My Pet Monster Plush Top 10 Christmas Toys 1986

My Pet Monster Plush Top 10 Christmas Toys 1986

The My Pet Monster Plush of 1986 was unlike any other cuddly toy of the decade. With his bright blue fur, goofy fangs, orange shackles, and oversized grin, My Pet Monster stood out as a mix of scary and loveable. Marketed as the “monster you can hug,” he flipped the idea of frightening creatures on its head, giving children a plush companion who was both mischievous and friendly. For kids who unwrapped him on Christmas morning, he was a bold, colourful friend who broke the mould of traditional teddies.

1986: A Year in Context

1986 in the UK was a year where children’s toys became increasingly bold and creative. Pop culture embraced bright colours, wacky designs, and fun characters, from cartoons to toy lines. Against this backdrop, My Pet Monster fit right in—offering something quirky and slightly rebellious at a time when kids wanted toys that felt unique and different.

A Monster with Charm

My Pet Monster was a plush figure about two feet tall, with vivid blue fur, purple snout, big eyes, and bright orange plastic shackles. Unlike traditional plush toys, he wasn’t designed to be “cute” but to mix a sense of danger with humour. The shackles could be snapped apart and rejoined, adding a fun interactive element. His design encouraged children to embrace both the silly and spooky sides of play (see My Pet Monster history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

Children who unwrapped My Pet Monster in 1986 were often surprised by his size and bold look. Parents remember the laughter and curiosity he inspired, as kids proudly carried him around the house. Unlike other plush toys that stayed in bed, My Pet Monster joined children on adventures, from trips to the park to playtime battles with action figures. He was a toy that stood out in every toy box.

Adverts and Popularity

Television adverts for My Pet Monster leaned heavily into his quirky personality, portraying him as a loveable mischief-maker. His popularity grew further with a cartoon series and merchandise, turning him into a full-blown brand. The combination of plush comfort and zany personality made him a cult favourite, appealing to kids who wanted something different from the usual teddies and dolls.

Price Then and Now

In 1986, the My Pet Monster Plush retailed for around £24.99, equivalent to about £75 in today’s money. It was considered a mid-to-premium Christmas gift, often remembered as the “main present” of the year. Today, vintage monsters in good condition are highly collectable, with boxed versions selling for hundreds of pounds. His enduring quirkiness has kept him alive in nostalgic pop culture circles.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved My Pet Monster because he wasn’t just cute—he was cool. His wild look, bright colours, and interactive shackles gave him personality and playability. He appealed to kids who liked something a bit mischievous, while still offering the comfort of a plush. My Pet Monster represented freedom from traditional toys, showing that play could be as weird and wacky as children wanted.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the eighties, My Pet Monster is remembered as one of the most unique toys of the decade. Adults today recall dragging him everywhere, snapping his shackles, and laughing at his goofy grin. His popularity spawned cartoons, comics, and even Halloween costumes. While not as mainstream as other toy lines, his cult following has kept him alive in nostalgic discussions and collector markets.

1986 Christmas Memories

Families remember the joy of seeing children’s surprised faces when they unwrapped this giant blue monster. Parents recall the relief of giving a toy that provided both humour and comfort, while kids cherished him as a companion unlike any other. For many, My Pet Monster was the highlight of Christmas 1986, a quirky friend who became part of the family.

Conclusion

The My Pet Monster Plush of 1986 was a bold departure from traditional soft toys. With his oversized grin, furry body, and snap-apart shackles, he became a symbol of quirky eighties creativity. If you remember receiving one, revisit the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1986 archive. See how he ranks among the most popular Christmas toys, and check how quirky plush designs compare in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. My Pet Monster remains one of the most memorable plush toys of the eighties—equal parts silly and loveable.

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