Since their debut in 1995, Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang from Andy's room have been pillars of the Pixar name. And since merchandise is where the real Disney money is made, everyone can take home one of their favorite toys. But the Pixar originals aren't the only stars of the show.
In fact, many Toy Story characters are already pre-existing playthings. There are so many familiar toys in the series that their origins must be shared with fans all around. Cowboys and spacemen aside, there are certainly more than a few toys in the films fans have played with before.
The Monkey
"Ya wanna get outta here? Get rid of that monkey!" This might be the strangest quote in any Disney animated feature, but despite that charming note, the monkey in question is actually a toy many have seen before. Jolly Chimps and other cymbal-smacking mechanical monkeys have been around since the '50s. And yes, they've always been more than a touch on the creepy side. Honestly, who on earth thought those teeth were a good idea?
Chatter Phone
Fisher-Price is a toy company that seems to have always been in everyone's childhood, and one of their most recognizable products is the Chatter Phone.
The colorful, smiling, telephone on wheels has been seen in nurseries and playrooms the world over. Why shouldn't an original exist in the same world as Buzz and Woody? It's a toy that's been around for decades and the street-wise one in Toy Story 3 fits the part.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
A classic never goes out of style, as the saying goes. In Al's Office at his Toy Barn, Slinky Dog tries to talk to a pair of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots. This fun game has been around for over 35 years, and players everywhere still enjoy sending the Red Rocker and Blue Bomber into the ring. They've gone through a few changes over the years, the classic game is still on the market. Real Steel they might not be, but who doesn't like a good robot fight?
Barrel of Monkeys
It might not be the most complex of toys, but who hasn't enjoyed a game of Barrel of Monkeys? This game has been enjoyed everywhere from playrooms to long car rides and doesn't seem to be in any hurry to leave.
Although their appearance might have changed since they first rolled out, coming in a variety of colors, designs, and sizes, the toy remains essentially the same. Though they are still the bar by which all fun activities are measured.
Mr. Shark
Yet another toy every kid probably had at some point, who hasn't been in a bathtub or a pool with a squeaking or squirting shark toy?
Arguably just as popular as a yellow rubber waterfowl, these toy predators have been swimming in our waters for the longest time. Like other toys on this list, they come in all shapes, sizes, and in some cases breeds. Thanks to Toy Story, its impossible to see one without saying "Howdy howdy howdy!"
Totoro Plush
This one is debatable, but since Totoro has existed since before the days of Pixar, it's probable that Totoro plushies have also existed. Though he might not have been popular amongst American audiences when he first premiered, he's definitely one of the most familiar Japanese characters in existence.
Since the film came out in 1988, nearly a full decade prior to Toy Story, Japanese audiences have probably gotten to snuggle with their favorite forest spirit before Bonnie did.
Etch
One of the most iconic toys on the list has to be the classic Etch-a-Sketch. Along with being the fastest knobs in the West, this fun drawing toy has been played with by generations of angular artists. It might not always make a masterpiece, but abstract art can be made with the turn of a dial. Plus, how can shaking away one's creations not be satisfying? Andy seems to think so anyway.
Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
For those whose parents warned them about making faces, spend some time with these two tubers. When they're not making wisecracks or going to pieces over their frustrations, the Potato Heads are being enjoyed by children everywhere.
As fun to put together as they are to take apart, Mr. Potato Head and his many vegetable brethren are just about as commonplace as a toy can be. Much like the remainder of the list.
Green Army Men
Green plastic army men have been around way longer than most toys on the list, and they've come in many sizes, shapes, and regiments. Everything from the common American soldiers with helmets and bazookas to cowboys, British guards, and even Roman legions have been immortalized in bright-colored plastic. With enough forces to conquer the world three times over, Sarge would definitely have more than his fair share of troops.
Barbie and Ken
As iconic as they are inseparable, Barbie and Ken have been around since most can remember. Every girl has possibly had some iteration of the plastic fashion icon at some point. And with as many occupations and varieties as Ken has outfits, Barbie just keeps rolling with the times. The pair are nothing if not adaptable.