I think the constant news stories about the shortage of certain toys, eggs on the demand for it. Plus a chance to get yourself on the evening news while your'e storming a mall looking for it.

always that popular toy. I wonder if the kid really wants that toy or is it an obsessive parent who must get it because it it the in thing.  just look in the classified ads at the holidays and some greedy person is trying to sell the "latest toy fad" for three or four times the amount. I hope the jerk ends up being stuck with the toy.  P.S. I remember about 25 years ago the Cabbage Patch doll was the new rage. they were flying off the shelves. a gal I worked with was determined she was going to get one of those dolls no matter what for her less than two year old son. well she saw one in the classified ads. for $100.00 dollars. {usually they are around 25-30dollars. }and boasted that she called right away and bought it for her toddler. could not wait to see his reaction  that she got the prized doll for him. after Christmas we asked how Brandon liked his doll. she looked kind of glum when she said he shook is head no and went "uhuh" to the doll. hope she learned a lesson.

Ah yes, the story about the parents willing to pay an arm and a leg for a toy which can be had at a deep discount in 3 months! It's fun to watch these people tackle each other in the toy store to get some over-hyped product. Remember the whole "tickle me Elmo" thing a few years ago? I just don't get it! Why do people do such ridiculous things?

I remember this Cabbage Patch doll craze nonsense, I like these stories because it just shows how stupid people are spending all their money spoiling their kids.

Trite, predictable, annoying, but still disturbing.  It's strange to watch as human beings, suvivors of generations of civilization, turn to violence over a. . .toy.  You'd think they were camp inmates fighting for bread crusts in a concentration camp.

The newest toy on the line: Strangle-Me-Elmo.

There have been several assaults committed by demented shoppers trying to buy the new Christophino doll. The doll is apparently extremely flexible, and comes with a large supply of KY jelly, condoms and buttwax.

Where's Classic TV fan when you need a Return of the holiday vanquishment of something?

I loved the lady that they caught on video taking the Tickle Me Elmo from a screaming child. What a bitch...