Retro Toys Making a Comeback | Generational Toy Guide

Nostalgic Toys by Generation with Amazon Shopping Links

From scented dolls and plastic ponies to gothic fashion monsters and surprise-packed minis, the toys we loved are staging a major comeback. Whether you’re a Xennial who waited in line for a Cabbage Patch Kid or a 2010s kid obsessed with LOL Surprise, there’s something magical about seeing your childhood on the toy shelves again.

Here’s your ultimate guide to nostalgic toys by generation—plus where to find them now.

Xennials (Late ’70s–’80s Kids)

Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids Official, Newborn Baby Doll Girl

These handmade-style dolls created a toy craze in the early ’80s and are still being made today—now with interactive features and themed events like the 2025 Spring Gathering.

My Little Pony

My Little Pony, 40th Anniversary

Bright colors, brushable manes, and magical friendships keep this franchise galloping forward. The 40th Anniversary collection brings back the classic ponies you remember—minus the matted manes and Crayola marker tattoos they picked up in the ’80s.

Care Bears

Care Bears 14″ Stuffy

With pastel fur and colorful belly badges, Care Bears are back and just as lovable as ever—especially with the plush keychain trend taking over backpacks. The classic crew returns with all your childhood favorites, including my personal fave… Grumpy Bear. Grab one and let’s share a Care Bear Stare!

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake ‘Limited Edition’ Classic Version Strawberry Shortcake

She was my absolute favorite growing up. I even bought Violet a few Strawberry Shortcake dolls when she was a baby—like little Violet and Plum Puddin’—but I quickly learned she wanted nothing to do with dolls… especially ones with hair. (She was terrified of them!)

Still, I’ve never stopped loving them. I recently grabbed this retro-inspired Strawberry Shortcake doll for my granddaughter’s 2nd birthday… or maybe for mine. I haven’t decided yet. (We share a birthday, so either way, it counts!)

Millennials (’80s–’90s Kids)

Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie (1984)

Reproduction Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie (New edition coming out soon)
American Girl, Barbie, 18-inch Doll, Peaches ’n Cream Collector Doll with Blonde Hair

This iconic Barbie returned through Mattel Creations in all her peachy chiffon glory. The gown, the shimmer, the glam—she’s a dreamy throwback to simpler days.

Clueless Barbies

As if! The 90s are thriving again with these Clueless-inspired dolls featuring the iconic plaid looks of Cher and Dionne.

Pound Puppies

POUND PUPPIES Classic Plush – Zany – Brown

Soft, floppy, and full of feelings—just like you remember. The classic Pound Puppies have been re-released and come in their original packaging, ready to be adopted (again).

Polly Pocket

Polly Pocket Collector Compact

Tiny dolls and foldable worlds are back! These miniature playsets pack big imagination into pocket-sized compacts. Whether you had the dreamy bedroom, the beach day, or the pet salon (guilty), there’s nothing quite like flipping open a Polly Pocket and diving into a whole world of tiny adventures.

Beanie Babies

TY Beanie Babies Spunky The Cocker Spaniel Dog Plush

They may not be worth thousands anymore (RIP Princess Diana Bear dreams), but Beanie Babies are still going strong. Ty continues to release the classics we obsessed over in the ’90s—along with adorable new characters that still have those signature heart tags and just the right amount of squish. Perfect for collectors, kids, or anyone trying to reclaim their childhood one plushie at a time.

Gen Z – 2000s Kids

Bratz Dolls

I didn’t really get Bratz dolls when they first came out—but now? I totally see it. They were way ahead of their time with their bold urban street style, diverse characters, and fierce attitudes. For a lot of us, it was the perfect pivot from Barbie into something edgier and more expressive. Honestly, we could still benefit from more kids playing with dolls like these—confident, creative, and completely unapologetic.

Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi Connection – Citrus

Before there were smartphones, we were obsessively checking on our virtual pets. Tamagotchi made a huge comeback in the 2000s with the Connection series—this time you could link up with friends, trade gifts, and even raise generations of pets (if you kept them alive that long). The Citrus version is a bright, zesty throwback that still beeps like your childhood.

Gen Alpha (2010s Kids)

LOL Surprise!

LOL Surprise OMG Swag Fashion Doll with Multiple Surprises

Tiny dolls, big drama. LOL Surprise brought the thrill of unboxing to a whole new level—with glitter, glitter everywhere. From minis and fairies to unicorns and fashion icons, each layer hides another surprise (and another reason to vacuum).

Shopkins

Shopkins Season 3 12-Pack (Amazon)

Mini grocery store finds turned mega collectible. These little cuties came in season packs with names like “Cheeky Chocolate” and “Apple Blossom”—and yes, they’re still a thing. If you ever found one in your purse six months later, you’re not alone.

Monster High

Monster High Jinafire Long Doll, Dragon with Pet Dog Cloudy “Yun Yun”

These were the dolls Violet actually loved. She was never into Barbie—but Monster High? Total obsession. Edgy outfits, gothic vibes, and monster girl lore? Yes please. At one point she asked me why I didn’t name her Skull—because apparently that would’ve been way cooler. (She had a point.)

The dolls were bold, weird, and full of personality—everything a kid with a creative streak could want. And they’re back! Rebooted in 2022 with new movies, collector dolls, and Comic-Con exclusives that are just as fierce as the originals.

Lalaloopsy

Lalaloopsy Sweetie Candy Ribbon & Pet Puppy

Sew cute, sew quirky. These button-eyed dolls bring together vintage ragdoll charm, playful fashion, and magical little pets. Violet was instantly drawn to them—no surprise, since Coraline was her favorite movie. There’s something about those wide button eyes that felt just the right kind of eerie and magical. She loved them then… and now she’s asking me to buy this one “for her” again. Sure, kid.