2009 toys, ranked

In 2009, a variety of toys captured the imagination and interest of children around the world. The top ten toys of that year reflected a mix of innovative new products, enduring classics, and toys tied to popular media franchises. Here’s a look at some of the top toys from 2009.

Zhu Zhu Pets

Zhu Zhu Pets, which gained immense popularity in 2009, were a novel type of electronic toy that captured the hearts of children worldwide. These toys were essentially robotic hamsters, offering a pet-like experience without the responsibilities associated with real pet care.
Each Zhu Zhu Pet had its own unique personality, reflected through different colors and names, making them highly collectible. They were equipped with artificial intelligence and various sensors that allowed them to interact with their environment in a seemingly lifelike manner. For instance, when placed in their special habitats or playsets, they could navigate through tunnels, rooms, and other accessories, mimicking the natural exploratory behavior of real hamsters.
One of the key features of Zhu Zhu Pets was their ability to switch between two primary modes: “nurturing mode” and “adventure mode.” In the nurturing mode, the pets would coo and make purring noises when petted or cuddled, offering a comforting and interactive experience. In contrast, the adventure mode activated the pets’ exploratory instincts. They would roam around freely, navigating through their habitats or any open space, making various sounds and even responding to stimuli like obstacles in their path.
The playsets and accessories for Zhu Zhu Pets were extensive. These included items like exercise wheels, sleeping domes, tunnels, and even themed playhouses, which could be connected together to form elaborate hamster habitats. This aspect of Zhu Zhu Pets not only enhanced the play experience but also encouraged creativity and planning in setting up intricate living spaces for the pets.
Zhu Zhu Pets’ appeal lay not just in their interactive features but also in their ability to provide a pet-like companionship without the mess and care requirements of a real animal. This made them particularly attractive to parents and children alike. Their affordability compared to other electronic toys of the time further contributed to their widespread popularity.
Their success sparked a trend in interactive electronic pet toys, leading to the release of various other models and even inspiring television shows and video games based on the Zhu Zhu Pets characters. The phenomenon of Zhu Zhu Pets in 2009 demonstrated a unique blend of technology, interactivity, and imaginative play in the world of children’s toys.
Bakugan Battle Brawlers

Bakugan Battle Brawlers, a phenomenon in 2009, stemmed from a unique combination of a popular animated TV series, a strategic game, and a collectible toy line. The essence of Bakugan’s appeal lay in its intriguing mix of strategy, competition, and fantasy, captivating children and even some adults.
The central components of the game were the Bakugan spheres, which, at first glance, looked like small, colorful balls. However, these spheres were ingeniously designed to spring open and transform into detailed miniature figures when rolled onto a magnetic card, known as a Gate Card. These figures represented various creatures, each with its own backstory, character, and powers, mirroring the characters seen in the “Bakugan Battle Brawlers” anime series. This transformative feature was not only a delightful surprise for players but also a key aspect of the game’s strategy and appeal.
The gameplay of Bakugan was a blend of skill, strategy, and luck. Players would strategically roll their Bakugan onto the Gate Cards, aiming to land on them to activate the transformation. The objective was to capture the opponent’s Gate Cards or defeat their Bakugan in battle. Each Bakugan had specific attributes and G-power (a measure of their strength in the game), and the Gate Cards could modify these powers or introduce special conditions, adding layers of strategy to the game.
The collectible aspect of Bakugan was another significant draw. With a wide variety of Bakugan designs, attributes, and special editions, players were encouraged to collect, trade, and build personalized decks of Bakugan and Gate Cards. This aspect of the game created a vibrant community of collectors and players, sharing strategies, showcasing collections, and engaging in battles.
The tie-in with the animated series was crucial to its success. The series followed the adventures of a group of children who find the Bakugan and get involved in an interdimensional battle, adding a rich narrative context to the toys and game. Fans of the show were naturally drawn to the toys, as they offered a tangible way to engage with their favorite characters and stories.
Beyond the spheres and cards, the Bakugan franchise expanded to include various accessories, like launchers for more precise rolling, carrying cases for the spheres, and playmats that enhanced the gaming experience. The brand’s expansion into video games, books, and other merchandise further cemented its place in the cultural landscape of the time.
Bakugan Battle Brawlers stood out for its innovative integration of a physical game with a compelling storyline, offering an experience that was both tactically engaging and imaginatively rich. Its popularity in 2009 can be attributed to its successful fusion of collectible appeal, strategic gameplay, and a strong connection to a beloved animated series.
LEGO Sets (Various Themes)

In 2009, LEGO sets, under various themes, continued to be a cornerstone in the world of children’s toys, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these classic building blocks. LEGO’s success lay in its ability to offer a creative, hands-on experience, coupled with the excitement of various thematic adventures, appealing to a wide range of interests.
The beauty of LEGO sets is in their versatility and the imaginative potential they unlock. Children could follow detailed instructions to build intricate models, fostering skills in following directions and attention to detail. Alternatively, they could combine pieces in unique ways, encouraging creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. This duality of structured and open-ended play was a significant aspect of LEGO’s enduring popularity.
In 2009, LEGO’s diverse range of themes catered to different interests and age groups. Popular themes included:
- LEGO City: This theme featured sets that allowed children to build and explore urban environments, complete with buildings, vehicles, and minifigures. It was ideal for kids who enjoyed creating stories and scenarios based on real-life city experiences.
- LEGO Star Wars: Capitalizing on the popularity of the Star Wars franchise, these sets let fans build spaceships, characters, and scenes from the iconic movies. This theme not only appealed to young LEGO enthusiasts but also attracted adult collectors and Star Wars fans.
- LEGO Harry Potter: These sets were based on the Harry Potter series, enabling fans to construct Hogwarts and other magical locations, along with minifigures of beloved characters. They blended the magic of the books and movies with the creative possibilities of LEGO.
Each of these themes had its unique allure, but they all shared the fundamental LEGO experience: the joy of building. The precision engineering of LEGO bricks meant that pieces from different sets could be interchanged, leading to limitless possibilities in construction and play. This interoperability was a significant factor in LEGO’s appeal, as it allowed for continuous expansion and customization of collections.
Moreover, LEGO sets often came with specialized pieces and minifigures, enhancing the play value and collectibility of each set. Minifigures, especially, were a huge draw, as they represented characters from various narratives, allowing children to role-play and create stories.
The educational aspect of LEGO should not be overlooked. Building with LEGO bricks helped develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities. For younger children, it was an exercise in learning colors and shapes, while for older kids, it provided a platform to experiment with more complex constructions and engineering concepts.
In essence, LEGO sets in 2009 continued to captivate children and adults alike, offering an engaging blend of storytelling, creativity, and learning through play. The varied themes ensured that there was something for everyone, making LEGO not just a toy but a tool for imagination and discovery.
MindflexMindflex, introduced in 2009, stood out as a groundbreaking toy that combined advanced technology with the novelty of brainwave-controlled gameplay. This unique game captivated players with its blend of science and entertainment, offering an experience that was as intriguing as it was fun.
The core concept of Mindflex was the use of a headset that measured brainwave activity to control the movement of a small foam ball through an obstacle course. The headset, equipped with sensors, was placed on the player’s forehead and earlobes. These sensors detected the electrical activity of the brain, specifically focusing on concentration levels. The headset then transmitted this data to the game console, which used it to control a fan that levitated the ball.
The level of concentration determined the speed of the fan: the more the player concentrated, the faster the fan spun, causing the ball to rise. By relaxing, the player could lower the ball. This mechanism allowed players to navigate the ball through a series of hoops, around obstacles, and even through tunnels, by simply focusing or relaxing their mind.
The game board of Mindflex was modular and customizable, featuring a series of adjustable hoops and hurdles. Players could rearrange these elements to create various courses, adding to the game’s replay value. This customization made each game session unique and challenged players to adapt their focus and relaxation strategies to different setups.
Mindflex was not just a game; it was a novel way to engage with the concept of brain-computer interfaces, a field that was gaining attention in the scientific community. The game provided a tangible, interactive example of how our mental state could have a direct impact on the physical world. For children and adults alike, it was a fascinating demonstration of the power of concentration and the potential of technology.
In terms of gameplay, Mindflex offered both solo and multiplayer modes. In solo play, individuals could practice and refine their concentration skills, trying to beat their personal best times through the course. In multiplayer mode, players took turns or competed head-to-head in time trials, adding a competitive element to the game.
Educationally, Mindflex offered several benefits. It encouraged players to develop greater mental focus and control, a skill that could have applications beyond the game. It also provided a basic introduction to neuroscience and the capabilities of brainwave-sensing technology, potentially sparking interest in these scientific fields.
Mindflex’s combination of innovative technology, engaging gameplay, and educational value made it one of the standout toys of 2009. It not only provided entertainment but also opened up conversations about the potential and future of brain-controlled technology in everyday life.
Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35The Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35, introduced in 2009, marked a significant evolution in the realm of foam dart blasters, appealing to children and Nerf enthusiasts seeking an action-packed play experience. This particular model stood out for its high-capacity, rapid-fire capabilities, setting a new standard in the Nerf lineup.
The Raider CS-35 was distinguished by its impressive high-capacity drum magazine, which could hold up to 35 foam darts. This large capacity was a major selling point, as it allowed players to engage in extended play without the need for frequent reloading, a feature that was particularly appealing during Nerf battles. The ability to carry more ammunition than many other blasters in the market gave users a significant advantage in play scenarios, making the Raider CS-35 a coveted item among Nerf fans.
Another key feature of the Raider CS-35 was its unique Slam Fire handle, which enabled rapid-fire shooting. By holding down the trigger and continuously pumping the Slam Fire handle, players could unleash a steady stream of darts at a high rate of fire. This feature added a new level of excitement and intensity to Nerf battles, allowing for a more dynamic and action-packed experience.
The design of the Raider CS-35 was also notable. It had an adjustable stock, which could be extended or shortened to suit the user’s preference, enhancing the ergonomics and comfort of the blaster. This customization allowed for better control and stability when aiming and shooting, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and sizes.
In addition to its functional features, the Raider CS-35 was aesthetically appealing with its bold color scheme and futuristic design, resonating with the adventurous and energetic spirit of Nerf games. The blaster was part of the N-Strike series, a popular line known for its high-performance blasters and tactical play.
Safety was a key consideration in the design of the Raider CS-35, as with all Nerf products. The foam darts were made of soft, lightweight material, ensuring safe play even in more intense Nerf battles. The blaster was designed to be robust and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of active play.
The Raider CS-35 was not just a toy but a platform for imaginative play. It encouraged physical activity, coordination, and strategic thinking, as children devised game scenarios, formed teams, and engaged in friendly competition. It also fostered social interaction and teamwork, especially during group play sessions.
The introduction of the Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35 in 2009 was a significant event in the world of toy blasters. Its combination of high capacity, rapid-fire action, ergonomic design, and safe play made it a hit among children and Nerf enthusiasts, further cementing Nerf’s reputation as a leader in action-packed, imaginative play.
Barbie Fashionistas: These dolls were notable for their diverse styles and articulation, allowing for more dynamic poses and play scenarios.
Transformers Action Figures: Tying into the popular movie franchise, these action figures, which could transform from vehicles to robots, continued to be a big hit.
Wii Sports Resort: While not a toy in the traditional sense, this video game for the Nintendo Wii was immensely popular, featuring various sports activities that families could enjoy together.
Littlest Pet Shop Playsets: These playsets, featuring a variety of cute animal figures, were very popular among younger children, particularly girls.
Moon Sand: This moldable, reusable sand that never dried out allowed kids to sculpt and create without the mess of real sand.