In the ’90s, Furby was introduced as an interactive toy that made “Furbish” noises—and soon enough, people were fighting over it in the toy aisle. After the frenzy died down, though, Furby’s popularity waned. But because ’90s trends are back, so is Furby—and kids are falling in love with the chattering toy all over again. (Take it from me, a parenting editor who has been monitoring toy trends all year.)
SHOP READER-FAVORITE TOYS OF THE YEAR
Last year’s new plush toy DJ Furby won over Executive Director, Strategy & Operations Lexie Sachs from the Good Housekeeping Institute, and it even earned a 2025 Toy Award. This year’s hot new release is Furby Vibes, which has three modes that you can access by swapping out her glasses.
There’s “Star Diva,” which has a freeze dance game to play; put cucumber slices on her face and she’ll unlock “Chill Spa Mode” and a “Zen Time” game—or pop on some bat-like glasses for “Punk Rocker” jams with a music game. There are also a bunch of hair accessories, so her long tuft of hair can be styled to suit her mood. In addition to her special modes, this Furby still has all the same interactive features you know and love (for instance, the eyes and feet and ears make animatronic movements).
Furby only speaks in Furbish, which means your kids will be walking around saying “oh-kah-tee” (OMG) and “may-may” (love) all the time. Need to translate or learn to communicate? The toy comes with a glossary of words and phrases.
And good news for parents: Furby does have an off switch (the heart on her forehead) that can instantly stop the noises. It will also turn off after 90 seconds of inactivity (in case your kid moves on to another toy). FYI: Furby runs on four AA batteries, so make sure to include those if you’re gifting it.
If Furby Vibes isn’t your kid’s, well, vibe, the toy comes in so many other varieties now. Personally, I’m partial to the Furblets, because they’re little and themed. There’s even an advent calendar with small figures that don’t talk at all.
