So, I’ve got twin five-year-olds tearing up the house and a sixteen-year-old convinced he’s too cool for school (but secretly loves toys).
Being a dad in 2024 has been a trip, especially when new toys hit the scene that are all like, “Hey, remember when we were kids?”
Here are some of the toys this year that hit me right in the nostalgia:
1. Street Sharks Collectible Figures
- Original Inspiration: That wild “Street Sharks” cartoon from back then.
- Release Date/Period: Summer 2024
- What is it: They’re bringing back those jaw-dropping shark dudes.
- What’s New: They’ve beefed up the detail and made them way more poseable.
- My Take: A sweet way to introduce the little ones to some classic ’90s chaos. Plus, I might just “accidentally” keep one for myself.
2. Lite-Brite HD Peg Sets
- Original Inspiration: The OG Lite-Brite, remember that?
- Release Date/Period: Early 2024
- What is it: It’s like time travel back to creating art with light.
- What’s New: Now with Pokémon and Barbie themes. The pegs are tougher, and the lights are brighter – no more dim childhood memories here.
- My Take: My twins would go nuts for this. And honestly, who doesn’t want a glow-up of their childhood creativity?
3. Zhu Zhu Pets Aquariums
- Original Inspiration: Those zippy Zhu Zhu Pets from 2009, but with a ’90s twist.
- Release Date/Period: Spring 2024
- What is it: Robo-hamsters now have a water wonderland.
- What’s New: They swim around in an interactive aquarium setup.
- My Take: This could keep the kids entertained for, like, five minutes. Okay, maybe ten.
4. Hera Syndulla Vintage Collection Action Figure
- Original Inspiration: Those Kenner Star Wars figures we all loved.
- Release Date/Period: 2024, in a galaxy not so far away.
- What is it: Hera from “Star Wars Rebels” in all her glory.
- What’s New: Comes with that nostalgic Kenner packaging vibe.
- My Take: More for me than the kids, but we can share stories about the Force and stuff.
5. Stay Puft VHS-Inspired Figure
- Original Inspiration: Ghostbusters, man. The VHS era was the best.
- Release Date/Period: 2024
- What is it: The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but with a VHS twist.
- What’s New: It’s got that old-school VHS tape look, which is just… chef’s kiss.
- My Take: I can teach my kids about the glory days of renting movies. “Back in my day, Netflix was a red envelope.”
6. Magic Adventures Binocular Camera
- Original Inspiration: Those educational toys that were actually cool.
- Release Date/Period: Toy Fair 2024, January 23rd.
- What is it: Binoculars meet a camera for some spy-level fun.
- What’s New: It’s all about exploring and snapping pics like a pro.
- My Take: Perfect for when I need them to go outside and pretend they’re on a mission.
7. Ms. Rachel Speak and Sing Doll
- Original Inspiration: LeapFrog? We used to think that was high tech.
- Release Date/Period: 2024
- What is it: A doll that sings and talks to teach your kids.
- What’s New: It’s got some snazzy new tech for learning on the go.
- My Take: Might help with their language skills, or at least keep them busy singing.
8. Transformers One Optimus Prime
- Original Inspiration: The Transformers we used to transform into a million pieces.
- Release Date/Period: 2024
- What is it: Optimus Prime, but with a new movie twist.
- What’s New: Way more complex transformations.
- My Take: A chance to bond over robot battles, and maybe I’ll finally master transforming one.
9. Crayola Color Wonder Bluey Activity Kit
- Original Inspiration: Those mess-free art sets that saved our parents’ sanity.
- Release Date/Period: 2024
- What is it: Bluey-themed, mess-free coloring.
- What’s New: Markers that only work on special paper – genius.
- My Take: My kids love Bluey, and I love not having to scrub crayon off everything.
10. Fisher-Price Baby’s Boombox
- Original Inspiration: The boomboxes we carried around like they were gold.
- Release Date/Period: Late 2024
- What is it: A baby-friendly boombox.
- What’s New: It lights up and plays old-school tunes.
- My Take: I can introduce them to real music, not just whatever’s on the radio now.
Final Thoughts
These toys are like a time machine back to when we thought Beanie Babies were gonna make us rich. Good times, good times. Whether you’re shopping for a 90s kid at heart or introducing today’s kids to the magic of our childhoods, these toys are sure to bring smiles and memories.
Which one’s going under your tree? Let me know in the comments or on X!
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