There was no better time for a child during Christmas than the late 2000s and early 2010s.  Waking up way too early and running down to your tree decked with Barbie and Disney Princess ornaments, as your parents make their coffee and complain about the time and dig around the house searching for the digital camera. Opening toys on Christmas morning was a feeling like no other. The toys of the 2000s were superior to anything kids have now. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look back at some of the best Christmas gifts us 2000s kids received:  

1. Pillow Pets

   

After the brand swarmed children’s television programs with commercials, every child wanted one of these cuddly pillows for the holidays. Their Velcro stomach allowed children to transform the pillows into adorable stuffed animals. Not only could you purchase Pillow Pets, but get miniature versions as well, and start a whole Pillow Pet Family. 

2. Squinkies 

These rubber characters were one of the many collectible figures children obsessed over, along with Shopkins and Littlest Pet Shops. The most memorable part about them, though, was probably the plasticky taste they had when you would chew on them. 

3. Art Kit 

Every child received one of these from a distant family member at least once in their lives, if not more. The waxy crayons that broke five minutes into use, and the markers that came in a multitude of colors, yet somehow all looked the same, were an absolute staple. Unless you had the Crayola brand… you were a lucky one. 

4. These Shoes 

Every Disney Princess lover had these sparkly, feathery heels. While beautiful, they were a rude awakening into women’s footwear, as we struggled to walk down the stairs without breaking our tiny ankles.  

5. Rainbow Loom 

Trading rainbow loom bracelets in the cafeteria after winter break was the biggest trend of 2012. These became so impressive that people were socially ranked based on how complicated a design they could create. 

6. Lalaloopsy 

Lalaloopsy dolls had it all: cute hair, a great TV show, and dozens of accessories. Although, they sort of creeped me out as a child, after watching the movie Coraline.  

7. American Girl Dolls 

While there were many dolls to choose from, the Queen of all dolls were the American Girl Dolls. Opening a gift to see a beautiful red box covered in stars, with Julie Albright or Samantha Parkington carefully placed inside, was an absolute dream come true. There was nothing like circling thousands of dollars’ worth of doll accessories from the American Girl Christmas Catalog in the weeks leading up to the big day.  

8. Easy Bake Oven 

The food that this electricity-powered oven created differed from anything else. The miniature cakes or soft pretzels that tasted of pure powder and chemicals were worthy of being on Master Chef Junior. If you didn’t burn your finger on this machine at least once, did you have a childhood? 

9. Hoverboard 

These electric-powered, handless scooters were at the top of every child’s wish list. While they were every kid’s favorite, they were every parent’s least favorite when their child would crash their hoverboard creating a hole in the basement wall that would remain years later. 

10. The Wii 

Whether it was to play Just Dance, Mario Kart, or Wii Bowling, this gaming console became a staple at parties and sleepovers. There’s nothing like pulling out the Wii to check in on your Miis, after years of it collecting dust.