Nostalgia makes us do weird things – like pick something up at the thrift store that we really don’t need but that we simply can’t resist because it reminds us of our childhood.

Remember “Grow Monsters”? They were expandable water toys that used the “magic” of…well…water to grow from a tiny pod into a much larger object. They weren’t always monsters – sometimes they were ponies or dolls, but you get the picture. You can still find them in stores as gag gifts like “Grow a Boyfriend.”

The toys are made from superabsorbent polymers that can absorb and retain huge amounts of liquid. It makes them a serious swallowing hazard though, so they fell out of favor in the late 90s when it came to kid’s toys.

But 7 years ago, a Tumblr user with the handle “iguanamouth” found one at their local Goodwill and decided to experience the magic yet again.

They shared the process on their Tumblr page for everyone to partake in – including the horror at the end.

This toy in particular was a “Grow Baby.”

@iguanamouth wrote:

“about a week ago i found this in a goodwill, one of those “grow in water” toys but there’s no pictures of what might be inside besides the awful baby clipart, and i am insanely curious about whats actually in the egg”

Well, let the adventure begin! Who doesn’t want to see what kind of surprise awaits?

Buckle up for a guide through their 15-hour adventure, starting with the unveiling of the “egg: and its initial dive into the water.

After 9 hours, the egg developed a crack. Apparently, this baby is going to hatch.

“WELL WE GON FIND OUT”

The mission was going ok for a while, but when the egg released its mystery contents – well, they left a lot to be desired.

At hour 23, things looked too sketchy to continue.

“hour 23 WHAT THE FUFCK IS THAT
THE EGG CONTAINED SOME KIND OF ELDRITCH MONSTROSITY THAT IS NOT A BABY ABORT MISSION ABORT ABORT“

While the water portion of the mission was suspended, @iguanamouth decided to take the toy apart themselves to see what the shape was really meant to resemble.

Our initial response is…”eww.”

Since when do human babies hatch from eggs?

Then again, it doesn’t look entirely human. We think they should have stuck with the name “Grow Monster.” After all, it does seem awfully muscular.

And what’s with those ears?

While the experiment took place in 2013 it resurfaced and went viral again in 2018 when someone Tweeted about it.

I’m in actual tears from laughing so hard at this post pic.twitter.com/w04mzkLk6B

— pikachu took my crown and called me a bitch (@FizzySodaWave) July 6, 2018

Over 119,000 people liked the Tweet and it got hundreds of comments, mostly from people who were equally shook by the egg’s contents. And since the toy was marketed to kids ages 5+ it’s safe to say there are some people with really weird childhood memories out there.

It’s hard to say if the item was “expired” or just always meant to look that creepy.

And there were plenty of people willing to point out what it did resemble, especially with some hair thrown in.

pic.twitter.com/xsPhGIl40t

— Maria Vale (@MariaValeAuthor) July 7, 2018

We’ll just let you see whatever you want to see.

At least now you know you can save some money if you ever spot one of these items at Goodwill.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Tumblr – iguanamouth, Bored Panda