Different Types of 2017 Funny Toys
The year 2017 was a landmark in the world of novelty and funny toys, bringing a wave of innovative, humorous, and interactive playthings that captured the imagination of children and adults alike. These toys combined humor, creativity, and often surprising functionality to deliver both entertainment and subtle developmental benefits. From stress-relieving squishies to high-tech interactive pets, 2017's funny toys ranged from whimsical collectibles to educational tools. They were categorized by their design, humor style, interactivity, and intended use—making it easier for consumers to choose toys that matched their personality, age group, or gifting purpose.
Whether used for joke gifts, sensory development, or nostalgic fun, these toys stood out for their originality and cultural impact. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most iconic and popular types of funny toys from 2017.
Squishy Toys
Soft, malleable stress-relief toys that slowly return to shape after being squeezed—often designed in whimsical forms like animals, food, or fantasy creatures.
Advantages
- Excellent stress and anxiety relief
- Improves fine motor skills in toddlers
- Available in fun, colorful, and scented varieties
- Durable and reusable for sensory play
Limitations
- Lower durability over time with heavy use
- Some may contain allergens or strong fragrances
- Limited interactivity beyond tactile feedback
Best for: Kids, teens, office workers, sensory therapy, and stress relief
Fingerlings
Interactive robotic baby animals (primarily monkeys) that respond to touch, sound, and motion while clinging to fingers—combining cuteness with tech.
Advantages
- Highly interactive with sounds and facial expressions
- Encourages imaginative and social play
- Responds to voice, touch, and movement
- Collectible with multiple colors and characters
Limitations
- Requires batteries and occasional maintenance
- Can be noisy in quiet environments
- Higher price point compared to non-electronic toys
Best for: Children aged 4–10, tech-curious kids, gift-giving, interactive play
Action Figures with Exaggerated Features
Parody-style figures featuring oversized heads, comically small bodies, and absurd poses—often based on popular characters or food items.
Advantages
- Humorously reimagines serious characters
- Great for collectibility and display
- Appeals to both kids and adult collectors
- Encourages creativity and storytelling
Limitations
- Limited articulation due to design
- Not ideal for active play or durability
- Niche appeal outside of pop culture fans
Best for: Collectors, fans of pop culture, office desk decor, novelty gifts
Mini Eraser Food & Novelty Erasers
Adorable, food-shaped erasers designed like sushi, donuts, or fruits—blending practicality with playful humor.
Advantages
- Functional as school or office supplies
- Highly collectible and shareable
- Encourages organization and creativity
- Safe and non-toxic for children
Limitations
- Easily lost due to small size
- Wears out faster than standard erasers
- May be mistaken for real food by young kids
Best for: Students, teachers, stationery lovers, party favors, educational tools
| Toys | Humor Style | Interactivity | Age Group | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squishy Toys | Visual absurdity, tactile surprise | Low (tactile only) | 3+ | Stress relief, sensory play |
| Fingerlings | Cute, responsive, quirky | High (sound, touch, motion) | 4–10 | Interactive entertainment |
| Exaggerated Action Figures | Parody, satire, pop culture | Low to medium (display/roleplay) | 6+ | Collecting, decoration |
| Mini Eraser Food | Cute, ironic, whimsical | Low (visual/fun factor) | 5+ | Education, gifting, collecting |
Expert Tip: When gifting funny toys like squishies or Fingerlings, consider pairing them with a themed accessory (e.g., a mini display case or sticker sheet) to enhance the unboxing experience and increase perceived value.
2017’s funny toys weren’t just about laughs—they represented a cultural shift toward playful functionality. Whether it was the stress-relieving softness of squishies, the lifelike responsiveness of Fingerlings, or the ironic charm of oversized-headed action figures, these toys blurred the line between humor and utility. Many of these items remain popular today, either as nostalgic keepsakes or as inspiration for new generations of novelty products. Their lasting appeal lies in their ability to bring joy while subtly supporting developmental skills like motor coordination, emotional regulation, and creative thinking.
What to Consider When Buying 2017 Funny Toys: A Complete Guide
Selecting the right funny toys from 2017 requires more than just a sense of humor—especially when shopping for children. While many toys from this era brought laughter and joy, not all were equally safe, educational, or durable. This guide explores the key factors to consider when purchasing 2017 funny toys, ensuring your choices are fun, safe, and worthwhile investments for long-term play.
Safety Considerations
Choking Hazard Prevention
One of the most critical safety aspects is ensuring the toy contains no small detachable parts that could pose a choking risk, particularly for children under three years old. Always inspect toys for loose buttons, eyes, or accessories that could be easily swallowed.
Material Safety & Design
Opt for soft, squishy materials such as BPA-free plastics, rubber, or high-grade silicone. Avoid toys with sharp edges, rigid protrusions, or brittle components that could break under pressure. Look for toys labeled as non-toxic and compliant with ASTM F963 or CPSIA safety standards.
All toys should undergo rigorous durability testing to ensure they can withstand normal chewing, biting, and rough play without breaking apart. Reputable manufacturers often conduct drop tests, stress tests, and saliva resistance checks to meet international safety regulations.
Age Appropriateness
Toys for Toddlers (Ages 1–3)
For younger children, choose simple, brightly colored, and highly tactile funny toys. Think of giggling plush animals, wobbling figures, or squeaky bath toys. These promote sensory development and motor skills while being safe for early developmental stages.
Toys for Older Children (Ages 4+)
Older kids enjoy more complex humor and interactive features. In 2017, popular items included prank gadgets, talking action figures, and joke-based board games. These foster imagination and social interaction but may not be suitable for younger siblings due to small parts or mature content.
Always check the manufacturer’s age recommendation—typically printed on packaging. These guidelines are based on cognitive development, safety risks, and play patterns. Ignoring them can lead to frustration, injury, or inappropriate exposure to content.
Educational Value
Many 2017 funny toys cleverly combined entertainment with learning. For example:
Even laughter has learning benefits—research shows humor enhances memory retention and social bonding, making educational funny toys a smart choice for parents and educators alike.
Durability and Quality
Children play hard, so durability is essential. A well-made funny toy should endure drops, chewing, outdoor use, and repeated handling without losing functionality or breaking into hazardous pieces.
| Material Type | Durability Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| High-Impact Plastic | High | Action figures, moving parts, outdoor toys |
| Soft Vinyl / Rubber | Medium-High | Bath toys, teething items, squeezable figures |
| Fabric & Plush | Medium | Stuffed animals, wearable costumes |
| Cardboard / Paper-Based | Low | Temporary games, craft kits (not long-term) |
Investing in higher-quality toys may cost more upfront but saves money over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Look for reinforced stitching, seamless molding, and UV-resistant colors to ensure longevity.
Trends and Popularity in 2017
The year 2017 saw a surge in viral toy trends that blended humor with interactivity. Notable examples include:
While trendy toys can be highly engaging, their appeal may fade quickly. Timeless funny toys—like classic slapstick gadgets, joke books, or durable laugh-inducing robots—often provide longer-lasting enjoyment. Consider balancing trendy picks with evergreen options to build a well-rounded toy collection.
Important: When buying 2017 funny toys today—especially secondhand—inspect them thoroughly for recalls, missing parts, or degradation. Some materials may have deteriorated over time, and outdated electronics could pose risks. Always verify safety compliance and clean toys properly before use.
How to Keep 2017 Funny Toys in Good Condition
Maintaining the condition of 2017's popular "funny toys"—such as Squishies, Fingerlings, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, and other novelty items—is essential for preserving their functionality, safety, and visual appeal. Proper care not only extends the lifespan of these beloved playthings but also keeps them looking fresh and exciting for children. With the right maintenance routine, your collection can remain vibrant, safe, and fun for years to come.
Pro Tip: Many 2017 funny toys were designed with interactive features, soft materials, or delicate electronics. Treating them with consistent care ensures they continue to delight kids and retain value for collectors.
Regular Cleaning
Dust, dirt, and oils from hands can degrade the texture and appearance of soft and electronic toys over time. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and maintains hygiene—especially important for toys frequently handled by children.
- Squishy toys: Gently wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Avoid soaking, as excessive moisture can break down the polyurethane foam and cause deformation.
- Fingerlings and electronic toys: Use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth around sensors and moving parts. Never submerge in water to prevent circuit damage.
- L.O.L. Surprise! and small dolls: Clean individual layers and accessories with a soft brush or cotton swab to remove dust from crevices.
- Always allow toys to air-dry completely in a shaded area before storing.
Safety note: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can degrade silicone, fabric, or paint finishes.
Proper Storage When Not in Use
Improper storage is one of the leading causes of toy deterioration. Heat, sunlight, and humidity can warp materials, fade colors, and damage internal electronics.
- Store toys in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent plastic brittleness and color fading.
- Use clear, ventilated storage bins with dividers to organize collections and prevent crushing or tangling.
- For electronic toys like Fingerlings, remove batteries if storing for more than 4–6 weeks to avoid corrosion from battery leakage.
- Keep plush-based or fabric-wrapped toys in sealed containers to protect against pests and moisture.
Collector’s tip: Original packaging should be preserved in upright, flat positions to avoid crushing and maintain resale or sentimental value.
Gentle Handling During Play
Many 2017 funny toys feature delicate mechanisms or soft, compressible materials that are not built for rough play. Teaching children how to handle them responsibly promotes longevity.
- Instruct kids not to throw, bite, or over-squeeze squishy toys, which can lead to tearing or permanent deformation.
- Fingerlings’ interactive sensors can be damaged by excessive pulling or bending—encourage gentle interaction.
- Avoid exposing toys to extreme temperatures (e.g., car trunks in summer or freezing garages).
- Supervise younger children during play to prevent accidental damage or ingestion of small parts.
Parent insight: Rotate toys regularly to reduce wear on favorites and keep playtime engaging.
Regular Inspection for Damage
Periodic checks help catch issues early—preventing safety hazards and allowing for timely repairs or replacements.
- Look for signs of wear: cracks in silicone, frayed wires, loose eyes, or weakened seams.
- Test electronic functions weekly (e.g., sounds, lights, motion) to ensure responsiveness.
- Check for battery compartment corrosion and clean gently with a cotton swab if needed.
- Replace toys with sharp edges, broken parts, or exposed electronics to prevent injury.
Repair possibility: Minor tears in squishy toys can sometimes be sealed with child-safe fabric glue, but avoid using on electronic components.
| Toy Type | Cleaning Method | Storage Recommendation | Expected Lifespan (With Care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squishy Toys | Damp cloth + mild soap | Airtight container, away from heat | 2–4 years |
| Fingerlings | Dry microfiber wipe only | Battery removed, original stand | 3–5 years |
| L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls | Soft brush + damp swab | Organized bin with compartments | 4+ years (if unopened) |
| Plush Funny Toys | Spot clean with fabric-safe cleaner | Sealed bin with desiccant pack | 5+ years |
Additional Maintenance Tips
- Hygiene First: Wash hands before and after playing to reduce oil transfer and germ spread.
- Rotation System: Rotate toys weekly to distribute wear and keep interest high.
- Display Smartly: Use shadow boxes or shelves with UV-protective glass for collector’s items.
- Climate Control: In humid environments, use silica gel packs in storage to prevent mold.
- Eco-Friendly Care: Use biodegradable cleaners and reusable cloths to minimize environmental impact.
Expert Advice: For collectors and parents alike, treating 2017 funny toys as both play items and sentimental keepsakes ensures the best long-term results. A simple 5-minute weekly maintenance routine can double the lifespan of these toys and preserve their charm for future generations.
Funny & Educational Toys: 2017 Favorites and Beyond
Welcome to our comprehensive Q&A guide on popular toys from 2017 that continue to entertain and educate children today. This section explores how playful designs can double as learning tools, examines the lasting popularity of iconic toys like Fingerlings, evaluates the future of sensory toys such as squishies, and provides essential care tips for electronic toys. Whether you're a parent, educator, or toy enthusiast, this guide offers valuable insights into the evolving world of children's play and development.
Pro Tip: The best toys combine fun with functionality—look for items that engage multiple senses while promoting cognitive, emotional, or motor skill development.
Q1. What 2017 funny toys are both entertaining and educational?
A1: Many of the most popular "funny" toys released in 2017 were cleverly designed to blend humor with meaningful learning experiences. These toys use whimsical themes and interactive elements to make education enjoyable for young learners.
- Mini Erasers with Learning Labels: These small, collectible erasers often feature numbers, letters, or shapes, making them perfect for sorting games, counting exercises, and spelling activities. Teachers frequently use them as rewards and classroom tools to reinforce early literacy and math skills.
- STEM-Based Play Kits: Toys incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles gained major traction in 2017. Examples include buildable robots, coding games, and science experiment kits disguised as playful challenges—such as "plucking flowers" in themed board games or digital apps that teach logic through storytelling and problem-solving.
- Interactive Learning Pads: Electronic toys that respond to touch or voice input helped children learn phonics, basic arithmetic, and vocabulary through laughter-inducing sounds and animations.
These toys exemplify how educational content can be seamlessly integrated into humorous, engaging formats that hold children's attention longer than traditional methods.
Q2. Are Fingerlings still popular in today's market?
A2: Yes, Fingerlings remain a recognizable and beloved brand in the world of interactive toys, even years after their 2017 peak. Originally launched by WowWee, these small robotic animals that respond to touch, sound, and motion captured global attention during the holiday season of 2017 due to their charm and responsiveness.
While the original Fingerlings line may not dominate shelves as they once did, their legacy lives on through:
- Successor Products: Evolved versions such as Fingerlings Hugs, Baby Fingerlings, and licensed characters (like unicorns or dinosaurs) continue to appeal to younger audiences.
- Competitor Innovations: Inspired by Fingerlings' success, numerous brands have released similar interactive palm-sized pets with enhanced features like app connectivity, augmented reality, and voice recognition.
- Cultural Impact: Fingerlings helped pave the way for the rise of emotional AI in toys, setting a benchmark for how responsive and expressive children's toys could be.
Their enduring popularity reflects a lasting demand for toys that simulate companionship and emotional connection.
Q3. Will squishy toys continue to have market value in the foreseeable future?
A3: Absolutely. Squishy toys—soft, squeezable figurines made from polyurethane or gel materials—are expected to maintain strong market presence well into the future. Their continued relevance stems from several key factors:
- Stress Relief Benefits: Widely used as fidget tools, squishies help reduce anxiety and improve focus, making them popular among children with sensory processing needs and adults seeking mindfulness aids.
- Sensory Appeal: Available in countless shapes, colors, and textures—from cute animals to food replicas—squishies engage tactile senses and provide satisfying sensory feedback.
- Collectibility: Limited editions and themed series (e.g., holiday squishies, anime characters) encourage collecting behavior, especially among tweens and teens.
- Educational Integration: Some classrooms incorporate squishies as calming tools during tests or transitions, recognizing their role in supporting emotional regulation.
As mental wellness and sensory-friendly design gain importance in product development, squishy toys are likely to evolve with new materials, scents, and therapeutic applications.
Q4. What are the best maintenance tips for cleaning electronic release toys?
A4: Proper cleaning is essential to extend the life of electronic toys and ensure hygiene, especially for items frequently handled by children. However, moisture and electronics don’t mix—so care must be taken to avoid damage.
Important Warning: Never submerge electronic toys in water or use excessive liquid, as this can destroy internal circuits, batteries, and sensors.
Follow these safe cleaning steps:
- Power Down: Turn off the toy and remove batteries or disconnect power sources before cleaning.
- Surface Wipe: Use a soft, slightly damp cloth (microfiber works best) to gently wipe down the exterior surfaces. For stubborn spots, lightly moisten the cloth with a mixture of mild soap and water. <3> Avoid Openings: Steer clear of ports, buttons, microphones, and speakers to prevent moisture from entering internal components.
- Disinfect Safely: To sanitize, use disinfectant wipes designed for electronics (e.g., those safe for phones or tablets), and allow the toy to air dry completely before reuse.
- Seal Access Panels: Ensure battery compartments and charging ports are securely closed after cleaning to prevent accidental exposure.
Regular maintenance not only keeps toys looking new but also prevents the buildup of germs and debris that can affect performance.
| Toy Type | Primary Benefit | Lifespan Expectancy | Care Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Erasers | Educational engagement | 1–3 years (with regular use) | Wipe with dry cloth; store in sealed containers |
| Fingerlings / Interactive Pets | Emotional responsiveness | 2–5 years | Surface clean only; replace batteries promptly |
| Squishy Toys | Stress relief & sensory stimulation | 1–2 years (avoid punctures) | Dust with dry cloth; avoid heat and sharp objects |
| Electronic Learning Toys | Cognitive development | 2–4 years | Use damp cloth; never immerse in liquid |
Expert Insight: When choosing toys, consider both immediate fun and long-term value. The most impactful toys grow with the child, offering new challenges and learning opportunities over time. Regular cleaning and proper storage significantly extend usability and safety.
Final Thoughts
The toys of 2017 didn’t just entertain—they laid the foundation for a new era of smart, sensory-rich, and emotionally intelligent playthings. From educational mini erasers to responsive robots and therapeutic squishies, these products continue to influence toy design today. By understanding their benefits and maintaining them properly, parents and educators can maximize both enjoyment and developmental value for children.
As technology and psychology continue to shape the toy industry, we can expect future innovations to build upon the playful yet purposeful legacy of these 2017 favorites.
