Iconic 90s toy Furby returns to shelves to celebrate 25 years

Millions of parents bought their kids this product back in the day – but its popularity eventually slunk. Now, it’s back at Kmart, Big W and Toymate.

One of the most iconic toys of the 90s is returning to shelves to celebrate 25 years since children everywhere begged their parents for one.

The furry, interactive toy that was the Furby, like many trends, sold millions before slowly disappearing from shelves in 2007.

After a digital revamp it returned in 2012 only to halt production once again six years later.

Now Hasbro, the brand who manufactures the iconic toy, has given the Furby another modern makeover and is confident Aussies will once again go crazy for it.

The new generation Furby features five voice-activated modes and 600 responses, and comes in two brand new colours – purple and coral, with the latter exclusive to Toymate.

The purple will be sold in stores such as Kmart and Big W.

Furbies have returned to stores. Picture: News.com.au

“Following its craze-inducing launch in 1998, Furby has taken the world by storm, impacting every corner of the culture Zeitgeist, from music to television and film,” Lisa Van Ross, marketing manager for fashion and preschool for Hasbro Australia, told news.com.au.

“For the brand’s 25th anniversary, we wanted to ignite the same excitement for this new generation by harnessing Furby’s power of nostalgia while giving Gen Alpha everything they crave.”

Van Ross went on to explain that extensive research has gone into the for $99.99 toy – whose voice activated modes include “dance party” and “tell my fortune” – to ensure Hasbro nailed exactly what kids were looking for in a Furby in 2023.

“Through this research, kids told us that it was important for Furby to be their ultimate best friend – a furry companion to do all the things a BFF would do, like dance to music, share fortunes, meditate, mimic each other in silly voices, and even put on a light show, and that’s exactly what we created.”

Alexandra has 20 Furbies. Picture: Supplied

Alexandra, 32, got her first Furby as a present in 1998, and she remembered everyone wanted one and the joy at getting one.

She immediately felt in love with the fluffy little creature, saying she loved the different colours and varieties.

“There is just something about them that is addictive,” she told news.com.au.

Alexandra has a collection of 20 Furbies, with a number of other collectables like the Shelby, Furby beds, Party Rockers and a collector’s storage backpack.

Her current favourite is the Banana Peel Furby, which she scored a couple of months ago. It had never been opened and was in good working condition.

With the arrival of the new Furby into stores, Alexandra is keen to get her hands on the new toy.