History's Best Selling Toys of 1990

Make way for the hits of 1990! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the grunge & golden-era pop craze and the march of first-rate toys. Crowd-pleasers such as Monster in My Pocket shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Pretty Pretty Princess and Wrestling Buddy. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Matchbox and Western Publishing Company, these trailblazing products flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Monster in My Pocket

   Released in 1990 by Matchbox, Joe Morrison

   Launched in 1990 by Matchbox, Monster in My Pocket burst onto the toy scene as a captivating collectible phenomenon that quickly enthralled children worldwide. These miniature, highly detailed monster figures offered a fresh take on the classic fascination with mythical creatures, horror icons, and monstrous beings, all shrunk down to fit conveniently into a child’s pocket. It wasn't just a toy; it was a gateway into a vast universe of imagination, encouraging kids to collect, trade, and battle their way through a pantheon of fantastical beasts. Its accessible price point and the thrill of collecting made it an instant hit, transforming playgrounds into arenas for monster lore and strategic monster showdowns, establishing itself as a definitive early 90s cultural touchstone.

2. Pretty Pretty Princess

   Released in 1990 by Western Publishing Company

   Pretty Pretty Princess made its dazzling debut in 1990, quickly becoming a must-have board game for young girls across the globe. Launched by Western Publishing Company, this enchanting game tapped directly into the widespread childhood fantasy of royalty and glamour, allowing players to transform into a 'pretty princess' through engaging, collectible play. It wasn't just a game; it was an experience, offering a tangible pathway to imagination and a sense of magical transformation. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its simple yet captivating premise, making it a cultural phenomenon that cemented its place in the hearts of a generation of children eager to step into a world of jewels and crowns.

3. Wrestling Buddy

   Released in 1990 by Tonka

   On July 1, 1990, as the popularity of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) reached a fever pitch, Tonka unleashed a new kind of toy that perfectly captured the zeitgeist: the Wrestling Buddy. This release was timed to capitalize on the larger-than-life personas of wrestling superstars who were household names. For years, children had been mimicking the body slams and suplexes of their heroes on siblings and friends, much to the concern of parents. The Wrestling Buddy provided a sanctioned, safe outlet for this physical play, allowing kids to grapple with a life-sized champion without causing any real harm, forever changing the landscape of wrestling merchandise.