I literally gasped out loud when I saw this in my news feed yesterday. Those weird little owl-hamster creatures that haunted my childhood dreams (and probably my parents' nightmares) are making a comeback at Lidl of all places.
Listen. If you weren't around for the Great Furby Madness of '98, you missed something truly bizarre. My mom still talks about fighting some lady at Toys R Us over the last purple one they had in stock. Worth it? Absolutely not. But that's what the late 90s did to otherwise reasonable adults.
The Furby Fever That Broke Thermometers
These things were EVERYWHERE back then. Launched in autumn 1998, they sold a ridiculous 1.8 million before Christmas even hit. Then 1999 happened and another 14 million flew off shelves. By 2000, we're talking 40 million of these chattering gremlins invading homes worldwide.
I had a teal one with a purple mohawk that mysteriously started talking at 3am once. My dad nearly threw it out the window.
For the uninitiated (lucky you), Furbies were these electronic toys that looked like someone crossbred an owl with a hamster, gave it massive eyes, and programmed it to speak in 14 different languages. Starting with their own made-up language called "Furbish" before supposedly "learning" English. Mine mostly just made demonic noises when its batteries were dying.
So What's The Deal With These New Ones?
Lidl's version is actually a "Furblet" - basically the baby version that won't terrorize you quite as effectively as the original. They're selling for just £7.99 in teh middle aisle RIGHT NOW.
They're about 5cm tall (tiny compared to the originals) and come with a clip to attach to schoolbags. Because what kid doesn't want their classmates to hear random Furbish phrases erupting from their backpack during a math test?
According to Hasbro, these little guys emit "45 fun tones, sounds, and Furbish phrases." My definition of "fun" must be different from theirs.
Why am I oddly tempted to buy one???
There are six different characters available, and I'm embarrassed to admit I'm considering driving to Lidl on my lunch break tomorrow. Not because I need more weird plastic creatures in my life, but because my niece has never experienced the unique psychological torture that is Furby ownership.
My sister would absolutely kill me.
Worth it though.
The 90s Nostalgia Cash Grab Continues
Furbies aren't the only 90s toy making people lose their minds (and money) lately. Remember Jellycats? Those British soft toys that came out around 1999? Some woman recently sold her collection for about £720 PER PLUSHIE. That's mortgage deposit territory! Some of the rare ones apparently go for up to £1,200.
And don't even get me started on Beanie Babies. Back in 2003, I convinced my grandma to buy me 12 of them because they'd "pay for college someday." They did not. They're currently in a storage bin at my parents' house, probably worth exactly what she paid for them.
But some people are getting lucky - one shopper found a rare Beanie Baby in a charity shop for £3 and listed it online for... substantially more. Some rare ones sell for nine times their original value.
The Middle Aisle: Where Impulse Buys Live
I spent £43 last month on a waffle maker I absolutely did not need from Lidl's middle aisle. Haven't even taken it out of the box yet.
If you want one of these Furblets, you better move fast. The middle aisle treasures don't hang around long, adn once they're gone, they're usually gone for good. They're supposedly for ages 6+, but we all know who's really buying these things.
It's us. The traumatized 90s kids trying to recapture our youth one weird toy at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
Statistics
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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How To Manage Debt Wisely
Managing debt wisely involves understanding your financial obligations and creating a structured repayment plan. Begin by listing all debts from smallest to largest, including interest rates and minimum payments. Consider using the snowball method, where you focus on paying off the smallest debts first, which can provide motivation. Alternatively, the avalanche method prioritizes debts with the highest interest rates to minimize overall interest paid. Make consistent payments above the minimum on your chosen debts while maintaining regular payments on others. Additionally, consider consolidating high-interest debts into a single loan with a lower rate, which can simplify your payments and reduce interest costs.
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