Old favourites the pick of toys for Christmas
LEGO has served generations of children and is once again proving to be the most popular toy this Christmas, say local retailers.
Lego sets of a variety of collections, prices and sizes are being bought by many as gifts to be enjoyed by islanders of all ages.
‘The Harry Potter and Star Wars collections in particular are really popular this Christmas,’ said Model Shop and Dice Gifts owner Steven Cocks.
‘We have a huge range of Lego of all different prices and people have typically been purchasing sets between £20 and £40, however there are items sold above and below that price range as well.’
Julie Murphy, toy buyer for Creasey’s, said that all ranges and collections of Lego have been popular, including the Lego Titanic set which is priced at more than £500.
‘Lego is always a really popular seller at Christmas,’ said Ms Murphy.
‘Other popular toys this year are LOL Dolls and all things Peppa Pig.’
At Aladdin’s Cave, managing director Jason Mahy said that Lego was a perennial favourite and remained the store’s strongest category of toy. However other product ranges and categories have done exceptionally well.
‘Pokemon has been tremendous this year, which is not surprising considering that it is in its 25th anniversary year,’ said Mr Mahy. ‘The trading cards are extremely popular, as well as soft toys and action figures.’
Other popular toys at Aladdin’s Cave include Push Poppers, the latest pocket money craze in the fidget toy trend, which Mr Mahy said continue to sell very well.
The pandemic and local lockdowns also appear to have influenced the gifts that people are asking for and receiving during the festive period.
Mr Cocks said he had seen an increase in the sale of model kits as people returned to the hobby during lockdown, while Ms Murphy introduced sequin art kits to Creasey’s last year which have been selling extremely well alongside a range of different craft kits.
Mr Mahy noted that interest in jigsaw puzzles had been increasing over the past couple of years, particularly as a mindfulness lockdown pastime.
Board games have also had a huge rise in popularity this year.
‘Traditional board games have grown in popularity as families now recognise the importance of engaging, co-operating, and communicating face-to-face with their friends and families.’
