2010 toys, ranked

In 2010, the toy industry saw a fascinating blend of innovative new products and the continued popularity of established favorites. Here’s an overview of some of the top toys from that year.

Silly Bandz

Silly Bandz, which surged in popularity around 2010, were more than just a toy; they became a cultural phenomenon among children and teens. Essentially, they were silicone rubber bands, but what set them apart was their ability to retain various shapes when not in use. These shapes included a wide array of designs like animals, objects, numbers, letters, and fantasy figures.
What made Silly Bandz particularly appealing was their dual functionality. When stretched, they worked like regular rubber bands, but when removed, they reverted to their distinct shapes. This feature turned them into a fashion statement and a collectible item. Kids often wore them in large numbers on their wrists, showcasing their collections and trading them with friends.
The simplicity of Silly Bandz was key to their charm. They were inexpensive, colorful, and offered endless possibilities for personal expression. Each color and shape represented something different, allowing kids to tell a story or showcase their interests through the bands they chose to wear.
The collectible nature of Silly Bandz cannot be overstated. With so many different shapes and themes, from basic geometric patterns to elaborate holiday-themed sets, children were motivated to collect and trade them, creating a social experience around the bands. This aspect of social interaction was a significant part of the Silly Bandz craze, as children would often trade them to complete a set or to acquire their favorite designs.
Silly Bandz also found a place in educational settings, albeit with mixed reactions. Some teachers used them as educational tools, while others banned them from classrooms due to the distraction they caused. Despite this, Silly Bandz remained popular as a means of personal expression among school-aged children.
Their impact extended beyond just being a toy or an accessory. Silly Bandz became a form of communication and a means for kids to explore their identities and interests. The phenomenon of Silly Bandz reflected a broader trend in children’s culture: the desire for simple, affordable items that offer a way to connect with peers, express individuality, and engage in playful collecting and trading activities.
Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS

The Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS, released in 2010, was a notable addition to the Nerf N-Strike series and a standout toy blaster. What set it apart was its combination of advanced features and the classic Nerf experience, making it a favorite among foam dart blaster enthusiasts.
At the heart of the Stampede ECS was its automatic firing mechanism, a feature that distinguished it from many other Nerf blasters available at the time. It utilized an electronic dart drum that could hold up to 18 foam darts, allowing for rapid and continuous firing. This high-capacity drum made it ideal for intense Nerf battles, as players could unleash a barrage of foam darts without the need for frequent reloading.
The blaster also came with a detachable shield, adding an extra layer of strategy and defense to Nerf games. The shield provided cover and allowed players to advance or defend themselves while still being able to fire darts through the shield’s opening, enhancing the tactical aspects of play.
The Stampede ECS was powered by a battery-operated motor, which enabled its automatic firing mode. This feature not only increased the rate of fire but also made it easier for users to operate, especially for those who might have difficulty manually priming a blaster. The blaster also featured a comfortable shoulder stock and an adjustable bipod, enhancing stability and aiming precision during play.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Stampede ECS was its compatibility with other Nerf N-Strike accessories. Players could attach additional accessories like tactical lights, scopes, and more, customizing their blaster for different play scenarios. This modularity added to the excitement of the Nerf experience, as users could personalize their blaster to suit their style.
The Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS appealed not only to children but also to adult Nerf enthusiasts who enjoyed foam dart battles. Its combination of high-capacity automatic firing, modifiability, and tactical options made it a sought-after blaster in the Nerf community. It encouraged physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play as players devised strategies, formed teams, and engaged in friendly Nerf battles.
In summary, the Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS was a significant addition to the Nerf lineup in 2010, offering advanced features that elevated the foam dart blaster experience. Its automatic firing, modularity, and tactical accessories made it a popular choice for both casual play and organized Nerf events, reflecting the enduring appeal of foam dart battles among enthusiasts of all ages.
Monster High Dolls

Monster High Dolls, introduced in 2010, emerged as a unique and highly popular toy line that captivated children and collectors alike. These dolls stood out for their distinctive and edgy design, offering a fresh take on the classic fashion doll concept.
What set Monster High Dolls apart was their “monster-inspired” theme. Each doll represented a fictional teenage character who was the offspring of a famous monster or creature from classic literature or cinema. This creative twist introduced a whole new level of storytelling and character development to the world of fashion dolls.
The dolls featured a wide range of characters, including Draculaura (Dracula’s daughter), Frankie Stein (Frankenstein’s daughter), Clawdeen Wolf (the daughter of the Werewolf), and many others. Each character had a unique backstory, personality, and fashion style that reflected their monster heritage. This thematic depth added a layer of engagement for children who enjoyed creating stories and scenarios for their dolls.
The fashion aspect of Monster High Dolls was a key element of their appeal. The dolls were known for their edgy and trendy outfits, hairstyles, and accessories. This fashion-forward approach resonated with older children and teens who appreciated the doll’s style and the opportunity to customize their looks.
The doll line also included various playsets, accessories, and merchandise, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Monster High beyond the dolls themselves. These additions included school-themed playsets, books, animated webisodes, and even a full-length TV movie, expanding the brand into a multimedia franchise.
The collectability factor was strong with Monster High Dolls. Fans sought to collect all the characters, complete sets, and acquire special edition dolls. This collectible aspect led to a vibrant online community of fans who shared their collections, DIY customization projects, and fan fiction.
Monster High Dolls were unique in their ability to blend elements of classic monster lore, fashion, and storytelling into one cohesive and captivating toy line. They encouraged imaginative play, creative storytelling, and self-expression through fashion, making them a standout choice for children who enjoyed dolls with an edge.
In summary, Monster High Dolls from 2010 were more than just fashion dolls; they were a fusion of creativity, storytelling, and style. They introduced a new kind of fashion doll with a fresh and innovative concept, appealing to a diverse audience of children and collectors who appreciated the blend of monsters and fashion in a doll.
LEGO Harry Potter Sets

The LEGO Harry Potter sets, first introduced in 2001 and continuing to be popular in 2010, brought the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s beloved book and film series to life through the medium of building blocks. These sets were a remarkable fusion of creativity, storytelling, and playability, appealing to fans of both LEGO and Harry Potter.
What made LEGO Harry Potter sets stand out was their attention to detail and dedication to capturing the essence of the Wizarding World. These sets allowed fans to construct iconic locations, scenes, and characters from the Harry Potter series, effectively turning the books and movies into interactive play experiences.
The sets featured a wide range of elements, from Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley to the Hogwarts Express train, Quidditch matches, and various magical creatures like Dementors, Hippogriffs, and Thestrals. Each set was intricately designed to replicate the look and feel of the Harry Potter universe, with accurate architectural details, minifigures representing beloved characters, and magical elements like wands and spellbooks.
The minifigures were a key element of the sets. They included popular characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Dumbledore, Hagrid, and many others. Each minifigure was carefully crafted with unique facial expressions, accessories, and clothing that closely matched their movie counterparts. These minifigures allowed children to reenact their favorite scenes and create new adventures in the Wizarding World.
The playability of LEGO Harry Potter sets was exceptional. The sets were designed to be modular, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, which encouraged children to customize their Hogwarts and Diagon Alley layouts. This modularity also made it possible to combine multiple sets to create larger and more elaborate Wizarding World landscapes.
Moreover, the sets often included interactive features, such as hidden compartments, moving staircases, and secret passages. These features added an element of surprise and discovery to the play experience, encouraging imaginative storytelling and problem-solving.
The appeal of LEGO Harry Potter sets extended beyond children. Adult collectors and Harry Potter fans were equally enthusiastic about these sets, appreciating the attention to detail and the opportunity to display their love for the franchise through these collectible items.
In summary, LEGO Harry Potter sets from 2010 were a magical combination of the beloved Harry Potter series and the creative potential of LEGO building blocks. They allowed fans of all ages to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World, reenact their favorite moments, and craft their own magical adventures. These sets continue to be cherished by both LEGO enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling and imaginative play.
Zhu Zhu PetsZhu Zhu Pets, introduced in 2009, and continuing in 2010, became a sensation in the world of electronic pet toys, offering children an interactive and low-maintenance alternative to traditional pets. These small, robotic hamsters quickly captured the hearts of kids and parents alike, thanks to their charming design and engaging features.
At the core of Zhu Zhu Pets’ appeal was their lifelike behavior. These robotic hamsters were equipped with sensors that allowed them to react to their environment. They could navigate obstacles, explore their surroundings, and respond to touch and sound. This level of interactivity made them feel like real pets, providing companionship without the responsibilities of caring for a live animal.
Zhu Zhu Pets were known for their adorable and colorful designs, with various hamster characters available, each with its own name and personality. These characters added a sense of collectability to the toys, as children often wanted to collect different hamsters to expand their virtual pet family.
The toys came with a range of accessories and playsets, such as hamster wheels, tunnels, and miniature houses. These accessories allowed children to create customized habitats for their Zhu Zhu Pets, fostering creativity and imaginative play. The hamsters could explore these environments, providing hours of entertainment as they interacted with the accessories.
A notable feature of Zhu Zhu Pets was their ability to make a wide range of sounds, including squeaks, chattering, and purring. These sounds added to the lifelike experience and made the hamsters even more endearing to children.
The low-maintenance aspect of Zhu Zhu Pets was a significant draw for parents. Unlike real pets, these electronic hamsters didn’t require feeding, grooming, or cleaning up after. This made them a hassle-free choice for families looking to provide their children with a pet-like experience without the responsibilities associated with live animals.
Zhu Zhu Pets also fostered social interaction among children. Kids often brought their hamsters to playdates, allowing the hamsters to interact with each other and creating a shared play experience. This social aspect added to the appeal of the toys.
In summary, Zhu Zhu Pets from 2009 were innovative electronic pet toys that offered children an interactive and low-maintenance pet experience. Their lifelike behavior, collectible characters, and range of accessories encouraged imaginative play and social interaction among children. These charming robotic hamsters provided companionship and entertainment, making them a beloved choice for kids and parents alike.
Apple iPad: Though not a traditional toy, the iPad had a significant impact on how children played and learned, offering a wide range of interactive and educational apps.
Sing-a-ma-jigs: These quirky, plush toys would sing and harmonize with each other, charming children with their simple music-making and adorable designs.
Squinkies: Tiny, squishy figures housed in plastic bubbles, these collectibles came in a wide range of characters and were often traded among kids.
Hot Wheels R/C Stealth Rides: These were compact, foldable remote-controlled cars that could fit in a pocket, bringing a new level of portability and innovation to RC vehicles.
Barbie Video Girl: This Barbie doll had a working video camera embedded in its necklace, allowing children to record videos from the doll’s perspective.

The variety of these toys, ranging from simple collectibles to high-tech gadgets, reflects the diverse interests and evolving play patterns of children in 2010. This mix of creativity, technology, and traditional play continued to shape the toy industry during this period.