In the spirit of innovation and just in time for this year’s Spielwarenmesse, we’re taking a look at some of the toys from 2001. From the early stages of tech toys to improvements on already-loved toy categories like remote-controlled vehicles and playsets, many companies across the globe were finding new and better ways to encourage play.
PLAYSTATION 2
This next-gen system combines a gaming console with a DVD player and comes with a DualShock 2 analog controller.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
ELECTRONIC PHONE STATION
This phone playset utilizes role-play to teach kids the basics of using a telephone. Kids can also leave and receive voice messages with the built-in answering machine.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- BATTAT
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
R/C ROBOCAM
This R/C vehicle features a digital camera attached to the top, allowing kids to check out the world from a bug's eye view.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- PLAYTECH INTERNATIONAL
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
HELLO KITTY DREAM WORLD FLOWER FAIRY PLAYSET
Hello Kitty comes with fairy wings, a magical wand, a flower stand, a lyre, and a butterfly guitar, allowing her to pose and perform her magical tunes.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- BANDAI AMERICA
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
STARLA’S TRAIN SET
Kids can watch the beads in the train's battery-operated engine rattle while the wheels are in motion.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- BRIO
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
E-KARA
By plugging the e-Kara into a TV or VCR, kids can sing along to their favorite songs with this portable, handheld karaoke machine.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- TAKARA CO. LTD
Buy Now
This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
Stay on the Pulse of Play!
A version of this feature first appeared in the 2026 International Issue of The Toy Book. Read the full issue here!
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