Toys through history that caused a ‘feeding’ frenzy


‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the store; Parents seek the hottest toy, while sales clerks shout, “No more!”


Few holiday seasons have come and gone without a must-have toy causing pandemonium among shoppers. In the months leading up to Christmas, one toy always seems to grab kids’ attention and become a must-have item. These could be quirky digital-voiced animals or video game consoles. Naturally, children put these gifts on their letters to Santa or wish lists. But as the days wind down to Christmas, manu- facturers often cannot meet the demand for the season’s most popular item. It’s then left to parents to find the toys and gadgets by whatever means necessary. Certain toys throughout history have caused a frenzy that results in desperate


parents scouring wiped-out toy stores or making black-market deals to land them- selves a hot toy. Here is a list of them, courtesy of MSNBC. * Shirley Temple Doll (1934): Shir-


ley Temple was the inspiration behind the first recorded toy to cause a shopping frenzy. The demand for the doll elevated after the actress’ breakout film, “Bright Eyes,” was released three days before Christmas.


* G.I. Joe (1964): Hasbro came up


with the male action figure after watch- ing Barbie dolls become such a popular toy for tots. The action figures were an instant hit, garnering over $16 million in 1964 alone. * “Star Wars”


Action Figures


(1977): No one expected George Lu- cas’ franchise to become such a smash hit. The merchandising company asso-


ciated with the project didn’t have time to make associated toys beyond a few board games and coloring books once “Star Wars” fever took hold. Therefore, “Early Bird Certificate” vouchers were sold and the action figures were shipped out a few months later. These action fig- ures can still thrill, with eBay auctions bringing in $1,200 and up for figures that once retailed for just a few dollars. * Cabbage Patch Kids (1983): What little girl in the mid-1980s didn’t want a chubby-faced Cabbage Patch Kid to adopt as her very own? The demand for this fad doll became so heated that adults fought over them and price gouging en- sued.


* Teddy Ruxpin (1985): If kids


weren’t seeking a Cabbage Patch doll, they may have been hoping to find a (Toys, Continued on page 8)


3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28