Source: www.pinterest.com

Besides the Tamagotchi, there have been several other toys and gadgets that shaped the 80s and 90s. As Christmas is closing in, Chinavasion thought it would be a nice idea to look at what were the most wanted toys and gadgets for Christmas during the end of the last century.

Below we’ll have a short look at the 5 products that, besides the Tamagotchi, stood out most to us. So, to all you 80s and 90s kids; do you remember these?

Rubik’s Cube:

Although invented in 1974, this all time classic did not reach its popularity until the 1980s. Rated as the ‘’most wanted Christmas present of 1980’’ in the United States, this 3D combination puzzle has up to date sold over 350 million pieces. It is widely believed that the Rubik’s Cube is the world’s best-selling toy of all times.

Source: Wikipedia

Koosh Ball:

A simple toy ball made of rubber filaments attached to a soft rubber core. As simple as it seems, the Koosh Ball was one of the top-selling products during the end of the 80s. Highly popular, the inventor of the Koosh Ball patented its design and went on expanding its product line to include over 50 other Koosh-related products. Being among the most popular Christmas gifts in 1988 it is estimated that, up to date, several million pieces have been sold worldwide.

Source: Wikipedia

Game Boy:

In 1989 the world got introduced to a truly revolutionary portable gaming device, the Game Boy. Who does not remember this 8-bit handheld video game device manufactured by Nintendo.  We believe it’s safe to state that there has not been a single 80s or 90s kid in Japan, Europe, or the USA that did not know at least one person owning this magnificent game device. During the first year of its launch the Game Boy was, naturally, the most wanted Christmas present in the Western world. Up to date over 118 million units have been sold, an absolutely stunning number.

Source: Wikipedia

Furby:

First sold in 1998, the Furby was an American electronic robot toy that resembles a hamster or owl-like creature. Directly after hitting the shops during the holiday season, the Furby turned out to be a ‘’must-have’’ toy among youngsters of the time. This naturally resulted in the fact that this robot toy was the most wanted Christmas present of the year. Although nowadays electronics have advanced and much more developed robot toys are available, the Furby still is an all-time classic that can still be found in stores today.

Source: Wikipedia

Game Boy Color Pokémon Games:

By the end of the 1990s, youngsters all over the world were obsessed with the latest hype: Pokémon. The first Pokémon games for the Game Boy (and later Game Boy Color) were launched in 1996. By the turn of the century the Pokémon hype was at its highest and the then newly launched Pokémon games ‘’ Pokémon Gold’’ and ‘’ Pokémon Silver’’ became the most wanted and popular Christmas gifts of the year.

Source: www.onedio.com

Although the Pokémon hype lowered down a bit during the first decade of this century, it has lately been brought to life again by the launch of the newest Pokémon game; Pokémon Go.  This augmented reality game is played outside in real life with your smartphone and does not come without its own set of dangers. Which is why, at Chinavasion, we have previously spent some time on selecting the best outdoor gadgets that can help you Catch ‘Em All when playing this new Pokémon game.

Honorable mentions:

Besides the top selling and most wanted Christmas gifts during the 1980s and 1990s that have been listed above there were, of course, numerous other all-time classics that hit the market during that time. Who does not remember the Super Soaker for example? And which 90s kid did not spend countless hours on his computer trying to build their favorite house in The Sims computer game? And of course, there were the Pokémon Cards, an all-time favorite among children of that time.

Altogether there were plenty of good toys and gadgets to be found during the end of the century – enough to fit the liking of every child and adult out there. So tell us, what toy or item was topping your Christmas wishlist during the 80s and 90s?