17 Toys Everyone Wanted But Few Owned
Some toys became so rare or expensive that most children wanted them but only a few actually owned them.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Certain toys captured enormous attention when they were released, creating long-lasting demand and cultural impact. High prices, limited releases, or unusual production runs made these items difficult to obtain. These toys became symbols of both popularity and exclusivity in childhood.
1. Nintendo Power Glove
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Released in 1989, the Nintendo Power Glove was marketed as a futuristic video game controller. Its design promised motion control, but the technology was limited and hard to use. Despite poor reviews, its unique look made it highly desirable among kids at the time. Few owned it because of its high cost and limited practicality.
2. Teddy Ruxpin
Worlds of Wonder; Forsse, Earl Kenneth on Wikimedia Commons
Teddy Ruxpin debuted in 1985 as an animatronic talking bear with a cassette player inside. The toy could tell stories, which was groundbreaking for the era. Its high price point kept it out of reach for many families. Children who had one were considered very fortunate.
3. Sega Genesis Nomad
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The Sega Genesis Nomad was a handheld version of the Sega Genesis released in 1995. It allowed players to use standard Genesis cartridges on the go. However, it was expensive and had short battery life. Few households purchased it, making it a rare item even among Sega fans.
4. American Girl Dolls
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Introduced in 1986, American Girl dolls became a status symbol due to their price and customization options. Each doll came with historical backgrounds and detailed accessories. Their cost was much higher than most dolls sold at the time. This limited ownership to families who could afford the luxury.
5. Game Boy Advance SP Limited Editions
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Nintendo released several limited edition versions of the Game Boy Advance SP in the early 2000s. These included designs themed around popular games like Pokémon and Zelda. The rare editions sold quickly and were hard to find in stores. Collectors still value them, but most children never owned one.
6. Cabbage Patch Kids
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Cabbage Patch Kids became a major craze in the 1980s. Their unique cloth faces and adoption certificates made them stand out from other dolls. Stores often ran out due to overwhelming demand during holiday seasons. Many children wanted one, but not all families managed to buy them.
7. Nintendo Virtual Boy
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The Virtual Boy launched in 1995 as Nintendo’s attempt at 3D gaming. It was marketed as cutting-edge but was criticized for poor graphics and uncomfortable use. Its high price and short lifespan made it uncommon. Many children asked for one, but very few received it.
8. Easy-Bake Oven
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The Easy-Bake Oven, released in 1963, allowed children to bake small cakes using a light bulb as a heat source. Its popularity stayed strong for decades. However, due to price and availability, not every child could own one. Those who had it were often envied by peers.
9. Mighty Max Playsets
Matanegros on Wikimedia Commons
Mighty Max toys in the 1990s were small playsets with miniature figures and detailed designs. Their intricate nature made them collectible but also fragile. Some sets were harder to find and more expensive than typical toys. Ownership was limited compared to more widely available action figures.
10. G.I. Joe Aircraft Carrier (USS Flagg)
Hasbro, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
The USS Flagg, released in 1985, was one of the largest toy playsets ever made. Measuring over seven feet long, it was an aircraft carrier for G.I. Joe action figures. Its massive size and high price meant few families could buy it. Children who owned it had one of the most sought-after toys of the decade.
11. PlayStation 2 Launch Consoles
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When Sony released the PlayStation 2 in 2000, demand exceeded supply worldwide. Stores quickly sold out, and many families could not purchase one immediately. The console’s ability to play DVDs made it more desirable than earlier gaming systems. At launch, only a few children were lucky enough to have it.
12. Tamagotchi
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The Tamagotchi was a digital pet released in the late 1990s. Its interactive nature created a global craze. Supply shortages made it difficult for many children to own one when demand peaked. Those who had one often carried it everywhere, highlighting its exclusivity.
13. Furby
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Furby was introduced in 1998 as an electronic toy that could interact and “learn.” It quickly became one of the most requested gifts during the holiday season. Shortages meant that prices rose, and not every child received one. Owning a Furby during its peak was considered special.
14. Barbie Dream House
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The Barbie Dream House was one of the largest and most expensive Barbie sets. It came with multiple rooms, furniture, and accessories. Many children dreamed of having one, but its price made it less accessible. Families often opted for smaller Barbie sets instead.
15. Neo Geo Console
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The Neo Geo home console was released in 1990 and offered arcade-quality graphics. However, its price was much higher than that of competitors like Nintendo and Sega. The games were also expensive, further limiting its reach. Only a small number of households owned the system.
16. LEGO Monorail Sets
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LEGO released monorail sets in the 1980s and 1990s as part of its space-themed collections. These sets included motorized tracks and trains. Their limited release and high price made them rare among children. Today, they are considered collector’s items.
17. Hot Wheels Redline Cars
Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Wikimedia Commons
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Hot Wheels released Redline cars, named for their red-striped wheels. These models were limited and became highly collectible over time. Few children managed to own the rarer editions. The scarcity only increased their desirability among young fans.