Stuff You Should Know SYSK's 12 Days of Christmas… Toys: What Makes a Must-Have Christmas Toy?
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Dec 12, 2025 The duo dives into the history of must-have Christmas toys, starting with the iconic Cabbage Patch Kids frenzy. They debate the true origin of toy mania, comparing it to Star Wars and Atari Pac-Man. Key elements of toy crazes are dissected, including media buzz and scarcity marketing. Modern examples like Tickle Me Elmo and Hatchimals showcase these dynamics. They also explore the ethics of toy reselling and the psychological impact of scarcity during the holidays. Finally, they highlight this season's hottest toys and offer advice for parents navigating the toy frenzy.
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Hosts Argue Over First Must-Have Toy
- Chuck recounts his sister owning an early handmade little person that became a valuable collector's Cabbage Patch Kid.
- Josh and Chuck debate whether Star Wars or Cabbage Patch Kids started the must-have tradition.
Cabbage Patch Kids Defined Must-Have Toys
- Cabbage Patch Kids created the modern concept of a "must-have" Christmas toy through media buzz and scarcity.
- Josh argues 1983 marked the shift from popular toys to manufactured holiday frenzies.
Tickle Me Elmo Caused Store Injuries
- Tickle Me Elmo caused real-world injuries when crowds trampled a Walmart employee.
- Chuck and Josh use it as an example of toy-driven holiday violence.
