Furby 2012: The Christmas Comeback Everyone Remembered

When Hasbro announced that Furby was returning in 2012, it sparked a wave of nostalgia for one of the most iconic toys of the 90s. First launched in 1998, Furby became the must‑have Christmas toy of the decade, with parents queueing for hours and more than 40 million sold worldwide.

The 2012 comeback brought the mischievous creature back into the spotlight — and once again, it quickly became a Christmas favourite.

Why Furby Returned in 2012

The original Furby was famous for its big eyes, quirky personality, and its own language, Furbish. Kids loved it, parents hunted for it, and it became a true Christmas craze.

Hasbro revived Furby in 2012 to introduce the character to a new generation, while giving nostalgic parents a chance to relive the excitement of Christmas ’98.

The 2012 version kept the charm of the original but added:

Digital LCD eyes
Softer, cuddlier fur
More expressive reactions
Improved sensors for touch, sound, and movement
A more advanced personality system

It still spoke Furbish at first, gradually learning English — just like the 90s version.

What the 2012 Furby Looked Like

The refreshed Furby had a hamster‑meets‑owl look, with bright colours, animated eyes, and a much softer feel than the original. Kids loved the expressive faces, and adults loved the nostalgia.

Some classic Furbish phrases included:

Doo-dah – Yes
Boo – No
Wee-tah-kah-wee-loo – Tell me a story
U-nye-boh-doo? – How are you?

The personality system meant each Furby behaved differently depending on how it was treated — a feature that made it one of the most interactive toys of its time.

Was Furby One of the Big Christmas Toys of 2012?

Absolutely. Just like in the 90s, Furby quickly became one of the most-wanted Christmas toys of the year. Retailers struggled to keep up with demand, and it appeared on almost every “Top Toys for Christmas” list.

You can see more retro favourites in our classic Christmas toys archive and our Christmas toy predictions.

Where You Can Still Find the 2012 Furby Today

Although the 2012 model is no longer in production, collectors and retro toy fans can still find them online.

Current availability:

Amazon UK (used/collectible) – Furby 2012 Edition

These models often sell quickly, especially around Christmas when retro toys trend again.

A Look Back at the Original 1998 Craze

The 1998 Furby was a cultural phenomenon. It responded to light, sound, and touch, and its ability to “learn” English made it feel alive. Kids adored it, and parents scrambled to find one before Christmas.

The 2012 version honoured that legacy while updating the technology for modern children.

You can explore more 90s nostalgia in our retro Christmas section.

Did You Have a Furby?

Whether you owned the original 1998 version or the 2012 comeback, Furby remains one of the most memorable Christmas toys ever released. Its mix of personality, interactivity, and charm made it a true festive favourite.

See the newer Furby versions here: 👉 Furby Editions