Classics still among most wished-for toys at Christmas
CLASSIC toys like Lego and Barbie are still making appearances in youngsters’ Christmas lists, despite some strong competition from more recent products.
The Toy Retailers’ Association’s annual top 12 toys features both of these old favourites rubbing shoulders with the likes of Pokemon and Paw Patrol.
While some of these are also proving popular in Guernsey, Creasey’s Kids supervisor Tracey McKenna said that the Tonie cube, a high-tech toy not in the top 12 in the UK, has been in big demand locally.
This is a cube-shaped digital audio player which has a space for a small character model, a Tonie, to stand on top. Depending on which character is plugged in, different songs and stories are played.
It has been available for several years and among the hundreds of characters available, some are from well-known Disney movies and children’s TV series.
‘Our other big seller is Lego,’ she said. ‘We’re selling lots of the Harry Potter and Star Wars models.’
Aside from the movie-themed Lego models, she said the Titanic was also in demand. While this might not seem a children’s toy, she knew of one 10-year-old who had enjoyed making it with a bit of help from dad.
It was a similar story at Aladdin’s Cave where operations director Natalie Maides said Barbie and her younger sister Chelsea were big sellers, with a Barbie camping set selling out.
She also said themed Lego was popular, although many adults were buying the more expensive sets. Some names being immortalised in the plastic bricks were Avatar, Friends and Winnie The Pooh.
‘I think it’s the classics that sell,’ she said. ‘They’re well known and trusted brands and there’s a lot of marketing out there and lots of series, too – you can watch Barbie on Netflix.’
A Lego AT-ST walker from Star Wars was one of the UK Toy Retailers’ Associations top 12 list this year, along with Paw Patrol-themed model vehicles, and Barbie’s Cutie Reveal, which is the famous doll in a cuddly fancy-dress costume.
UK Toy Retailers Association top 12 ‘Dream Toys’ for Christmas
. Barbie Cutie Reveal Doll
. Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse
. Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Goo Shifters Hero Pack
. GiGi the Giraffe
. Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise
. Magic Mixies Mixlings Magic Castle Playset
. Paw Patrol Big Truck Pups Themed Vehicles
. Pokemon Elite Trainer Box
. Rainbow High Series 4 Fashion Doll
. Sink N’ Sand Game
. Original 7.5in. Squishmallow
. Lego Star Wars Hoth AT-ST
