While most parents would feel uncomfortable paying more than forty dollars for a toy, there are those families, and we all know them, that will stop at nothing to provide entertainment for their children. The perfect fodder for spoiled brats, here are the top seven most extravagant toys that some deluded parents have bought for their children.

1. The Grand Victorian Mansion Playhouse

Playhouses are favored by all children alike, and most parents would not mind paying a couple of hundred dollars for one. However, would you be willing to pay $22,000 dollars for your child’s playhouse? This house, complete with doorbell, skylight and sponge painted walls costs just that.

2. Pirate Themed Clubhouse

Another playhouse that seems excessive, this one comes with the price tag of almost $19,000. This house is designed as a washed-up pirate ship with old fallen tree, swing and fireman pole. This playhouse is so big that even an adult can go inside.

3. Genuine Robby Robot

Do you remember the old 1950’s television show called Forbidden Planet? The robot on the show, called Robby, was loved by many, and a full sized version is available today. It is even programmed to say lines from the show. For even more fun, it can be connected to your home theater system. Robby comes with a price tag of $49,999.99. That one penny shy of $50,000 makes it affordable, right?

4. Home Pro Racing Simulator

Everyone knows those games from arcades that included a lifelike car seat with pedals and a big screen, and for most people that’s exactly where they belong, in the arcade. But not for a few lucky children! The Home Pro Racing System, which is made to work with your Xbox, Playstation or PC, costs about $4,000 and includes a 42” screen.

5. Lego Life Sized Batman

Who doesn’t want a full sized Batman figure made completely out of Lego? This sounds like a neat idea until your five year old starts taking it apart. That would not be a fun one to put back together. When it comes to extravagance level, this one is pretty high at $27,000 for a toy you can only stare at.

6. Junior Off-Road Vehicle

This Jeep is gasoline powered (for kids! Can you believe it?) and is designed for two kids to enjoy. Complete with speakers, radio, tape deck, and gear shift, this car costs more than many standard sized vehicles. Who would be willing to pay $32,350 for a child’s toy? Obviously someone is because this profligacy continues to sell like hotcakes.

7. Cinderella Fantasy Coach

Of course, we all want our children to have a bed they will like sleeping in, but this one may be a little over the top. Designed to look like a coach reminiscent of the one Cinderella’s glorified pumpkin coach, this pink coach-bed is crafted by hand. The price tag is $47,000 and linens are available for an additional cost. Unfortunately, there were no magic wands available to keep production costs down!

Toys should be fun, that is for certain. However, should toys cost more than a vehicle or half of the price of a house? Many of these extravagant toys may be the norm for rich kids, but chances are, everyday children will never see them. This may be a good thing. Is there ever really a time when parents should spoil their children to such an extreme? Probably not, but at least we can have a self-righteous smirk at those who do!

There are many reasons to choose to collect items. Collecting is a great hobby since it can be fun, stress relieving and and very rewarding. In a busy world, having something calming to focus on can be a great way to ease the tensions of everyday life. However, if you have never tried your hand at collecting before, you may have no idea of where to start. With some quick and easy tips, you can easily get started with your own collection. Follow these tips, and you will find yourself a seasoned collector in no time.

1. Decide what you want to collect.

While there are some collections which are very popular (stamps, coins, baseball cards), collecting something kooky and unique can be a lot more fun. Before you decide on your chosen theme, consider something that you really like. Some people enjoy collecting movie memorabilia or things associated with a certain topic. If you choose to collect something related to a personal interest of yours, chances are your collection will flourish!

2. Learn about your new collection options.

Of course, your next step will be to learn a little more about what you will be collecting. It takes research and lots of it to find out where to purchase items and how much to pay for them. There are plenty of ways to research. The Internet is a great tool because of its vast sources of information. Additionally, for many types of collections, there are magazines and books that can give you guidance.

3. Set a budget.

Collecting can get pretty pricey, meaning your account balance could suffer as a result. In order to avoid this happening, go ahead and get an idea of how much you are willing to spend to start your collection and then stick to that budget. This way, you will feel comfortable adding to your collection over time without jeopardizing your finances.

4. Know where to shop

Of course, shopping for your collection will greatly depend on what you are collecting. There are many specialty shops for certain items like baseball cards or coins. However, for most collections, you may have to get a little creative with your shopping, so you should always be on the lookout for new pieces. The Internet (especially sites such as eBay) is also a great place to look for pieces to add to your collection.

5. Make your first purchase.

Since you are just building the collection, making that first purchase can be quite exciting, but it can also be daunting. Don’t just purchase the first item that you see. Instead, spend some time shopping around to pick that best first piece, something that can inspire you to keep collecting. Believe it or not, the “quality over quantity” rule does apply to collections, so don’t try to fluff yours up with items that don’t excite you.

Building a collection does not have to be overwhelming. Instead, all you have to do is get an idea of what you want to collect. Keep in mind that you want to choose something that you won’t get bored of quickly. Once you determine what you want to collect, you will find it easy to grow your collection into something fun, unique and personal.