10 toys we always wanted but never found under the Christmas tree as kids

If you're a parent you'll know the frustration of going from shop to shop, trying to find the must-have toy in stock before Christmas.

In the internet age Christmas shopping is, of course, so much more convenient. But it still doesn't guarantee you'll get your hands on that year's most sought after toy, particularly when demand outstrips supply.

In years gone by, massive crazes such as Cabbage Patch Dolls have seen near riots take place in toy departments as parents tried desperately not to disappoint their little ones. And if you were one of the lucky ones whose parents bagged you that year's most popular toy, you could well have found yourself the envy of your peers.

But, if you opened your stocking and were left disappointed, it's likely there's still some toy or 'cool' gift you find yourself pining for long into adulthood. Despite our parents efforts to get us everything our lists, inevitably there will be some gifts we desperately wanted but never got to open on Christmas morning.

Many of the same toys kids desperately wanted but didn't receive pop up again and again online in comments on sites like Reddit and Facebook, which we've compiled in our list below. This won't be a complete list, so any you think should have got a mention let us know in the comments below.

In the 1980s, a shiny new BMX bike was right up there at the top of the list of things kids wanted for Christmas. For many it was the ultimate present, with the fortunate kids who got one seen proudly riding around streets on Christmas morning, while those who didn't could only look on in envy.

Perhaps the greatest advert for BMX bikes came out in 1982 when it starred in an iconic scene in the film E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. Here Elliot and E.T.