There was something magical about growing up in the early 2000s. Be it the super-cool fashion trends, the iconic movies, or just the simpler times we got to enjoy as kids (read: no social media taking over our lives), the early 2000s were a great time to be a kid. Riding Razor scooters around the cul-de-sac with your friends after school, playing with Bratz dolls at every sleepover, and showing your competitive side during a tennis match courtesy of your cool friend who had the brand-new Nintendo Wii were just some of the highlights of our childhoods. If you, too, were raised on all the best toys out there, this list will bring back waves of nostalgia you never saw coming. Keep reading to see the best toys you most definitely had if you were a kid in the early 2000s.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes Giant Stress Ball
Recess was always a blast with a Skip-It ($17, originally $19) around your ankle.
The responsibility of owning a Tamagotchi ($20, originally $17) was real but super satisfying (and slightly addicting).
The virtual world of Webkinz ($20) was all the rage, prompting us to own many of these small animals.
We could have spent days putting together our Playmobil ($70) kits.
Tiny and adorable, you could never go wrong with a Polly Pocket ($17).
The Bop It! ($15, originally $16) could occupy us for hours on end.
Because who didn't love owning an American Girl Doll ($65)?
Mad Libs ($5) was a sleepover must.
Tell us, was there anything better than doodling in this Lisa Frank Coloring Book and Stickers Super Set ($12) after school?
Sleepovers got a whole better when the VideoNow ($48) was around.
Who else tried to pop these YoYa Toys Beadeez Unicorn Squishy Stress Balls ($20)?
If you had a My Scene Doll ($70), you were so fetch.
Let's be real, Razor A-Kick Scooters ($30) are still the best mode of transportation.
If you had a Bratz Doll ($25), you were automatically in the cool crowd.
An old-school classic, this Rienar Accurate Spinning Top ($8) kept us entertained during class.
Doodling was 100 times more fun with the YoYa Toys Liquipen ($25).
When the lights turned low, this Spinning Light-Up Wand ($14) come out.
Watching a Slinky ($3, originally $4) go downstairs was peak entertainment.
You knew it was a good day when you got to play the Candy Land Board Game ($13).
It was game on when this Aqua Mini Water Ring Game ($9) was involved.
This Baby Alive ($45, originally $63) grows. up. Who else is terrified?
Mario Kart was the name of the game when the Nintendo DS ($55) came out.
This DDR Dance Mat ($34) made playdates a success.
Get in the zone! Guitar Hero ($70) was the most intense game of all.
The fun was never-ending when you were playing on this Game Boy Advance ($55).
Who else had a huge collection of Teenie Beanies ($5)?
Sleepovers always consisted of these Temporary Butterfly Tattoos ($7).
When the iPod Nano ($39) came out, all other toys and online games were put to shame.
Cute and cozy, a Pillow Pet ($32) was the best to snuggle with.
If you didn't play Twister ($20) at family game night, was it even family game night?
Let's just say that Heelys ($55) were both a toy and fashion statement.
OK, Aquapets ($16, originally $18) were so soothing to watch. Let's bring them back!
Who didn't love Groovy Girls ($15)? They were so cute!
Trading Rubber Bracelets ($11 for 48-pack) sometimes felt more like a chore than a game.
These Glitter Tattoos ($6) were hot, hot, hot.
Playing with Silly Bandz ($5, originally $6) during class is what got us through the school day.
Gudetama Squeeze Toy Oddly creepy yet still cute, the Tickle Me Elmo ($42, originally $38) was a hit back then (and now).