The 2000s were two decades ago, but it feels like just yesterday that we were waiting for the clock to strike midnight on December 31st, 1999 to transport us into the new millennium. Indeed, the noughties began over 20 years ago, but it left us with some wonderful memories, particularly around the holidays. The toys we received as Christmas presents were certainly ones to remember, despite not being old enough to be retro.
In 2001, Bratz dolls entered the market and we got to meet Yasmin, Cloe, Jade and Sasha. The traditional Barbie doll outshone the Bratz initially but around 2005, they became hugely popular. The outfits worn by the dolls would be incredibly stylish. The latest fashion trends were used to design them.
The brand expanded to include Bratz Boys and Bratz Kidz and many different styles including Rock Angelz and Genie Magic were released. There was a number of animated movies and shows produced as well as a live-action movie in 2007. The dolls even had a range of video games and interactive DVDs as well as a number of albums.
Beyblades dominated the 2000s. The toys brought a new meaning to the spinning top model and allowed for heated battles. They came in many different colours and designs and a stadium arena could even be purchased. Let it rip!
The Razor Scooter was the coolest present to get for Christmas. 2000 saw the launch of the compact scooter that could move swiftly around. An electric Razor scooter launched in 2003. It could be used for distances that may have been too long for a normal scooter, but too short for a bike.
Since then, many different brands have released their own versions of the scooter, with different colours and themes. While they were a beloved present for many, there was nothing worse than hitting your ankle off the back of the scooter!
Christmas 2004 brought the RoboSapien to many lucky children. The robot was super futuristic and would react to sounds and touch. An infrared remote control directed the robot. It could hold objects and even throw them with mild force.
A smartphone app now controls the model that is available today. RoboSapien certainly moved with the times.
The Nintendo DS was released across the world in 2004 and 2005 and quickly became a Christmas list essential. It introduced the concept of having two screens working together with the bottom one acting as a touch screen.
Later models included the DS Lite, the DSi, which had a camera, and the 3DS in 2011. The earlier versions of the console even had a slot to insert Game Boy games as well as cartridges made for the DS. From Super Mario Bros. to Mario Kart to Pokémon to Animal Crossing and beyond, getting the latest game for Christmas in the 2000s was just as important as getting the console itself.
In 2005, we all became rock stars with the release of Guitar Hero. It was the first music rhythm game video game of many. This one allowed us to think we were experts in lead, bass guitar and rhythm guitar all while jamming out to famous rock songs.
Guitar Hero was compatible with just the Playstation 2 initially, but eventually could be used with a number of consoles. All you needed was the game disc and cool guitar controller with an orange, blue, yellow, red and green button to nail the notes.
What toys do you remember from the 2000s? Let us know in the comments. Check out our list of retro toys from the 1990s!
