What makes something collectible? Ask 10 people and you’ll get 10 answers. For me, a collectible is anything that you want for the purpose of display rather than practical use. With that definition in mind, I present some of the collectible mysteries of Christmas past and present... or should I say “presents”?

Every year, there seems to be an item that defies our usual shopping sensibilities. The first product of this kind that comes to mind is the Chia Pet. Although I would swear they’ve been around longer, the first Chia Pet was advertised nationally in 1982. From what I've read, they first emerged in 1977.

The Chia Pet is a clay pot shaped like an animal, which sprouts a bushy coat of greenery when spread with "magical" Chia seeds. The first Chia pet was a ram, which was joined a few years later by a Chia Hippo, Kitty, Pig, Puppy and Turtle. The only thing that makes a Chia Pet collectible is the advertising, which has beaten into our psyches over the years that it is the best Christmas gift out there. The marketing remains brilliant, as Chia Pets of all varieties fly off the shelves every year at this time.

With so many variations and its firmly cemented place in pop-culture history, the Chia Pet is a genuine holiday collectible, far surpassing soap on a rope as the default gift of choice as best gift for the person you haven’t a clue what to get. With options like Chia Shrek, Chia Garfield and Chia Homer Simpson, there is a Chia for everyone. There’s also a Chia herb garden for the less figuratively inclined. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not dissing the world of Chia. In fact, I’m a seed-spreading lover of all things Chia. I’m especially in awe of the person who came up with the brilliant campaign (and unforgettable “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia jingle) that made the Chia Pet part of our annual holiday vernacular.

Other Christmas fads that seemed to spread more organically were the manias that grew up out of Cabbage Patch Kids and Tickle Me Elmo dolls. Each of these toys created a mania beyond expectation (and belief) when they became scarce due to much higher demand than supply in the holiday seasons of 1983 and 1996, respectively causing tug-of-war shopping tactics as well as gross overpaying. In some cases, hundreds of dollars over retail were paid in hopes of pleasing kids on Christmas morning with the hottest toy of the year. It must have made sense to those who waiting in long lines or got in shouting matches with hapless store clerks, but it still defies explanation as to why a mass-produced toy of any kind was worth that much stress (or huge mark-up), especially when they would be readily available (and for actual suggested retail price) just a few weeks after the Winter Solstice. Both items, which were so coveted in their initial release, are still available, making the frenzy seem even more baffling.

From Beanie Babies to X-Boxes, Pet Rocks to Furby, each year seems to have its own special fad gift that seems to defy normal conventions when it comes to demand. This year’s big winner remains to be seen, but if the true spirit of Christmas lies in the giving, it really makes no difference. A Chia Pet really could be the best gift ever if delivered with the right amount of spirit.

What do you think this year's biggest holiday fad purchase will be?