It’s been a while since my last deep dive into the world of vintage toy catalogs, but a recent eBay find has sparked a new wave of 90s nostalgia. For just around $10, I acquired a Toys R Us catalog from November 1993 – a true treasure trove for anyone fascinated by that iconic decade.
Growing up in the 90s, specifically between 1993 and 1997 (ages 3-8), Toys R Us was more than just a store; it was an experience. My local Toys R Us, located across from the Carolina Circle Mall in Greensboro, NC, holds a special place in my childhood memories. Sadly, photographic evidence of that particular store is scarce, with only a single photo from 2004, two years after its closure, existing online.
The discovery of this 1993 catalog on eBay was incredibly exciting. I immediately purchased it, and upon its arrival, I meticulously scanned every page, digitizing the entire catalog to preserve this piece of 90s history. Join me as we explore some of the most captivating pages, highlighting the toys and trends that defined Christmas wishes in 1993, and maybe even spot some “scan to go cars” or similar automotive treasures that might have been on offer at Toys R Us back then.
VHS Mania and Thomas the Tank Engine
The very first page of the catalog immediately transports you back to the era of VHS tapes. Advertisements for various movies and TV shows on VHS dominate, and I instantly recognized titles like Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, a childhood favorite. However, the real standout is the section dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine VHS tapes. My mid-90s obsession with Thomas is vividly recalled, and it’s remarkable to consider the enduring popularity of Thomas two decades later, albeit in a significantly evolved format with talking trains.
Coupon Bonanza (Expired 1993)
Flipping through the next twenty pages reveals a treasure trove of coupons for a wide array of toys, games, and video games. While these coupons, unfortunately, expired on November 30, 1993, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the deals and promotions Toys R Us used to entice holiday shoppers.
Baby Dolls and Girl-Oriented Toys
Although my personal toy preferences leaned towards action figures and cars, I distinctly remember the pervasive advertising for girl-oriented toys on television during this period. This page showcases various baby dolls, including memorable names like “Baby Check Up” and “Baby All Gone.” If you were a Nickelodeon viewer in the early 90s, the commercials for these dolls were inescapable.
Fisher-Price All-in-One Kitchen Center
Venturing further, I stumbled upon a toy that holds a personal connection: the Fisher-Price All in One Kitchen Center. Receiving this for Christmas in 1993, I, as a four-year-old, was oblivious to its intended gender target and thoroughly enjoyed countless hours of play with it.
Barney the Dinosaur’s Reign
It might raise some eyebrows today, but back in 1993/1994, Barney the Dinosaur was a beloved children’s icon. I, too, fell under Barney’s spell and even owned a Barney toy similar to the one featured in this catalog ad. Whether mine was the talking version remains a pleasant, fuzzy memory.
Little Tikes Workshop and Fisher-Price Flip Track
The Little Tikes Workshop on this page evokes a sense of familiarity, though I’m uncertain if I owned this exact set. I definitely had toy tools of some sort. However, the Fisher-Price Flip Track & Rail Set, pictured on the top right, is a toy I vividly remember receiving from my uncle for Christmas in 1994. That train set became a cherished plaything for years.
The Elusive Bumble Ball
Ah, the Bumble Ball! In early 1994, these vibrating, unpredictable balls were the must-have toy. I vividly recall my determined quest to own one, with my dad driving me to every Toys R Us and toy store across multiple cities in search of this elusive toy. Their immense popularity made them nearly impossible to find. Eventually, we succeeded in acquiring one, and while my playtime with it was relatively short-lived, the Bumble Ball’s retro value has skyrocketed, with eBay listings reaching around $40 recently.
Nickelodeon Splattermania
As a devoted fan of 90s Nickelodeon, this page is a pure nostalgia injection. While I never owned any of these Nickelodeon-branded products, I remember them vividly, especially the Nickelodeon Color Writer. The slime-green and orange color scheme is instantly recognizable and screams 90s Nickelodeon.
Fisher-Price Tape Recorder and Car Tunes
The Fisher-Price Tape Recorder, featured on the bottom right, was a staple for many 90s kids, myself included. My family’s older cars lacked built-in tape players, so this Fisher-Price recorder became my portable music solution in the car. It served faithfully until we upgraded to a 1994 Honda Accord with a built-in tape deck. The sheer joy on the boy’s face in the ad perfectly captures the simple entertainment of the era.
Home Alone Talkboy Dreams
The Home Alone movies, particularly Home Alone 2, were cinematic cornerstones of my childhood. The release of the Talkboy tape recorder, just like Kevin McCallister’s in the movie, generated immense hype. It took me until around 1998/1999 to finally get my hands on a Talkboy. I used it extensively until its eventual demise in the early 2000s. Regrettably, I discarded the tape along with the broken recorder, a decision I still regret today.
Board Game Classics
No exploration of 90s toys is complete without mentioning board games. While I didn’t own any of the specific games on this page, primarily because they were marketed towards girls, they represent a beloved pastime of the era – family game nights and analog entertainment before the digital age fully took over.
Easel Desk and Play Tents
This page features another toy I owned briefly: the Fisher-Price Easel/Desk unit. It occupied a significant amount of space in our living room and saw limited use. Play tents, also featured, were a common sight in many homes. While I didn’t have these exact models, I had similar play tents that provided hours of imaginative indoor adventures.
Fisher-Price Grow With Me Picnic Table
The Fisher-Price Grow With Me picnic table on this page is another personal relic. Received in the summer of 1993, this table saw extensive use both indoors and outdoors. It served as my dining spot in the living room before transitioning to outdoor use, enduring years of playtime.
Motocykes and Two-Wheeled Dreams
Finding the “Motocykes” advertisement in this catalog was a delightful surprise. In the fall of 1994, a white Motocyke at Montgomery Ward captivated my attention, becoming the ultimate Christmas desire. To my immense joy, I received one that Christmas and rode it for years before graduating to a bicycle in 1999. Motocykes, along with similar motorcycle-style bicycles from brands like Harley-Davidson, were a cool and unique trend in the mid-90s.
Power Wheels Jeep Adventures
Did anyone else have a Power Wheels Jeep? I owned the exact model pictured here (top right), albeit in red. Acquired in early 1994 from Toys R Us, this Power Wheels Jeep provided countless hours of backyard driving adventures. It was the ultimate ride-on toy for aspiring young drivers.
R.C. Car Frustrations (and Maybe “Scan to Go Cars”?)
Ah, R.C. cars. In my experience, these were often expensive and temperamental. Memories of tangled tree roots, carpet-induced immobility, and frustratingly short remote ranges come flooding back. While not explicitly “scan to go cars”, the promise of remote-controlled car action often fell short of childhood expectations in terms of seamless play. Perhaps the “scan to go” concept aimed to address these usability issues with simpler, more robust designs, though this catalog page leans more towards traditional, and sometimes finicky, R.C. technology.
Matchbox and Miniature Car Mania
Anything car-related instantly grabbed my attention as a child. Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Micro Machines – these brands fueled my automotive fascination. This page features Matchbox Motors and the Matchbox Motorcity Car Wash, both of which I deeply admired but never owned. Even today, the sight of these Matchbox toys evokes a wave of nostalgic joy. Perhaps within the broader Matchbox or Hot Wheels lines of the time, there were even early precursors to “scan to go cars,” focusing on ease of use and instant play.
Tiger Electronic Games: Pre-Console Gaming
Entering the video game section, we encounter the Tiger Electronic Games. Before owning a dedicated console in 1997, these handheld electronic games were my limited exposure to video gaming. While initially exciting, the reality of their simplistic gameplay and cheap plastic construction quickly set in, especially with no actual console experience for comparison.
Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Dream
My gaming loyalties are split between Nintendo and Sega, appreciating the unique strengths of both. However, Nintendo possesses a certain “wow” factor. For years, the Super Nintendo, showcased on this page, was my ultimate gaming desire. Christmas 1997 finally brought a Model 2 Super Nintendo, but even before that, watching my older brother play his SNES and seeing the captivating TV ads fueled my longing. Now, I own a Model 1 SNES and am actively building my game collection, even possessing Mario Paint (pictured), though its SNES mouse is currently out of commission.
Sega Genesis Power
The Sega page highlights the Genesis, another console I hold in high regard. My recent acquisition of a Model 1 Genesis has deepened my appreciation for Sega’s 16-bit era. While my Genesis game library is still modest, I plan to expand it over time. The ad features the Model 2 Genesis, a sleek console, but my preference leans towards the Model 1 with the VA6 board.
Sega CD and Game Gear: Expanding the Sega Universe
“You STILL don’t own a Sega CD?!” the ad exclaims. Ironically, I still don’t, though acquiring one this summer is on my to-do list, budget permitting. Despite its limited mainstream success, the Sega CD holds a certain allure, and friends who own one rave about its hidden gems. Also featured is the Sega Game Gear, a portable system I’ve always been fond of. I received a new Game Gear from Toys R Us in 1997 and remarkably, it still functions perfectly today, sound and all!
The Enigmatic Model 2 NES
Here we see the somewhat elusive Model 2 NES, released around 1993, complete with the SNES-style dog-bone controller. Nintendo’s decision to omit composite outputs on the Model 2 NES remains a perplexing choice, considering composite video’s widespread adoption by 1993.
A 1993 Time Capsule
And so, we reach the end of this 1993 Toys R Us “catalog,” though “time capsule” feels like a more accurate description. Each time I revisit these pages, a powerful wave of 90s nostalgia washes over me, evoking memories of a simpler childhood. I miss the quiet aisles of the Greensboro Toys R Us, a place of wonder and carefree exploration.
Shortly after obtaining the 1993 catalog, I also acquired the 1995 edition, another nostalgic treasure. An article about that catalog may be in the future. Currently, my quest is focused on the 1994 Toys R Us catalog, as 1994 holds a special place as my favorite year of the 90s. However, the only 1994 edition currently on eBay is priced at $80, a bit steep for a catalog. If anyone knows of a more reasonably priced 1994 edition, please let me know!
In conclusion, this journey through the 1993 Toys R Us Catalog has been a delightful trip down memory lane. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this nostalgic exploration of 90s toys and trends, and I look forward to sharing more retro discoveries in future articles.
