I don't recall why, but I bought one for my Dad and Mom. I believe that my Dad thought they were interesting, but the real answer is lost to history. He (they?) lived on the coffee table and was frequently chatty since he was within earshot of the TV. After Mom died, Dad enjoyed talking with him. Furby would sit silently on the table but would suddenly wake up and talk when you least expected it. After Dad died (Furby must have witnessed it) I brought Furby to my home. He never said anything again, even with new batteries. It seems like he died with my Dad. Too weird to comprehend.