The holiday shopping season is quickly descending upon us, which means this year’s more popular toys and consumer electronics are soon to become in increasingly high-demand. In recent memory, the Sony Playstation III, Beanie Babies, and of course, the Tickle-Me-Elmo have generated a considerable amount of hype – quickly selling out, and then establishing a re-sale market. But have you ever wondered what the “it toys” have been throughout the decades? We have; and as a result, we decided to compile a time-line which illustrates the top toys from the last 50 years. Here they are, the most popular Christmas toys since 1960.

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From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by jadalan.

What better way to get kids interested in biology at an early age than to make them their very own plush cell? Instructables has all the info you need to make your very own cuddly block of life.

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Bandai toy company from Japan has finally realized that bottles of water just aren’t cute. As Japan is the cute capital of the world, this just wouldn’t do. To fix the problem, they developed these adorable floating squids that can be added to any bottle of water. Thank god for Japanese innovation. Of course, they’re only available in Japan, but at least they’re affordable at only $6 each.

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If you think the toy inside the box of Cracker Jack is cool, that’s nothing compared that what you’ll find in a box of the Japanese candy Glico caramel. Take, for instance, this fantastic Nikon F1 SLR miniature they included back in 2002.

Akiyama Michio of Red Book Nikkor has the pictures.

Link – via charlottesinterweb

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by charlieg.

The brilliant photos from Vincent Bousserez show us the world that goes on behind closed doors. Just like in toy story imagine all these tiny people coming out of the woodwork and exploring your house. (some slightly not safe for work)

Link – via mymodernmet

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Jake.

I have to love this stripus africanis sample. When you purchase them, you even get a nice little biological info about the species. The strupus africanis enjoys grass, cereal and Snickers bars.

“This ideal stripus africanus specimen has been stuffed and retains all of its original features. This bust would be an excellent trophy to add to your collection. A small plate on the bottom identifies its genus and species. The wood plaque that it is mounted on measures 5×7″ (or 13×18cm for our continental friends) and is pre-drilled on the back for easy hanging.”

Link Via Cute Overload

This knitted Valkyrie is certain to guide you into battle and take your soul to Valhalla. She’s based on a Creepy Cute Crochet pattern, and the website provides all the modifications you need to make her.

Link Via Craftzine

Whether you are a conspiracy theorist or just like the crazy animals they believe in, you’ll love these cryptozoology toys. Featured creatures include Nessie the Lock Ness monster, Bigfoot, the chupacabra, the mothman and The Jersey Devil (who was new to me). But where’s the abominable snowman?

Link Via Boing Boing

Link via Oddee

These little dolls are adorable and clever. I want a set! There are plenty more images and close ups on artist Matt Brown’s site.

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If you’re sick of all the cute, sweet plushies out there, then these great toys are for you. They’re by artist Patricia Waller who has a ton of other awesome designs as well. These specific toys belong to her “Accident” series and the “How to kill your first love” series. I love the teddy bear myself.

Link Via Craftzine

Kelly Ferrell uses a laser to cut these adorable mammoths, there are also t-rexes, butterflies and more. They seem quite hard to put together once you get them, but the result is quite worth it and is certain to attract attention from anyone who sees them.

Link Via Boing Boing

Ever wonder what your favorite toys are up to when you’re not looking? Weburbanist has your answer, and it’s not pretty. Behold the depravity and realism behind your toys lives. You’ll never want to leave them alone again.

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