The Hottest Toys of 2020: A Nostalgic Look at the Year Kids Played at Home
2020 was a year of many firsts—and for kids, it meant more time at home than ever before. With classrooms, playgrounds, and playdates on hold, the spotlight shifted to toys that could entertain, educate, and offer a little magic right from the living room.
Let’s rewind and revisit the toys that made 2020 a little brighter, one playtime at a time.
🎀 L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls Took Center Stage
Why they stood out:
The L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Super Surprise set brought a full-on fashion concert to living rooms. With surprise unboxing, glam outfits, and fierce personalities, these dolls weren’t just collectibles—they were stars.
Pro tip: Kids loved the anticipation of unwrapping multiple layers of surprises. It turned unboxing into a ritual.
🧱 LEGO Super Mario Leveled Up Playtime
What made it special:
A collaboration that had both kids and parents excited—LEGO Super Mario brought the iconic video game into real life. The interactive Mario figurine responded to movement, sounds, and course changes, creating an active and screen-free experience.
Bonus: Parents appreciated how it blended creativity with nostalgia.
🐾 Meet Squeakee: The Robot Balloon Dog
The toy everyone was talking about:
Squeakee the Balloon Dog was part pet, part robot, and totally unique. It squeaked, sat, and “deflated” in hilarious, interactive ways.
Why it worked in 2020: Kids were craving companionship—and Squeakee delivered giggles and friendship, no batteries of love required.
👶 Baby Yoda (The Child) Ruled the Galaxy
The heart-stealer of the year:
The Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition became a must-have. With realistic movements, sound effects, and that famous Force pose, Baby Yoda was the holiday gift of the year.
Real talk: Adults wanted one too. No judgment.
🎲 Animal Crossing Monopoly Was the Cozy Game We Needed
A game night hit:
When the world slowed down, families turned to board games. Animal Crossing Monopoly captured the charm of the Nintendo Switch game in a peaceful, trade-friendly format.
What kids loved: Fruit instead of money. Bugs and bells instead of rent. No evictions. Just vibes.
💡 Learning Toys Like Osmo and Snap Circuits Made a Big Impact
School-at-home approved:
With remote learning in full swing, toys like Osmo (for iPad-based learning) and Snap Circuits (for hands-on STEM) gave kids a break from screens—while still teaching something useful.
Parent win: Quiet play and educational value? Yes, please.
🏠 Barbie Dreamhouse and Playmobil Took Kids Into Mini Worlds
Tiny adventures, big fun:
The Barbie Dreamhouse got a tech upgrade with lights, sounds, and a working elevator. Meanwhile, Playmobil’s Back to the Future DeLorean turned time-travel into a buildable adventure.
2020 reality: Kids couldn’t explore the real world, so they built their own.
⚡ Pokémon Cards Came Roaring Back
The collector craze returns:
With the Vivid Voltage set, Pokémon cards surged in popularity. Opening packs became a thrill again, and some rare cards turned into playground gold.
Unexpected twist: Many parents got pulled back into the collecting game alongside their kids.
✨ Magic Mixies Cast a Spell
The holiday sleeper hit:
Magic Mixies let kids “brew” a plush toy inside a bubbling misty cauldron. It was theatrical, interactive, and totally magical.
Why it resonated: In a year short on surprises, this toy delivered an unforgettable one.
Looking Back: Why Toys Mattered More Than Ever in 2020
While 2020 brought a lot of uncertainty, these toys gave kids what they needed most—imagination, laughter, and a break from the grown-up world. From screen-free learning to magical make-believe, they helped kids stay connected to joy.
If 2020 taught us anything, it's this: no matter what’s happening outside, play always finds a way.
Which of these toys made it into your home in 2020?
Drop your favorites in the comments—we’d love to hear what kept your kids (and maybe you) smiling that year.
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