The 2010s were a decade filled with innovative and iconic toys that captured the imaginations of kids (and even adults!).
From surprise reveals to zombie battles and everything in between, this era of playthings offered something for everyone.
Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore some of the most beloved toys of the 2010s.
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L.O.L Surprise! Dolls
L.O.L Surprise! Dolls took the world by storm. These collectible dolls came hidden within layers of surprise packaging.
Kids unwrapped clues, accessories, and finally, the doll itself. The thrill of the reveal made L.O.L. Surprise! a must-have toy.
NERF Zombie Strike Toys
NERF blasters have always been popular, but the Zombie Strike line took things to a whole new level.
With their undead theme and cool weaponry, kids could imagine themselves as survivors in a foam-dart fueled zombie apocalypse.
Squishmallows
Squishmallows became everyone’s favorite cuddle buddies. These super-soft plush toys come in a variety of adorable characters and sizes.
Their comforting texture and charming designs made them instant collectibles.
LEGO Ninjago
LEGO Ninjago brought a thrilling ninja twist to the classic building sets. Inspired by a popular TV show, kids could build awesome vehicles and locations, then act out their own ninja adventures with their favorite minifigures.
Monster High Dolls
Monster High dolls turned the traditional princess doll aesthetic on its head. Inspired by classic monsters, these fashion dolls embraced a spooky-cool vibe that resonated with kids looking for something edgy and unique.
Hatchimals
Hatchimals brought a whole new level of interactivity to collectible toys. Kids nurtured their colorful eggs until they were ready to “hatch.” The hatching process itself was an event, revealing a unique and playful creature for kids to interact with.
Doc McStuffins Toys
The beloved animated show “Doc McStuffins” inspired a whole line of doctor-themed toys. Kids could pretend to be the compassionate doctor, taking care of their stuffed animals and dolls with these fun and imaginative playsets.
Table summery of 2010s Nostalgia Toys
| Toy | Description |
|---|---|
| Shopkins | Miniature collectible figures based on grocery store items, creating a fun world of tiny food and products. |
| Fingerlings | Interactive monkeys that wrap around kids’ fingers, responding to touch and sound with cute animations and noises. |
| L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls | Dolls hidden within layers of surprise packaging, offering the thrill of unwrapping accessories and ultimately revealing the doll itself. |
| Hatchimals | Interactive creatures that “hatch” from eggs after kids nurture them, providing a unique unboxing and play experience. |
| Pie Face! Game | Hilarious game where players take turns risking a whipped cream splat to the face, causing lots of laughter. |
| NERF Zombie Strike Toys | Foam dart blasters and weapons with a zombie-fighting theme, letting kids imagine themselves as zombie apocalypse survivors. |
| LEGO Ninjago | LEGO sets and minifigures based on a popular ninja-themed TV show, allowing kids to build and recreate their favorite scenes. |
| Monster High Dolls | Fashion dolls with a spooky-cool aesthetic inspired by classic monsters, offering an alternative to traditional princess dolls. |
| Sphero BB-8 | App-enabled, rolling droid from Star Wars that kids can control with a smartphone, bringing the beloved character to life. |
| Bunchems | Colorful, spiky balls that stick together, allowing kids to build unique 3D creations (but watch out for them getting tangled in hair!). |
| Orbeez | Tiny beads that grow into squishy, jelly-like balls when soaked in water, providing a fun sensory experience. |
| Frozen Merchandise | Toys, dolls, costumes, and more based on the wildly popular Disney film Frozen, featuring characters like Elsa and Anna. |
| Doc McStuffins Toys | Doctor-themed playsets and dolls inspired by the animated show, letting kids pretend to care for their own stuffed animals and toys. |
| Pokémon Cards and Games | The ever-popular collectible card game and video game franchise, sparking imagination and battles with the iconic creatures. |
| Kendama | Classic Japanese skill toy consisting of a ball and cup, challenging players to master tricks and hand-eye coordination. |
| Rainbow Loom | Kit for weaving colorful rubber bands into bracelets, offering kids a creative outlet and fun wearable accessories. |
| Squishmallows | Ultra-soft, huggable plush toys with adorable designs, becoming popular collectibles for all ages. |
| Zhu Zhu Pets | Robotic hamsters that scoot around on their own, offering a low-maintenance pet experience with playful interaction. |
| Skylanders | Video game where players place real-world figurines on a portal, bringing their characters to life within the game world. |
| Drones | Kid-friendly drones offering a taste of flight control, providing a fun and exciting aerial experience. |
Don’t forget to test your 2010s toy knowledge with our “Back to the Future” 2010s toys quiz! you might be surprised at what you remember
The 2010s were a remarkable time for toys.
The creativity and innovation on display were astounding and continue to shape the way kids play today.
Which of these toys brings back fond memories for you? Let us know on social media @toysfocal and using #toysfocal
Resources
- Wikipedia – 2010 toys