by Michelle Stein posted in Products

As a millennial parent, it's interesting to see popular toys from the 90s making a comeback. From the Tamagotchi, to a special edition of the Super Nintendo system, to a new and improved Furby, seeing modernized versions of my childhood favorites hits me directly in the nostalgia (which I'm guessing is exactly what manufacturers are counting on). This holiday season is no exception.
For parents looking to bond with children over favorites of decades past, here's a look at 10 top holiday toys from 1997, alongside similar (but decidedly improved) products that are available today. Come. Take a walk down memory lane with me.
1. 1997: Barbie Sun Jammer. OMG, I always wanted one of these as a little kid. But my parents, apparently, couldn't justify the cost. (And I can't say I blame them.) I did have a friend who owned one; so I got to live out my Barbie Jeep dreams at her house. The battery never lasted very long, anyway. 2017: Power Wheels Barbie Cadillac Escalade. Whoa, Barbie has really upgraded in the past 20 years. Bonus: This one has an mp3 jack, a working radio and a parental control setting. So shiny. And expensive.

Image via Toys R Us
2. 1997: Tickle Me Elmo. It's 20 years later, and I can still remember that laugh. This cackling toy was sold out everywhere during the 1996 holiday shopping season. But it was still hugely popular by the time 1997 rolled around.
2017: Tickle Me Elmo, still! That's right, one of the most popular...