A roundup of nostalgic toys for people born in the 2000s [Trends]
What toys were popular among your friends or at school when you were a kid?
Card games everyone gathered to play, cute animal character figures that were fun to display—maybe there are even some you “played like crazy but totally forgot the name of.”
In this article, we’ve rounded up toys that will feel nostalgic to those born in the 2000s—items that were all the rage back then.
It’s perfect for a trip down memory lane, or for rediscovering old favorites now that you’re an adult!
- A roundup of nostalgic toys for people born in the ’90s [Trends]
- A nostalgic toy that was popular in my childhood
- Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Fun for kids and adults alike! A collection of DIY beanbag (otedama) ideas
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- [Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas You Can Create Yourself
- A Collection of Fun Toy Ideas You Can Make with Paper Clay
A roundup of nostalgic toys for people born in the 2000s [Trends] (11–20)
Flower Rock
A sound-responsive toy released by Takara in 1988.
These days it doesn’t feel particularly special as a regular toy, but back then it was a massive hit, reportedly selling a total of 8.5 million units worldwide.
If you include similar and derivative toys, I’m sure many more were played with.
The famous one was the funky sunflower planted in a pot, wearing sunglasses and holding a guitar.
It would wiggle in response to sound, making it look like it was dancing.
It was a pioneer among toys that react to light and sound.
So nostalgic!
Angel Blue
Angel Blue is a fashion brand by Narumiya International that debuted in 1989.
It exploded in popularity in the 2000s, so even if you don’t know the brand, you’ve probably seen its main character, Nakamu‑ra-kun, at least once.
Its popularity hasn’t waned, and in 2025 a new character, Mimily-chan, joined the lineup! The flagship store, NARUMIYA HAPPY PARK, also opened.
A wide variety of items are available, from accessories to clothing.
San-X characters
https://www.tiktok.com/@sanx.official/video/7422164893303966983San-X has brought many popular characters into the world, including Rilakkuma, Sumikkogurashi, and Chickip Dancers.
If you grew up in the Heisei era, you might remember Tarepanda, Kogepan, or Afro Ken.
In fact, merchandise featuring these iconic 2000s characters was released in 2024, and new items continue to appear.
They’re sure to bring back nostalgic memories! Why not pick some up for yourself?
Timeless! Mini 4WD
Mini 4WD has been a popular pastime for over 40 years.
Some say the fourth boom has arrived—no, it’s the fifth!—and everyone seems to have their own favorite car tied to personal memories.
I’ve even seen news about fathers of today’s generation enjoying Mini 4WD together with their kids.
One of the charms of Mini 4WD is that you don’t just run what you bought out of the box; you can combine parts, sometimes make your own, and there’s plenty of room for creativity and ingenuity.
There are even videos that showcase every Mini 4WD machine ever made.
I hope people who were obsessed with it back in the Heisei era will give them a watch.
Profile book
https://www.tiktok.com/@maichannn/video/7400336967809961224If you were a girl who spent her childhood in the Heisei era, you almost certainly know the “profile book.” Depending on the product, it had all sorts of sections—name, nickname, hobbies, favorite color, and more.
It felt like everyone had one back then.
If you had lots of friends, you probably had to fill out tons of pages, which was tough, but it was a tool for getting to know people and becoming closer.
The handwritten aspect felt warm, and when someone wrote something unexpected, it led to new discoveries and sparked more conversations with friends.
Reprint editions are popular too! Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi, released by Bandai in 1996, sparked a massive boom that became a social phenomenon—many people at the time found it hard to get their hands on one! Tamagotchi remains popular today, and unlike in the past, it now has a color screen, zoom, and communication features, continuing to evolve.
When it first launched, the ways to raise your Tamagotchi were limited and the game was something you played on your own, but once communication features were added, you could interact with other people’s Tamagotchi, expanding the ways to play.
There are also many character collaboration editions, making it a product you can’t help wanting more of.
A roundup of nostalgic toys for people born in the 2000s [Trends] (21–30)
SWIMMER Swimmer
SWIMMER, the cute accessory brand that was hugely popular in the Heisei era, is known for its colorful, pop designs.
It’s full of items that are fun just to look at—stationery, accessories, small cases, and more.
Since the start of the Reiwa era, it’s been in the spotlight again for its nostalgic charm and cuteness, appealing to a wide range of ages from kids to adults.
For example, pens and pouches adorned with cake and fruit motifs are items that make you smile every time you use them.
SWIMMER is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little fun to everyday life—a treasure box of delights for lovers of all things cute.
It brings back Heisei memories while fitting perfectly into life today.
Be sure to check it out!
