On the 10th anniversary of it's fabled 1996 launch and subsequent rise to notoriety as the most sought after toy for 1996, at least 100 Tickle-Me Elmos have gone missing. More specifically 100+ T.M.X. Elmos (10th anniversary edition) went missing on Oct. 31 while en route to a Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) location in Betonville, Ark.

While the 100+ missing Elmos won't adversely affect Wal-Mart's bottom line, its the consumer sentiment that Wal-Mart is concerned with.

As the holiday season nears, shoppers begin to exhibit zealousness in obtaining the "fad" toys for the year. If Wal-Mart is seen to be lacking the "hot" toys for the year, it could easily find its customers scouring the shelves of competitors like Target Corp. (NYSE:TGT).

The T.M.X. Elmo is on industry benchmark Toy Wishes annual "Hot Dozen" and already making headlines with tales of armed muggings for the doll.

While Wal-Mart has offered a "reward," no specific amount has been announced yet. Though if 1996 was any gauge and demand outstrips supply again, market value per doll could easily break the $1000 mark.

Though they cater to a different market segment, the other major items to watch for this holiday season are the Wii from Nintendo and the PS3 from Sony which have already garnered enough attention for eBay, Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) to post a special set of rules regarding auctioning these items.

[Photo via Fischer-Price]