toys/games
This handheld digital pet required feeding, cleaning, and constant attention. Referenced in Rico Nasty song, "He on my hip like a ______"
What is Tamagotchi?
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, fans rushed to emulate this swooping side-swept hairstyle made famous by a Canadian pop teen sensation.
This was the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2001.
What is Shrek?
While technically not edible, this doll line let kids create custom characters with interchangeable parts, and was incredibly addictive to chew on.
What is Polly Pockets?
This 2014 viral campaign involved dumping cold water over your head to raise awareness and donations for a neurodegenerative disease.
What is ASL ice bucket challenge?
These plush stuffed animals came with secret codes that let kids log online to care for their digital versions in a virtual world. I was not allowed to have one despite asking for it every Christmas.
Some sets of these rubber bands were released in special colors or themed collections, making them highly sought after by collectors.
In 2006, this celestial body was downgraded from its planet status to a “dwarf planet,” remembered as a very sad day in school for me.
These pre-packaged meals perfect for lunchboxes let you assemble tiny slices of lunch meat, cheese, and crackers. My moms would NOT let me have them.
What is Lunchables?
Launched in 2007, this popular online adventure game for kids allowed them to explore islands and complete quests—but the original site officially closed in 2020.
What is Poptropica?
Using the Wii Remote, players could swing, parry, and duel in this motion-controlled sword-fighting mini-game included with the popular console. Arguably the best Wii Sports game IMO.
What is Wii Sports: Swordplay?
This early 2000s silicone wristband raised awareness for a specific type of cancer and became a widely recognized statement accessory among kids. It was banned in several schools.
What is I <3 Boobies bracelets?
These two singers wore matching denim outfits at the 2001 American Music Awards.
What is Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears?
This long, colorful, fruity snack came in a roll and was a lunchbox staple. My mom would only buy the off-brand healthy versions.
What is Fruit by the Foot?
Many U.S. students in the early 2000s spent a week away from school at this outdoor education program, learning ecology, team-building, and survival skills.
What is Nature's Classroom?
Between 2005 and 2009, Radica and Mattel released these electronic cubes, each containing an animated stick figure that could interact with others when connected. Feel free to get me these for future gifts, xoxo
What is Cube World?
What was the popular clothing brand known for its moose logo? Didn't like gay people, but now does.
What is Abercrombie & Fitch?
This iconic ad campaign featured celebrities on posters, billboards, and magazine covers, encouraging a daily habit of a common beverage.
What is "Got Milk?"
Launched in 2010, this initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama encouraged kids to eat healthier and be more active to fight childhood obesity.
What is Let's Move!?
Before Zoom and FaceTime dominated, this early 2000s app let friends video chat, text, and send files online.
What is ooVoo?
Kids could play this portable electronic game featuring a famous orange marsupial, included in Happy Meals at McDonald's. Originally created for Sony Playstation.
What is Crash Bandicoot?
This handheld game (sorry wrong category) would be played in my family's car during long rides and resulted in almost everyone crying. It required players to physically manipulate the device in response to prompts from the annoying robot man voice.
What is Bob It?
This 2004 documentary chronicled the decline in health of filmmaker Morgan Spurlock as he spent 30 days eating food exclusively from a specific fast food chain. I remember being forced to watch it in a school-wide assembly...
What is "Super Size Me"?
This was a natural foods retailer acquired by Whole Foods Market in 1992, who's stores eventually rebranded under the Whole Foods name. The acquisition helped expand Whole Foods' presence in the Northeast
What is Bread & Circus?
Popular in the mid-2000s, this skate shoe brand was known for its high-tops and celebrity endorsements from skateboarders and musicians. I had a pair of blue and black ones. Not really in style anymore...
What is Supra?