Stuff You Should Know What Makes a Must-Have Christmas Toy?
Nov 21, 2019
The hosts dive into the fascinating world of must-have Christmas toys, tracing their origins back to the iconic Cabbage Patch Kids and nostalgic video games. They reminisce about joyful holiday shopping experiences, while comparing them to today's overwhelming consumer landscape. The psychology behind marketing tactics that create urgency and desirability for these toys is explored, along with the ethical dilemmas of toy flipping. Listeners are treated to heartfelt anecdotes and reflections on the emotional significance of toys during the holidays.
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Cabbage Patch Frenzy
- In 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids became a must-have toy, causing frenzy and violence.
- A woman's leg was broken in a shopping stampede, and a store manager used a baseball bat for self-defense.
First Must-Have Toy?
- Must-have Christmas toys didn't exist before Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983, similar to summer blockbusters before Jaws.
- While popular toys existed, the Cabbage Patch Kids marked a shift in the Christmas toy market.
Debating the First Craze
- Chuck and Josh debate the first must-have Christmas toy, with Chuck suggesting Star Wars or Atari.
- Star Wars' empty box marketing tactic and Atari Pac-Man's 7 million cartridge sales in 1982 highlight prior toy crazes.