Our family and retail specialists like to keep up to date on the latest trends in toys and games so that they can advise members with children on what to buy. They went to the 2012 Toy Fair in January to find out about this year’s new releases, including products from Lego and a number of toys based on children’s favourites such as Moshi Monsters and Cloudbabies. Read on for what they are tipping to be the year’s most popular toys.
Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters Moshlings
Bobble Bots is a series of robotic collectables, based on the characters from popular children’s website Moshi Monsters. Unlike other toy merchandise to come out of the site, such as the Hexbug, they are extremely cute and will delight boys and girls as they scuttle around.
Cloudbabies
Tipped to be the most popular children’s show this year – some are saying it will be as big as Teletubbies – the first range of Cloudbabies toys will include a play set that recreates sky and cloud scenes and a selection of talking characters. It’s only a matter of time before these toys are on every toddler’s wish list.
Lego Lord of the Rings
Released in August, these sets will feature characters from the world-famous trilogy of books and films. There are seven sets in total, all of which provide a key part of the storyline for those new to the trilogy, as well as appealing to LOTR fanatics.
LeapFrog Touch Magic Toys
There are three toys in this new range from LeapFrog: the Rockin’ Guitar, a Discovery Bus and an interactive Discovery Board. Known for their educational value, products from LeapFrog are ideal for teaching children songs, games and words and act as an introduction to learning about sounds and letters.
Inspiration Works Kurio
This is our Retail team’s top pick. A tablet that is suitable for four-year-olds but that will engage children up to the age of 10, it is Google-approved and uses the Android operating system. You can customise the interface with your child’s favourite characters and there is a function that allows parents to monitor and manage which websites and apps can be accessed. You’ll never have to share your iPad again.
Laser Pegs 4 in 1 Construction Kit
Ideal for sensory play, this is an innovative building set with pieces that light up as you add them to your creation. The first block is connected to a power source and passes an electric current to every additional piece, lighting each peg’s LED. A novel approach to the traditional building blocks set, it has been tipped as a great activity for children with autism because of its creative and abstract play elements.
Apptoyz – Appcopter
Apptoyz uses the technology of Apple’s iPhone to enhance classic toys and games, turning your mobile phone into a miniature console. Products in the range include a toy gun called the AppBlaster, a controllable car called the AppRacer and this impressive flying helicopter, which you can use your smartphone to control.
Baby Jake Talking Soft Doll
Fast becoming a CBeebies favourite, Baby Jake fans can now purchase a soft talking doll version of the adventurous tot. When you squeeze his tummy the doll emits any one of twelve phrases. And if your child loves this toy, watch out for the range of animal friends coming soon to shops.
Crayola Catwalk Creations
With Catwalk Creations you can design and make fabulous fashion items. The pack arrives with a sketchbook, mannequin, interchangeable body parts and unique printable fabrics, which mean children can create designs on a computer and produce their own personalised clothing. This is a great option for any budding fashion designers.
Gyro-Botz
A set of collectable toys with attitude, Gyro-Botz are designed as collectibles but can also be pitted against each other in battle. Call one of our lifestyle managers if you would like us to source this item or any of the others recommended by the Retail team.
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