It’s devastating and heart-wrenching news: our beloved childhood store, Toys-R-Us, is no longer in existence. The times of running in and choosing a new toy for your birthday are over. The chance to peruse the holiday catalog and create a wishlist 10 toys too long has vanished. Future generations will become strangers to the once-global toy store chain. Since there is no physical place to visit anymore, the memories are all we have left. I thought I’d stir up a little nostalgia by bringing back some of the best toys from our childhood.
NERF Anything
This was one of the fun ways to use your siblings and friends for target practice. The only worries back then were trying to escape the enemy fire and finding the ammo that got scattered all over your house.
Game Boy Advance
What a legend. The Gameboy was the perfect on-the- gaming system. From Kirby to Mario, car rides never felt long and days were always brighter.
Beyblade
These toys had all the kids sitting in circles to see which toy would win in battle. No one needed an arena; all they needed was the desire to “Let It Rip.”
Etch-A-Sketch
http://www.gifmania.co.uk/Objects-Animated-Gifs/Animated-Toys/Etch-A-Sketch/
We were all training to be the next Picasso. Whenever you saw one of these babies, you had to run to make sure you got to it first. From spelling your name to letting your creativity flow, everyone loved the Etch A Sketch.
Razor Scooters
The epitome of riding in style. These were convenient for short trips down the block and always made you look hip. The most pain you had known at that point in life was when the scooter crashed into your ankle.
Bratz
The more colorful version of Barbie dolls, Bratz were everywhere when you were younger. When you wanted to enact your fancy future or go to the latest party, these were the go-to.
Tech Deck
With these bad boys, we were all Tony Hawk. Instead of doing your work, you were learning new tricks to impress your friends.
Tamagotchi
Before Child Development in high school, there were Tamagotchis. It was the most responsibility we could handle at the time. When they died, you were either devastated or glad that it was over.
Although Toys-R-Us may have died, the memories it brought never will. From scooters to Gameboys and Bratz dolls, it has been a good ride. As the stress of finals comes around, there’s nothing like looking back and remembering how choosing which toys to play with were once your biggest problems.
