In 1980, millions lined up for the Rubik’s Cube, and holiday toys were never the same. From Cabbage Patch Kids to Furby to Squinkies, The Daily Beast culls the 30 top fads of the past 30 years.
Gallery: The 30 Top Toy Crazes of the Past 30 Years
Desperate midnight trips to Toys ‘R’ Us have now become as much of an American holiday tradition as egg nog and “ embarrassing family photos.” Arguably started by the Rubik’s Cube and Cabbage Patch Kid frenzies that emptied the wallets of parents in the early '80s, the competition to be (or buy) the toy of the season rolls around every year.
Last year, it was the Zhu Zhu Pets. In 2000, it was a Razr scooter. And who can forget the great scramble for Tickle Me Elmo in 1996? In the spirit of holiday nostalgia, The Daily Beast combed the records of Christmases past for a look at the top-selling toy crazes over the last three decades.