The Toy Detectives

59th International Toy Fair at Olympia London Starts Today

2012-01-24T01:00:00.001Z

The 59th International Toy opens to the trade on Tuesday 24th January 2012 in the Olympia Exhibition Centre in West Kensington, London. The event continues until Thursday and, as for the most of the past decade, The Toy Detective will be there in the flesh.

In previous years, I've attended as a buyer for an audacious (but now defunct) children's department store and, of course, on behalf of the world's only Toy Detective Agency.

Alas, in my more recent capacity I've elected to visit the show incognito; or in other words: hatless.

To-day I shall egregiously break the convention that makes a gentleman remove his hat whilst indoors. Yes, no detective work required, you'll be able to find an identify The Toy Detective by witnessing an I.C. [whatever] male wearing navy trilby (and all the other garments I feel necessary to keep me decent).

Some of you, with a more modern sense of dress and (dare I say: fashion) may only see an almost black fedora upon my head; but never-the-less do say hello.

For the public at large, the international Toy Fair is a trade only event, that is mainly attended by buyers (decision-makers within chains of stores that choose which products a shop is going to sell), press and other industry insiders. However, you needn't miss out because The Toy Detectives (and many others) will report the highlights from the show so that you'll have a few clues as to what children want and what you might be spending your money on in 2012 - the year of the dragon.

Lego Christmas Tree at St Pancras International Train Station

2011-11-25T17:03:00.001Z

Big smiles and lots of flash photography are often witnessed at St Pancras International train station. Most typically brought about by happy homecomings, bon voyages [sic] and by the occasional trainspotter. However, this week the arrival of a Christmas tree brought delight to the many thousands of people that pass through this unique portal to the continent.

Why would this particular Christmas tree rouse the interest of The Toy Detective? It's made of 600,000 LEGO bricks.

The 40 foot tall tree (comprising of 172 branches), all 1,200 baubles and even the star were made entirely of LEGO by a one-of-kind British construction company: Bright Bricks, with skilled labour also provided by the children of Edith Neville Primay School (Camden), Copenhagen Primary School (Islington) and the Harpenden Explorer Scouts.

Like scores of others, I stopped to take some pictures:

You'll find the LEGO Christmas tree on the shopping parade (which has a small Hamley's toy shop) beneath the Eurostar platforms, until the 3rd of January 2012.

Informer: Toy News Online

Not the Official Top Toy List for Christmas 2011

2011-11-01T15:48:00.002Z

Many toy industry organisations, retailers and manufacturers publish top Christmas toys lists. Rather than adding to the marketing hype and speculation, I usually keep my own Most Wanted predictions under my hat (usually a trilby).

However, in the last days of September I was asked for what I thought would be the top toys of 2011 by someone within the the industry. I hastily pick a few notable products that had been keeping The Toy Detective Agency busy in recent weeks. Below is an edited version of my email reply, which is no way our final verdict but merely a list suspects that parents may wish to apprehend as quickly as possibly if they are among their children's most wanted:

Octonauts Octopod Playset (£34.99)

Mattel brought this toy (based on both a series of books and BBC TV shows) to market in the UK a month earlier than planned, due an "unprecedented" level of demand expressed by parents. It's good to see Mattel respond, hopefully they will be brave enough to produce a large volume of units so that Santa does not disappoint. Otherwise this will be toy creating early morning queues outside toy shops. Australian parents have been buying Octonauts toys from private UK individuals at high prices.

LeapPad Explorer (£79.99)

LeapFrog vs. VTech is a lot more exciting than Apple iPad vs. every-other tablet computer to yours truly. I think LeapPad will be the number once choice among parents due to its makers good reputation with making reading-based electronic learning aids, its ability to encourage handwriting practise and also because existing Leapster Explorer software cartridges are compatible with this new device.

InnoTab (£79.99)

However, VTech's rival offering has its own advantages. An SD memory slot will make adding content extremely easy. With the built MP3 play, audiobooks could be loaded on the InnoTab for long journeys, or even homemade content by a parent could be added.

Moshi Monsters Tree House Playset (£20)

While Moshi Monsters soft toys will be high on Christmas wish lists, lots of pocket money will have all ready been spent on collecting the little plastic figurines; this is the perfect toy to extend their play.

VTech Kiddizoom Twist (£49.99)

Digital cameras continue to be popular with children too young to given a mobile telephone handset. VTech will continue to do well with this type of device.

Cars 2 Siddeley Spy Jet (£19.99)

Mattel and retailers want us to believe that Fully Loaded Finn McMissile is the most wanted Cars 2 toy. However, the die-cast cars are already in children's collections, so this plastic plane will immediately help re-create an exciting movie scene. Siddeley Spy Jet will be one o the individual products from the array of Cars 2 toys that will quickly sell this Christmas.

Emotion Pets Toffee the Pony (£59.99)

We all want to join the pony set and this battery-operated soft toy will make that dream a little closer to reality. UK store-buyers will probably order more of its rabbit stablemate Milky the Bunny as it a more attractive piece of plush, however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Doggie Doo (£22.99)

There nearly always an action board game for young children that becomes a run-away success. Doggie Doo seems to be an instant funny bone tickler for its target audience. Not fickle humour, rather faecal-humour; apologies if you're looking forward to a meal.

Bop It XT (£26.99)

A frequent visitor to top toy lists over the years. Mainly because it's nice to give a toy to someone who thinks they have outgrown playing with them.

Zoobles Mama & Zoobling Nurturing Play Set (£24.99)

The Zoobles range has proved to be a popular new collectible among girls, so a desirable residence that is out of reach for most children's pocket money is bound to be mentioned in letters to Father Christmas.

LEGO Ninjago Turbo Shredder (£28.99)

All LEGO has play value and will sell to someone, however, I've picked the Ninjago line based on the number of queries I receive at my Toy Detective Agency. The Turbo Shredder is a vehicle with caterpillar tracks and includes ninja minifigures; need I explain more?

Lalaloopsy Large Dolls (26.99)

I adored the original incarnation of these dolls which are the perfect antidote to decades of over-the-top made-up and adorned to perfection fashion dolls. A favourite doll amongst this range would be cherished and the inclusion of a pet means a lot of play will come from just one box.

Nerf Vortex Praxis (£24.99)

Nerf guns continue to appeal to a menacing side of both children and adults alike. Praxis is my choice because, with a removable shoulder stack, it can be used like a sniper's rifle or a hand gun; there's also no need for batteries and it is pump-powered. The Vortex range has all ready enjoyed a holiday season in the USA.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set (£24.99)

A few seconds of video footage in a TV commercial will instantly make this a must have among young petrol heads. Parent will also be relieved that won't have to tread too carefully in attempt to avoid stepping on speedway in miniature.

Everything's Rosie Ring 'O' Rosie (£23)

Everything's Rosie has been a rather popular CBeebies TV show and parents have been frequently asking The Toy Detectives where they might be able to buy spin-off merchandise. During my many visits to a variety of toy shops and department stores, I notice that this range is often poorly stocked. Ring 'O' Rosie is my favourite soft toy doll from the range and seems to sell-out quickly.

Toys, such as, Let's Rock Elmo and other hyped toys will do well, however, I feel my own little musings are a better reflection of what real 3 to 5 year olds will be crossing their fingers for.

The Toy Retailers Association unveiled its own Dream Toys Dream Dozen at a press event in London last week. To view the full list visit our website: TheToyDetectives.com

Team Hot Wheels Set New World Record at the Indy 500

2011-05-30T00:07:00.005+01:00

332 ft was the new world record jump distance set at this year's Indianapolis 500 by a mystery yellow-clad driver, later revealed as Tanner Foust. The driver, who has collected three X Games Gold Medals took the Four-Wheeled Vehicle Distance Jump Record in an event promoted by Hot Wheels, the famous vehicle toy brand from the Mattel stable.

The new world record beats the previous by 31 feet, while the main event at the Brickyard, the Indianapolis 500, celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Spectators watched as a masked driver sped down a 90 ft. ramp, suspended on an enormous 100 feet tall door and then across the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A design that mimicked the Hot Wheels V-Drop track set boys have played with on their bedroom doors for years. Many of the now grown-up and previously would-be stunt co-ordinators will have suffered an increased level of anxiety, having through childhood witnessed much failure in the set-up of their own Hot Wheels stunt tracks.

"As a kid playing with Hot Wheels I could only dream of experiencing something as outrageous as a life-sized V-Drop track set, and today it became reality," said Tanner Foust. "There's a lot that goes into being on Team Hot Wheels and the training and testing leading up to the jump gave me the confidence needed to push the mechanical and mental limits of the challenge and land the world-record title."

Foust is a professional stunt driver and has also been a three-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Formula Drift champion. His professional stunt driving credits include Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, Dukes of Hazzard, Bourne Ultimatum, Iron Man 2, and the remake of Red Dawn.

Sighting of Toy Tiger is Responded with Armed Police in Southampton

2011-05-23T22:42:00.003+01:00

Members of the public in county Hampshire in the south of England thought they witnessed a white tiger lying comfortably (sphinx-style) in field near Hedge End, Southampton. Of course they called the police to alert them of a potentially dangerous animal on the loose.

The local constabulary duly scrambled the force's helicopter and dispatched their armed officers. Alas, it turns out that the tiger was a rather realistic soft toy; that only moved slightly when in range of the police helicopter's rotor-blade draught.

More and video footage via: The Daily Telegraph.

Colour-In: Mr Tickle

2011-05-09T22:26:00.005+01:00

Hats off to Roger Hargreaves, the illustrator that created the modern children's classic that is the Mr Men and Little Miss series of book.

Mr Tickle was Hargreaves' first published book and became an instant success in 1971. He penned 46 Mr Men books and 33 Little Miss titles.

Born 9th May 1935, Hargreaves died of a stroke at the age of 53 on 11th September 1988. On what would have been his 76th birthday, Google has marked the date with a special set of 16 Doodles.

My personal tribute is a little doodle of my own: Mr Tickle, for you (or anyone else) to colour-in.

Colouring-In: Here Comes the Bride

2011-05-02T17:02:00.003+01:00

As with tradition, this little sketch for colouring-in is rather late for a recent topical wedding.

April Fool's Day 2011: Toy Hoax Round-Up

2011-04-03T23:25:00.011+01:00

This year's April Fools' day brought about many toy related hoax

es, published on the internet; vindicating my decision to go on scepticism high-alert for a day.

Now that my normal level of scepticism has been restored (which is still quite sceptical), I bring you a round-up of some my favourite April Fool's Day hoaxes involving toys and the toy industry.

The Apple of Playmobil's i

Not only a great hoax but also a product that, if real, could

get children and adults alike queueing overnight to be among the first to own a Playmobil Apple Store. ThinkGeek added the mock toy to its online catalogue, complete with detailed mini-figures, store layout, packaging and a tongue-in-cheek promotional video.

Steve Jobs could be seen introducing the iPhone 4 to an audience and Steve Wozniak appears on a Segway. Everything you'd expect to see in an Apple Store can be witnessed in this highly detailed hoax. The addition of "1984" as the Playmobil product number on the box, is a particularly delicious touch.

Jet Pack to the Future

If you lacked all notion of physics or the cost of manufacturing jet engines, then you may have been taken-in by PlayPennies report of Jet Packs for children.

Make Retirement a Hoot with Micro Zimmer

The Daily Telegraph published its own Top Ten April Fool's Hoaxes, which included the Micro Zimmer by the Micro Scooter company.

With speeds of up to 10MPH and the capability of preforming basic skating stunts such as the ‘bunny hop’ and ‘ollies’ this Zimmer Frame combined with a skateboard in a product built for thrill-seeking pensioners.

A Thin Leaf of Greenery

I often wrestle with my conscious when it comes to the environment and the toy & game industry. Just think how many boards games go unused and wasted after being played merely once because of stifling, unfathomable rules? Then, of course, there's the reams of wasted paper where these rules get printed. So, some may have rejoiced at an article on The Game Aisle website, hailing the introduction of "Unruly", a game gone green because it omitted the inclusion of an instruction sheet. It also promised to be infinitely more playable as it was up to the players to decide how it was played; influenced by the fact, no doubt, that many homes have their own house rules when it comes to playing the world's most famous board games.

The Building Blocks to Bribery

With the many meetings I have suppliers, retailers, inventors and the toy-buying public, it is of the utmost importance that my clientèle and I are sufficiently feed and watered; or in many cases just well oiled. I am, of course, talking about hospitality which by the strictest interpretation may fall foul of the UK Bribery Act 2010.

So, I found myself slightly choking on my liquid lunch when Toys 'n' Playthings reported that the toy industry was one the top targets of the Ministry of Justice, when it came to routing out bribery.

Suddenly remembering that the nation's toy industry grosses a very small percentage of what the UK arms industry rakes in, allowing me to relax in the knowledge that it was highly unlikely that I was unwittingly implicated is an international web of fraud and corruption.

Toy 'n' Playthings even went on to quote a Ministry investigator named Arif Poll (an anagram of April Fool).

Police Swoop on Young Children who Picked Flowers

2011-03-15T16:29:00.003Z

The Guardian newspaper reports that two, uniformed Police constables "rushed" in a marked car to the scene of a crime.

Two sisters, aged 6 and 4 were seen picking daffodils in a park in Poole, Dorset.

Even flower picking naughtiness (which, of course, is both theft and vandalism) must be nipped in the bud. However, what has happened to park rangers and allowing parents the opportunity to explain right from wrong?

Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation

2011-03-06T18:57:00.007Z

Toy Story 3 won a Best Animated Film award at this year's Oscars and its makers, Disney Pixar, are producing a short film titled: Hawaiian Vacation. It will be shown with Cars 2; due for release on June 24.

Another Toy Story short film is planned to be released with Disney's The Muppets, which is expected to be in cinemas in late November.

Colouring-In: Make Way For Noddy

2011-01-09T17:17:00.003Z

Noddy is a childhood favourite of my own, so I was rather pleased with this little effort of drawing the Enid Blyton character.

Here's a link to a PDF version for easy printing so that it can be coloured-in.

Colouring-In: Jessie from Toy Story

2011-01-02T16:27:00.007Z

Once Christmas finally arrived, the Toy Detectives naturally took the opportunity to rest and recuperate after such an intense period of toil.

It is, however, very difficult to abandon all thoughts on one's profession; so as I relaxed with my sketch pad during the holidays, a few toy related cartoons were drawn. Including the above, my little version of Toys Story's Jessie. Do use it as a colouring-in page if you wish; here's a link to a PDF version for easy printing.

During 2010, Toy Story 3 was a bestselling movie, DVD and toy range.

A Little Help for Toy Shop Marketers

2010-11-23T23:06:00.004Z

The Toy Detectives pride themselves on their ability to provide a free service to those who use the internet. However, this means any hopes of a more lucrative income is left to solving cases brought to us by a select number of high-yield V.I.P. clients, whom we deal with in person; with, of course, the utmost discretion.

So, as way of keeping the drinks cabinet sufficiently stocked I now offer my services in the field of poster design. I plan to offer a bespoke printed advertising material design service to the toy retail trade at reasonable rates.

To whet your appetites my entire portfolio of eye-catching designs now follows:

Elusive Exclusive: Giving-Up on Own Brand

2010-11-22T08:03:00.001Z

I'll avoid stating the obvious that buying quickly will help avoid disappointment on this year's most wanted Christmas gifts. However, whilst we always expect toy shortages due to popular demand of particular brands and characters, this year there will be some considerable shortages on "own brand" toys.

Own brand is the term used to describe products with a shop's name on it, or a name that the retail company has made-up, or that is in some other way is "exclusive" to one chain of shops.

Earlier this year there was some major flooding in parts of China where many toy manufacturers are based. Also, some retailers are still ordering toys cautiously; failing to fill their stores and warehouses with toys during the high-summer in preparation for Christmas.

The Toy Detective Agency is, as always, here to help in anyway it can; and in the case of hard to find own brand products, we will be recommending alternatives by other firms rather than scouring the country for elusive imports.

"Why?", I hear you ask, because if looks like own brand goods are not going to be pushed out of the factory gates on-time, then retailers are simply going to cancel orders; leaving the merchandise to go to the discount stores of other countries where the brand name is unknown.

Unique Steiff Bear Marks Rupert the Bear's 90th Anniversary

2010-11-08T08:30:00.002Z

Rupert the Bear reaches his 90th anniversary today. The cartoon bear is senior to Winnie-the-Pooh by six years.

To mark Rupert's birthday, a charity auction is taking place to raise money to counter muscular dystrophy.

Items going under the hammer include a special one-off Steiff teddy bear and artwork by Stuart Trotter, Rupert the Bear's current illustrator.

Bidding ends on Sunday, to take part visit: www.rupertbear.com/90

Some Toys May Never Get Into the Early Learning Centre

2010-11-04T08:30:00.002Z

The current batch of TV adverts being broadcast by the Early Learning Centre have certainly caused a hearty chuckle or two here in The Toy Detective Agency.

Instructing viewers to "Let the fun begin", the series of prime-time ads include a lactose-intolerant, blue, monster-alien type thing; a giraffe suffering an attempt to be devoured by a dinosaur; a mustached cowboy minifigure, struggling to stay in character and fellow hirsute Happyland resident, the vet, who is not going into space.

It's not the first time that the toy retailer has advertised on TV but its previous gogglebox campaign aired at least 20 years ago.

Keen to enjoy a fond reminiscence, yet too time-pressed to dust-off the old Betamax player and video archive, I was fortunate enough to find the above clip on YouTube. Featuring an all too obvious parody of Action Man and Barbie dolls, Chris Tarrent's voiceover reassures us that "some toys will never get in".

If you'd like to see the latest ELC adverts then visit the following link to their "As Seen on TV" website page.

The Toy Detectives, of course, will be monitoring as much television, newspaper and other forms of advertising as possible; and will be writing their unique case files to help you find this year's Most Wanted toys.

Chilling Colouring-In for Halloween

2010-10-31T16:13:00.004Z

Halloween seems to always make me want to draw some rough sketches. This year I've given Yojojo from Waybuloo a set of fangs and a bat-like cape so he can enjoy some Trick or Treating.

I've also been given as a present the cutest miniature Hello Kitty book that hangs off a keyring. Every page is illustrated with sweet drawings of the world's favourite kitten, including one with Hello Kitty dressed as a witch, flying in the sky on her broomstick. I've drawn my own version that's ready to be coloured-in.

Please do print, share and colour my hastily done, little drawings. You can also download the pictures as a PDF file by clicking here.

I also have a little Halloween music playlist that users of Spotify.com might find a little entertaining, click this link to enjoy a little Sneaky Bat Machine, Emilie Autumn, Reaper und more.

Style Over Function: an Etch A Sketch for the iPod Generation

2010-10-01T00:12:00.004+01:00

At the Toy detective Agency we make use of the computer products made by Apple. However, this not because of the shallow allure of their shiny, glowing form. No, these machines do the job of computing and do it better than any other difference engine I'm willing to sign a cheque for.

It is the aesthetic perfection of some of the world's most cherished toys that delight us the most, so it was with great pleasure that we found our gaze cast upon an Etch A Sketch iPad case.

It's an official product by the Ohio Art Company that is marking the 50th Anniversary of the drawing toy that has sold 150 million units worldwide since its launch. By comparison over 3 million of Apple's iPad sold in its first 80 days.

Perudo Back to Soho for its World Championship

2010-09-13T23:28:00.007+01:00

Ex-Blue Peter presenter and former Perudo champion Konnie Huq will be hosting the 21st Perudo Championships. The contest, that has been taking place annually, will be held at the Groucho Club in Soho, London, UK on Tuesday the 2nd November 2010.

The event is being organised by the games distributor, Paul Lamond Games.

We're not yet sure, at The Toy Detective Agency, who will be taking part but the game's following includes famous personalities, such as, Richard Branson, Stephen Fry, Rory Bremner and Sienna Miller.

Perudo is sold in many toy shops and department stores, you'll also find it on sale online from Amazon.co.uk.

Toys R Us Anniversary Celebrated with Free Give-Away Tote Bag

2010-09-05T20:42:00.004+01:00

Toys R Us in the United States are currently having a Super Anniversary Sale. During the event customers can receive a free tote bag, which features images of Geoffrey the Giraffe throughout past decades and pictures of classic Toys "R" Us logos.

To get your free bag make a purchase of $25 or more in Toys R Us on either September 5th or 6th 2010. This offer is only available in-store and not online, while supplies last.

Mystery Shopper Finds: Take Along Thomas & Percy Starter Set for Only £7.50

2010-08-18T07:49:00.006+01:00

Thomas and Percy toy locomotives, made from die-cast metal, two signals and a loop of track can be yours for the bargain price of £7.50 from Early Learning Centre.

The Take Along Thomas & Percy Starter Set by Learning Curve has 19 pieces and is compatible with the new Fisher-Price Take-n-Play Portable Railway; which is replacing the Take Along version.

The trains alone in this set usually sell for around £6 each, making this offer an attractively cheap deal.

However, as I write this this, the offer is not available online; I witnessed this product in the Woking branch of Early Learning Centre. You can find your local store on the ELC website: www.elc.co.uk

Toy Story 3 Breaks Animation Box Office Record

2010-08-16T21:46:00.005+01:00

It will surprise few, but it is a fact worthy of note, that Toy Story 3 has become the highest grossing animated film of all-time.

The latest movie to feature the Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Pixar's cast of familiar computer generated friends has taken more than $920 million at box offices worldwide since its opening on 18th June 2010. The previous holder of the record was Shrek 2 by DreamWorks.

Disney Pixar may find themselves holding onto this record for some years to come.

Lego's 3D Cinema Advert for Toy Story 3 Western Train Chase

2010-07-30T22:38:00.006+01:00

Lego have produced their first 3D cinema advert. Currently, it is being shown in Vue cinemas and promotes the new Toy Story 3 Lego range featuring the Western Train Chase (Lego number 7597); a 584 piece set for ages seven years and older.

Zingzillas: Bigger than the Teletubbies - The Toy Detective Tells You First

2010-07-30T22:24:00.004+01:00

There's no doubt that ZingZillas are both popular on television and in the toy shop. In recent days the Daily Telegraph have printed a story predicting that it will become more popular than the Teletubbies.

Naturally, the Toy Detective himself was right onto this trend the moment deliveries of ZingZillas first made their way into selected toy stores.

Regular readers will know that I'm an irregular writer. However, after many queries at the Toy Detective Agency I did eventually manage to exercise my thumbs and Tweet the following on Twitter:

"ZINGZILLAS require an emergency response. Parents note: the Teletubbies of this decade - h
ttp://su.pr/34KZlz"

So, if you want to know what my Toy Detectives and I are currently investigating, reading or playing with, you'll find no better place than the Twitter page of the world's only Consulting Toy Detective.

To see all my reviews, investigations and case files on ZingZillas, please visit the website, where you can even add your own comments or reviews; helping us supply the very best evidence to the toy buying public.

Will Waybuloo Yogo Fly-Up the Charts?

2010-07-28T00:11:00.004+01:00

Waybuloo are about to release a single. This particular pop pick is titled "Waybuloo Time For Yogo". The track will feature well known phrases from the popular CBeebies television show for pre-school children.

The single will be available for digital download on the 9th August. A music video version will also be available exclusively from Apple iTunes.

An album called "Waybuloo a World of Musical Happiness", available on CD or as download, is set for release on 6th September. Tracks include "Where have all the Narabugs Gone?" and "Snuggly Slide". The CD includes an instruction booklet showing Waybuloo yogo poses.

Informer: License! Global

Still Drawn to Etch A Sketch: 50 Years On

2010-07-12T22:33:00.006+01:00

It's 50 years today since the, famous drawing toy, Etch A Sketch went on sale in America.

However, this day marks the anniversary of the name rather than the toy itself; since the dial operated screen was invented in the late 1950s by Andre Cassagnes, from France. He named the toy L'Ecran Magique, which translates to the Magic Screen.

The Ohio Art Company, which still trades today, bought the design in 1959 and launched it in 1960.

Etch A Sketch is easily recognised by its silver-grey screen, surrounded by a red frame and with two white dials situated in the bottom corners. To draw, the artist had to turn the knobs which made a black line appear on the screen. The left dial controlled horizontal movement, while the right dial controlled the vertical lines. The line you were drawing was actually continuous, so you could not leave gaps between the objects you were drawing on screen.

If there was one thing more memorable about Etch A Sketch other than drawing, it would certainly be erasing the screen. Turn it face down, gently tap the back and then shake back and forth a few times -- your creation would be gone forever.

As my recent effort above (on a vintage but poor condition model) shows, I'm far from adept with this art form. However, stunning images are possible with Etch A Sketch; as this gallery on the Telegraph website proves.

Etch A Sketch is still available to buy, with lots of different versions available. Click the following links to view Etch A Sketch on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.

Toy Story 3: New Faces Featurette

2010-07-06T22:33:00.004+01:00

There's just a little over two weeks to wait until the release of Toy Story 3 into UK cinemas. If you're the kind of person that is counting down the days, then hopefully this Toy Story 3: New Faces Featurette will provide an enjoyable, 3-and-a-half minute distraction.

Harry Potter 7 Trailer: Slow Deathly Hallows

2010-06-29T21:45:00.004+01:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the seventh and concluding book in J.K. Rowling's popular series. However, the film - that Warner Bros. are describing as 'The Motion Picture Event of a Generation' - will be presented in two parts.

Part I will be released in UK cinemas on the 19th November 2010. Another trip to the electric theatre will be required to see the ending in Part II, which is scheduled for release on the 15th July 2011.

This trailer, which includes scenes from both parts, shows Deathly Hallows to be even darker than the preceding films. A reflection of the greater peril Harry Potter, friends and the wizarding world at large are in as this saga draws to a conclusion.

Toy Story 3: Is Ken "..nothing more than a glorified Barbie accessory?"

2010-06-01T22:27:00.004+01:00

We laughed out loud at this Toy Story 3 promotional clip. A funny interview with Ken - Barbie's long term, on-off and back on again boyfriend.

Today, Toy Story 3 action figures & Lego went on sale throughout the UK; with Toys R Us and Hamleys stocking a wide range of what are certain to be among this year's MOST WANTED toys.

Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 can be seen in cinemas 21st July 2010.

Toy Story 3: This is How it Happened - Barbie Meets Ken

2010-04-09T22:43:00.006+01:00

The Toy Detectives can't wait for the forthcoming release of Toy Story 3 into the cinema. So if you're anything like ourselves, you'll savour these small yet tasty morsel of what to expect from the much anticipated film.

HU2 Vinyls - Designs that Stick

2010-01-03T22:54:00.003Z

Wall stickers for decorating a child's bedroom are often much sought after by parents. They provide an excellent way to be a little bit creative without all the trouble and potentially unsatisfactory results of stenciling and other paint effects.

Also, when the design has been outgrown or gone out of fashion they can be peeled-off and forgotten about, without the need to redecorate the whole room or leave tell-tale traces behind.

Popular characters and colourful cartoon designs have been the usual form that wall stickers for childrens' bedroom have taken, however, HU2 produce a refreshing range of charming designs that can be chosen from a range of colours.

Hu2 vinyl stickers are can be applied to any smooth surface including walls, windows & furniture. The stickers are completely removable and leave no residue.

The HU2 range does not just include childrens' bedroom designs, there also stickers for the other rooms of the home, with themes including cocktail recipes, a Parisian skyline and guideline to fill a bath with the right amount of water for one or two people.

All the designs can be seen at: hu2.com

Who'll be moving on up to ELC's Rosebud Dolls' House

2009-12-21T01:12:00.003Z

It's been a busy year for The Toy Detectives. The agency's office has had many expected queries for the likes of Go Go Hamsters, Pig Goes Pop and the In the Night Garden Ninky Nonk Train. However, I have been somewhat surprised by the large number of requests I've received for an Early Learning Centre own brand item that is part of its dolls' house range: Rosebud House White Family.

Many members of the toy-buying public have even bought the "ethnic" version of the doll house family as a substitute for their first choice and even that has now sold-out.

So, with both of ELC's Rosebud dolls' house families and, as my further investigations have revealed, much of the matching furniture sold-out is there no hope of a fully furnished Rosebud house with occupants ready to take-up residence on Christmas day?

Well I say the answer is no. Early Learning Centre's dolls' house is certainly beautiful and unique but the scale to which it has been made is rather common among many wooden dolls' houses of a similar price. Surely substituting Rosebud dolls and furniture with other brands would help put together a delightful and traditional gift?

I have heard of my clients many say: "But it's not the same", and I do agree up to a point, but please look beyond having a set of matching packaging will the ELC logo emblazoned upon it and take a look at the dolls themselves. These alternatives may just make a happy Christmas a little more happier.

GLTC Summer Hill Doll House Family

You'll need to be quick to order this Summer Hill Family online, as last orders for delivery before Christmas stops at 3 pm Monday 21st December 2009.

Toys R Us Doll House Family

Whilst these are currently sold-out on the Toys R Us website it's worth checking in store. This particular family has been witnessed in the Woking branch; which does seem to have an abundance of what should be bestsellers. Possible evidence that anyone selling toys in the Surrey town of Woking is having a rather difficult time this year.

John Lewis Doll House Family

It's now too late to order online for delivery before Christmas from John Lewis, however, "white" dolls' house families are in stock for mail order after Christmas and it's also worth checking in-store.

Dolls' House Families on Amazon

Several dolls' house families are worth consideration from Amazon, particularly those made by Le Toy Van, Pin Toy (John Crane) and Plan Toys. Again, be quick to ensure delivery before Christmas.

The above brands are also widely available from the best independent toy shops that pride themselves in stock beautiful, high-quality and traditional toys. So your very own thumbing through the Yellow Pages may be the best piece of detective work done before this Christmas. Good luck and I hope Santa doesn't disappoint.

Sylvanian Families for Halloween?

2009-10-28T23:33:00.006Z

This very, very rough sketch is a little idea that came to me recently. I've left the colouring for someone else to do, so feel free to print it out and colour-in.

Maybe next Halloween the makers of Sylvanian Families will be unable to resist making some Transylvanian Families.

The Lego House Lives On But Not as a House

2009-09-24T21:42:00.002+01:00

A previous briefing from The Toy Detectives informed the world that the demolition of James May's Lego house started on Tuesday morning. I can now inform you that the bricks are to be transported to Legoland in Windsor after all.

However, rather than taking the form of a two-storey house, as was originally planned first, the bricks will be put on display as part of an exciting annual Lego brick building event. You could also describe the 3.2 million plastic bricks as a giant Lego set for the nation.

These Lego building events will raise funds and awareness for a nominated charity, with The National Autistic Society being the first to benefit early next year; full details are still to be announced.

Whilst this not the fitting retirement many wished for the Lego house, it leaves a legacy that that will hopefully be both fun and charitable for years to come.

The Lego house and other grand endeavours with some of the nation's favourite toys will feature in a new television series called: James May's Toy Stories. It will be broadcast on BBC2, with the first episode airing on the 29th October.

More and demolition photos at the Top Gear blog.

The End of the Lego House

2009-09-22T19:58:00.006+01:00

The Lego house is no more. Earlier today a demolition team moved in to take apart the world's first life-size two-story house constructed entirely from Lego.

The house was originally destined to be transferred to Legoland Windsor to be put on display for visitors of the theme park. However, Legoland pulled-out of the project because of the expense, estimated at £50,000, involved in moving the building.

Over, 2,500 users of the social networking website Facebook joined a campaign to save James May's Lego house; alas, no one came forward in time, before demolition commenced.

The house could not stay in-situ at Denbies Wine Estate as it would get in the way of its harvest.

Further bad news came today with the revealation that Fusker, a resident cat made out of Lego especially for the house, had gone missing. It is thought that one of the few members of the public that were granted access to the house on Sunday and Monday may have kidnapped it.

An appeal has been made on the Top Gear website, in the hope that the cat will be sent to:

James May, I’ve Found Your Cat
Top Gear
Energy Centre
201 Wood Lane,
London W12 7TN

Lego house demolition in pictures: The Daily Telegraph
Top Gear's missing cat amnesty

Help, Save This Un-listed Lego Building

2009-09-19T00:14:00.004+01:00

This weekend will be the last opportunity to see the Lego house at Denbies Wine Estate - built for the, yet to be broadcast, television series James May's Toy Stories.

There were originally plans to move the house to Legoland Windsor, however, the theme park cannot budget for the estimated £50,000 cost to dismantle, transport and rebuild the house made from some 3 million Lego bricks.

So, as I write this, the house is condemned to demolition on Tuesday. It would be very sad to see the efforts of so many being dismantled forever and I'm not alone in thinking so. A Facebook group called Save the James May Lego House has been set-up along with some other blog and Twitter activity; in the hope that a generous individual or corporation would be able to support and host this unique building.

I hear you cry: "What a perfect abode for The Toy Detective, why not step in and partake in some property speculation." Alas, as with many, both real-life and fictional, consulting detectives, I reside in humble yet comfortable lodgings and have neither plot of land or liquid assets to venture in such an enterprise; you may also read that as: not having a pot to hold a piscine in; if you genuinely pardon my French.

A decision on the house's future will be made Monday lunchtime. If there is nowhere for the house to go to then dismantling will commence on Tuesday; with only the consolation being that all of the bricks will be donated to charities.

If you can, please join the Facebook group: Save the James May Lego House.
Send a Tweet to me @TheToyDetective or quote "James May Lego House" in a tweet.
You can also take a Top Gear blog photographic tour and read their own blog post.

If you'd like to see the house this weekend, the address and contact details are:

Denbies Wine Estate,
London Road,
Dorking,
Surrey,
RH5 6AA
Tel: 01306 876 616
Information: 01306 742 002
E-mail: info@denbiesvineyard.co.uk
Website: www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk

If you're traveling by car, it's on the A24, close to M25 and A3 from London. There are also plenty of trains to and from London, Reading, Guildford and Redhill throughout the day; Denbies is 15 minutes walk from Dorking station.

If you do get to go there, I wish you a good day and if I get to go there and you notice me - do stop me for a chat, be it about Lego, Daisy & Tom or Derren Brown.

His Toy Master's Voice

2009-09-11T01:41:00.004+01:00

It was reported last week on toy industry website, Toy News, that HMV were to try and capture a part of the toy market this Christmas. Previously on this blog I stated there were many potential prospectors hunting for the gold now available this Christmas after the closure of the Woolworths chain (which had over 800 branches), however, I completely overlooked HMV.

“Well John, that’s quite, quite understandable” I hear you say, “after all it’s well known that HMV is mainly about things that can be put on a shiny disc.”

You’re very kind dear reader but like the long-odds race horse that meets all the criteria of my careful form study but doesn’t attract my wager and then goes on to win by a distance, I am kicking myself for being so blind.

HMV selling toys makes perfect sense. In fact, they have some advantages over traditional toy retailers.

Firstly, what rolls off toy factory production lines is much broader than things just for children. Which leads me to make the bold assumption that DVD sales of the highly enjoyable but totally base Family Guy are a particular bright highlight in the company’s sales. The characters from this show have their own action figure range and many other items that could be classed as toys.

That’s not all, many items sold in the likes of Forbidden Planet and comic book stores, such as, custom vinyl collectibles and video game action figures would easily match a high-spending portion of HMV’s following.

Then there’s the comic book characters, including the efficient, stylish but immodestly clad super heroines that no self-respecting 7 year old would even pilfer, never mind buy with easily but justly claimed birthday money.

However, this has rather little to do with gaping chasm left in the toy market by the closure of Woolworths. One place in town you can be sure of a fine selection of DVDs these days is HMV. Postman Pat, Peppa Pig and even older titles, such as, the fondly remembered Mr. Benn are in stock, no problem. Licensed character merchandise for avid viewers of C-Beebies, Cartoon Network and their ilk would be a logical move, that’s well worth backing.

A retailer of recorded music, DVDs and video games, may be inexperienced in handling large amounts of fast selling toys at Christmas, however, during my own numerous years experience of toy selling I often wished for better distribution methods for toys; the way CDs are ordered in small quantities at relatively short notice would be a dream come true. Such logistical methods would be too much to ask from a company, straight away; but hopefully HMV won’t be afraid of opening-up the shipping cartons at the warehouse and keeping a record of what exact items are in stock, not just which toy lines.

There’s now a definite fit between general entertainment merchandise and the traditional toy market and HMV have picked an opportune time but they must impress the public this Christmas even if it means being a little over ambition with the inventory.

Record Breaking Fun with Top Toys

2009-08-23T21:35:00.005+01:00

A world record was set last weekend, for the world's longest slot racing track; and by slot racing I mean the beloved Scalextric. It took place as part of the filming of James May's Toy Stories and the Pendle Slot Racing Festival.

The event was held at Brooklands, the site of the world's first purpose built motor sport circuit, of which only one of the original banked curves remains.

Hundreds of volunteers put together over 20,000 sections of track to make the record beating 2.75 mile circuit.

There were some great pictures on The Daily Telegraph website and the BBC show should air a little later this year.

Another world record record attempt takes place on Monday 24th August 2009. When James May and volunteers try to re-open a dis-used railway line between Barnstable and Bidefordwith 00 Hornby track.

James May Tests if Lego is Top Gear for House Building

2009-08-03T02:59:00.006+01:00

Saturday saw thousands of people make their way to Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, Surrey - volunteering to help television's Top Gear presenter James May in an attempt to build a life-size house out of Lego.

Queues formed from 4.30am for 1,200 free tickets to participate in the effort which is for forthcoming BBC programme James May's Toy Stories. Around 1,500 people had to be turned away.

Helpers turned over three million genuine Lego bricks into 2,000 building blocks by assembling each block with 272 Lego pieces. Builders will now lay the blocks over a period of six days. The house is to include electric wiring and plumbing, with as much furniture as possible being made from Lego.

The two-storey house is expected to be completed later this month. May said: "I'm planning to stay there for two or three days, or until it falls down - whichever is sooner. I'm pretty relaxed about it, but will just have to be careful moving around. If I wake up buried under a pile of bricks I'll know it's gone wrong."

Earlier this year James May presented a Plasticine flower garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. On 16th August 2009, the classic Brooklands motor racing circuit is to be re-created with Scalextric at its historic location in Weybridge, Surrey.

The Toy Detective now realises why his alarm clock went off so early on a Saturday morning but actually ignored it feeling that horse racing at Glorious Goodwood would be a bit of a wash-out.

James May's Lego House in the news
• BBC News
• Daily Mail
• The Times
• Sky News

Mr. Fox is Looking Fantastic

2009-07-31T00:15:00.004+01:00

Due for release later this year, Fantastic Mr. Fox is certain be a refreshingly welcome animation after so much over-done computer generated 3D.

It's an adaptation from Roald Dahl's popular children's book. Actors include George Clooney, Bill Murray and Meryl Streep.

I can't wait.

More Heavy Metal Mayhem in Transformers 2

2009-06-16T17:10:00.004+01:00

Transformers 2: The Revenge of the Fallen will be released in Great Britain on 19th June 2009, with the North American release to follow on the 24th June.

From what I've seen in trailers, the locations and effects make this film look its $200 million budget. As for the story, however, I'll have to leave judgment until a proper cinema viewing.

The Toy and Video Games industries have enormous expectations for this film. Some toy stores were taking pre-orders for the new movie-based toy range. Toys R Us have 95 items available in its Transformers line-up. Of course, the toy buying public will never simply hand over currency at the industry's whim but Transformers do have proven form.

I visited Hamleys yesterday, long after Britney Spears and children had been and gone, to have a look around and found the well presented Transformers section, on the top-floor, fully stocked, devoid of customers and not looking like it had legions of fans and collectors carrying away all they could gather. However, I do suspect this toy range to provide the most popular movie-based toy range this year.

The Toy Detectives will cover and review Transformers but I left Hamleys empty-handed on this occasion. The shop-display person within me was feeling far too compelled to re-arrange the Barbie and Breyer stock. If I had given in to the urge, I've no doubt my free labour would been appreciated but it best to save one's efforts to paying gigs.

Plastic Flowers "No", Gnomes "Never" - Yet Plasticine has its Day at Chelsea

2009-05-22T20:11:00.008+01:00

To The Toy Detective, the Chelsea Flower Show is little more than a reminder that it's time to think about swopping the felt trilby for a straw hat. However, this year a particular show garden has provided a surprising and controversial interest for many, including yours truly.

James May, as-seen-on-TV's Top Gear (a show that's not about fine clothing), presented a garden made with Plasticine. Which, being at the Royal Horticultural Society's most prestigious event, certainly got some rather un-amused looks from the more conservative show-goers. In fact, the appearance of a gnome in another garden brought both outrage as well as references to the rule-book.

Big news as it obviously was to anyone glancing at Britain's media in the last week, what really elevates it to major news status (for me at least) was its mention on BBC Radio 4's News Quiz.

Thankfully and to my delight, the garden will soon be exhibited at London's South Bank Centre. After all the hard graft of sculpture, it would be a terrible shame to let it decline into a greying blob that merely retained a talent for collecting fluff and hair.

The Daily Telegraph: Top Gear's James May designs Plasticine garden for Chelsea Flower Show
The Daily Telegraph: James May's Plasticine garden wins special award at Chelsea Flower Show 2009
The Daily Telegraph: Plasticine garden goes on to major arts centre

Be Careful What You Wish For or Just Keep it Zipped

2009-05-08T11:47:00.006+01:00

Koumpounophobia n fear or aversion of buttons

Already in cinemas, Coraline has been adapted from Neil Gaiman's best-selling book. It looks great, it's dark and it's a little bit scary in places, which will come as no surprise to those familiar with the work of Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Coraline is the first ever feature length film to be shot entirely in stop-motion, spectroscopic 3-D. This labour intensive process required 512 photographs for each second of moving picture.

The cast includes: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, Robert Bailey Jr., John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Ian McShane.

Coraline is in cinemas now, rated: PG.

"The Other Mother", Philip Pullman on Neil Gaiman's book.

What a Wuv-er-ly Baby

2009-05-08T10:31:00.004+01:00

We've seen a lot of toys over the years at The Toy Detective Agency and in recent weeks I've received a few probing questions that, whilst in no way giving me a misty eyed sense of nostalgia, do take my mind back to the early-1990s when toys became my way of earning a living.

One such memory is that of a battery operated soft toy called Wuv Luvs. Available in various bright and pastel colours these strange looking creatures were blessed with the miracle of birth.

Playing with Wuv Luv for a while would eventually lead to Wuv Luv announcing: "Here comes baby." A kangaroo-like pouch would open to reveal an egg or, in the case of one in a dozen of the toys sold, two eggs.

Opening the eggs would reveal the babies that could interact with mummy Wuv Luv saying cute phases and by singing alternative lines of the song Isty Bitsy Spider and the ABC song.

Accessories included with the toy were a hair brush, some plastics flowers to provide the Wuv Luvs with something to eat and an all important key, which would allow you to make mummy give birth again.

"Scary" is a word often used to describe what were very popular soft toys. When you got the toy home you'd find that Wuv Luv gives birth to the sound of much whirring and clacking. There was also no volume control and Wuv Luvs speak loudly.

Wuv Luvs had a come-back in 2000 as Wuvvies.

May the Forth Be With You

2009-05-05T04:35:00.004+01:00

Having not, thankfully, developed any kind of Star Wars fanaticism, I managed to thoroughly enjoy yesterday's bank holiday in a blissful fashion, untroubled by the fact that it was apparently Star Wars Day.

That was until later in the day when I checked my email and, this was my mistake, I logged into Twitter, where there was trickling stream of quotes from the famous movie.

Quotes! - because, of course, dialogue is what the Star Wars films are best remembered for. I shall save you, dear reader, from what I had to witness. Suffice to say that each and every quote was a fine example of pushing the the plot along with the odd word here and there so not to detract from the next incoming action sequence.

So, should I dutifully add May the forth to next years diary; in order to post an article to mark the occasion?

A Little Bird Told Me

2009-04-20T21:38:00.003+01:00

Titter ye not! I now do Twitter. Since Easter I've been trying out Twitter for myself, to see what the fuss is about.

Surprisingly, I think I understand it and I actually think it's useful; and I'm someone who continues to resist years of arm twisting to go on FaceBook.

I've learnt so much about the internet in the pass week alone, just from being Tweeted to as a fellow member of Twittering classes.

If you wish to follow me - click here; and I'll follow you back.

I'll keep you up-to-date with The Toy Detectives' more significant articles and Tweet the most interesting toy related articles from reliable websites.

I promise to do my best to not to unleash my poor humour and even poorer horse racing tips upon the Twitterati.

Follow me on Twitter.

When The Wild Things Movie Will Be

2009-03-30T03:15:00.003+01:00

Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak's popular picture book that was first published in 1968, is to have a film adaptation released in cinemas later this year.

Spike Jonze's production, to be his first release in six years, has had its troubles. Rumours of early test screenings, reported it to be too scary for small children. Jonze also had to change unconvincing costume and animatronic monsters to CGI ones.

The tale of a tear-away young boy was originally fewer than 40 pages long in a picture book so it'll be interesting to see how this is adapted to a feature length movie. I suspect there'll be quite a comprehensive back story told to explain the behaviour of the problem child that is the lead character.

The expected release date for Where the Wild Things Are is 16 October 2009 in the USA.

40 Years For a Very Hungry Caterpillar

2009-03-20T22:42:00.006Z

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was first published 40 years ago on March 20th 1969. It's Eric Carle's most famous creation and is still a favourite amongst children the world over.

To a character whose story will undoubtedly be avidly read for another 40 years and beyond, happy birthday.

The Times: 40 years of the Very Hungry Caterpillar: Eric Carle talks to School Gate!
The Telegraph: Google celebrates Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar

Pink Turns Golden

2009-03-09T04:17:00.003Z

On the 9th March 1959 at the New York Toy Fair, Mattel Creations revealed a new doll that would change playtime for girls, forever.

Barbie, the teenage fashion doll, wasn't to be nurtured like a baby doll or to become a miniature, Sunday best version of its owner, as with traditional standing dolls. No, Barbie was the star of fantasies acted-out by girls dreaming of what they wanted grown-up life to be like.

In 1959, an enormous 300,000 of the $3 dolls sold and her rise in worldwide popularity seemed unstoppable. However, in recent years sales in Barbie merchandise have slowed. Many of the doll's critics would take satisfaction that the end was nigh for the saccharine smile, improbable proportions and sit-up-a-beg eyes of the doll with dubious origins, that represented much of what was wrong with the world's expectations of womanhood.

However, the real culprit, I suggest, was a combination of a new range of dolls and a new generation of girls with a stronger desire to get closer to the grown-up world. The new dolls were Bratz, aspiring to more make-up, more jewellery and more fashion worn in a way that would make Barbie look like she was dressed by her grandmother. Coupled with a generation that recognises being famous as a career choice, the various vocations of Miss Barbara Millicent Roberts were left to 4 year olds to enjoy. Leaving many a once beloved Barbie to become an object of cosmetic and violent spite, to the girl that feels she has out-grown her. Beheaded Barbie - a modern day right of passage.

Now to some degree, at least, Barbie has been welcomed back into the toy box, especially as the star of modern re-tellings of fairy tales. Though, I don't see Barbie becoming anything more than a fleeting favourite for future generations in western countries. The karaoke machine, dance mat and other electronic items have meant that anyone can play at being a pop-star, movie actor, etc. Making dolls just too unreal for many children that master high-tech wizardry as if such knowledge was in their DNA.

Another 50 years of Barbie? I don't doubt it. Mattel's new multi-level store devoted to the doll in Shanghai is a first step into a country that has seen its toy market grow 20% year on year. The shops of the emerging economies is where the toys industry needs to be. In the west the toy market is at best static, while video games and music players become the wishes of increasingly younger children. However, the doll is not doomed in the west. It's still a sizeable part of most toy shops and will remain so. The range of collectibles dolls with adults in mind seem more important than ever; a fact underlined by much of the anniversary publicity.

Recent weeks have seen Barbie's first real fashion show, first department store and first home decor range for grown-up. So, after 50 years and 108 careers Barbie still somehow manages to be fresh and surprising. Happy birthday Barbie.

Competition Time

2009-03-02T01:44:00.005Z

There's a competition being run at TheToyDetectives.com. The prize is a Rainbow in My Room projector, provided by I Want One of Those.

It's delightful little prize, which makes an interesting version of a night light. All you need to do to stand a chance of winning is answer a multiple choice question that has been designed to test your general knowledge.

To enter follow this link.

Homer Simpson Up for a Long Run

2009-02-28T18:55:00.003Z

The Simpsons is set to become the longest running prime-time show in US television history, after Fox ordered another two seasons.

Currently in its 20th season, the show was first broadcast in 1989. The 22nd season is scheduled for 2010. The previous record was that of Western drama series, Gunsmoke. By the end of the scheduled run, a total of 493 episodes will have been made.

Sky 1 will broadcast a premiere of an episode of The Simpsons in Great Britain for the first time, on 17th March. A St. Patrick's Day special called: In the Name of the Grandfather.

Independent Toy Shops Doing Well

2009-02-19T09:44:00.002Z

The London Evening Standard published an interesting article yesterday, about how independent toys shops have been enjoying an increase in sales since the last weeks of Woolworth's closing down sale.

Woolworths demise is joy for toy shops

Long may such good fortune last!

Turned Fifty? Make Your Catwalk Debut

2009-02-15T17:15:00.008Z

Barbie celebrates her 50th birthday in March and Mattel's PR machine is at full steam. No publication I've opened recently has seen itself too serious to mark this golden jubilee.

Whilst the world's largest annual toy fair takes place in New York, the same city is also host to New York Fashion Week and for the first time a Barbie fashion show has been put on involving lots of well known designers and fashion houses.

The famous doll has somewhat fallen out of favour with the current generation of little girls. So, cue some heavy marketing to the generation that loved Barbie.

As with most of the big fashion shows, the outfits on display won't be found in many wardrobes but if Mattel gets their marketing pitch right then there will be plenty of opportunities for other outfits and accessories designed for the mass market. A 1980s revival is certainly a fashionable trend that could be capitalised on and I personally can't help thinking that a certain late 1950s look is height of style and elegance.

Disney already have a successful line of Bridal dresses, based on its classic animations.

If you doubt me in thinking that Mattel is taking marketing Barbie to adults as a serious endeavor, then take a look at Mattel's House of Barbie, opening in Shanghai. This 38,000 square foot store will even include a trendy bar with resident DJ, where Barbies can get chatting to prospective Kens.

Mind the Gap - In the Toy Market

2009-01-28T00:52:00.003Z

To-day is the first day of Toy Fair 09, an industry trade fair that takes place in London's ExCel exhibition centre. Many, but by no means all, of the suppliers to the toy trade will showing their wares for the forthcoming year. I shall be attending so I can report back to you dear readers, see some toys before they're in the shops and to enjoy a train, tube and Docklands Light Rail journey.

This opportunity to make a sales pitch to thousands from the retail trade is what the fair is mainly about, however, gossip will also be traded in a way that will make, as with much of life, "being there" an important added bonus.

This year much of the talk will be a continuation of conversations started by the closure of Woolworths. Many of the major suppliers will have had a sharp decrease in orders. Woolworths was the second largest toy seller in Great Britain and not only is that a major company no longer placing orders, many other toy retailers had a decline in customers as bargain hunters flocked to Woolies' "Biggest Ever" and last ever sale.

The puzzle now is: where are the Woolworths toy shoppers going to buy from now?
In the immediate future I suspect Argos (which sells the most toys) will be the main beneficiary. Toys R Us (sells the third most toys) and The Entertainer will certainly benefit too, however, these companies operate out of far fewer stores.

One of the outcomes I would like to see is a rise in the fortunes of the independent toy shop, especially the ones that make an enormous effort to keep that little bit of special magic alive that is so sorely missing from the aisles of departments in those vast chains of shops.

In all likelihood, though, it will be the major supermarket chains that will be picking up new custom in run up to Christmas 2009. This could see many smaller toy shops that have survived the last few years (an achievement in its own right), finally extinguished.

A slightly better outcome would be old giants returning to glory; WH Smith and Boot's were some decades ago among the largest sellers of toys. These chains do still offer a limited choice of toys and games in their larger branches, maybe a comprehensive toy department in WH Smith will be a perfect complement to the children's books, DVDs, art products, comics and sticker books. Yes, WH Smith would certainly be wise to get in on this.

There is a remote but delicious possibility that a new or vastly expand existing toy retail chain may take advantage of the current availability of shop space.

Hamley's have been popping-up in various parts of the world recently and have hinted that they intend to open more branches. The Entertainer will probably only want relatively small stores and may prefer to take over established but struggling shops. Toys R Us are highly unlikely to open new branches in town centres and will insist on steady slow growth. Smyths, the Irish raiders that opened their first store in England in 2007, will only want large out of town stores and will be carefully minding their savings for a rainy few economic years at home.

Could there be a totally new player in the toy market? Never has there been such an opportunity for someone that'll do the thing right. Yes, it'll be hard going to sell stuff over next few years - any stuff. However, Christmas will happen and so will birthdays; and pocket money may become a little limited, it will still remain as disposable as ever.

Obamania for Obamabilia

2009-01-20T13:28:00.007Z

The morning when Barack Obama's presidential election victory was announced I remarked to the first two people I spoke to that: "The way the news is being reported you'd think the whole world has changed over-night." Well, one person immediately respond with: "The world has changed; at least just a little bit." Only in recent days I have begun to agree with him.

On BBC Radio 4's (Home Service) children's programme Go 4 It, broadcast on Sunday, all the children knew about Obama and what was special about his forthcoming presidency. Young children from the USA were interviewed, articulately speaking about the US's first black president enthusiastically. There some expectations for Obama to fulfill especially from those who normally have little interest in traditional politics.

Even the toy market has been involved in the hype. Firebox have been selling a six inch tall Obama action figure. Although currently sold-out, Firebox are accepting pre-orders. The makers of Beanie Babies have produced dolls of the 44th President's daughters. Legoland California has built a model of the inauguration proceedings which is worth viewing, if not for real then try the Daily Telegraph website.

So here's to hope and change, and the fulfilment of great expectations; whether it lasts or not.

Argos Announce Toy Design Competition Winner

2009-01-17T10:49:00.004Z

The winner of the Argos Toy of the Future has been announced. Aine Gallagher, age 5 form Northern Ireland, won with the "Tooth Fairy Doll".

Argos state that "Aine's entry received an exceptional response in the voting stage, despite tough competition from the other 9 finalists."

Aine's idea is for the doll to include a small pouch for a tooth that's fallen out to be placed in, and for the doll to go under a pillow ready for the Tooth Fairy to find.

The winning invention should be on sale by Christmas at Argos. Aine wins £500 to spend at the catalogue store, while the 9 runners-up will receive an Argos Gift Card.

Argos Toy of the Future website

New Look at The Toy Detective Agency

2009-01-13T09:01:00.003Z

If you've taken a look at TheToyDetectives.com recently, you'll have noticed that we've had the decorators in.

There's still more organisation and presentation work to be done but I do hope you like it so far.

The new website will allow The Toy Detectives to investigate more toys and speedily report news and toy recalls quicker than before.

If you want to take a peek, click this link.

Happy Birthday to a Most Famous Belgian

2009-01-12T10:01:00.010Z

The boy reporter, Tintin, never did get any of his own work into print. However, the stories of his adventures have sold over 200 million copies worldwide over the last 80 years.

Tintin first appeared on January 10, 1929 in a Roman Catholic weekly paper, Le Vingtieme Siecle, published in Brussels. Since then 24 comic books have been published and they have been translated into more than 50 languages.

Despite his enduring popularity in many parts of the world, Tintin remains relatively unheard of in the United States. This is set to change though, with Steven Spielberg planning to produce a trilogy of animated films; the first of which is due for release next year.

Although Tintin always tried to do right thing, accusations of racism, colonialism and anti-semitism have all been put to Tintin's creator Georges Remi who used the alias Herge.

Egmont, which publishes Tintin books in Great Britain deliver their editions of Tintin In The Congo and The Land Of The Soviets to shops with a band of paper around the outside warning about the offensive content and stating: “bourgeois, paternalistic stereotypes of the period — an interpretation some readers may find offensive”.

Hergé has since apologised saying “Concerning Congo as well as Tintin in the Land of the Soviets, the fact is that while I was growing up, I was being fed the prejudices of the bourgeois society that surrounded me,” he said. “It’s true that Soviets and Congo were youthful sins. I’m not rejecting them. However, if I were to do it again, they would be different.”

January 14, will see the unveiling of a fresco in honour of Tintin at the Brussels-Luxembourg train station. During June, the Herge Museum will open its doors in Louvain-la-Neuve, which is south of Brussels.

Snow!

2009-01-05T09:51:00.003Z

I do love snow. When it's fresh that is. We've just had our first real dusting of snow here in Surrey for about four years.

I've seen lots of sledges in use already. However, I'm sure there be some panic buying of sledges somewhere.

So, if stocks are gone at your local toy shops and garden centres, it may be worth trying Cotswold; a chain of outdoor activity stores. They sell the sledge pictured, it's wooden and has a traditional look, however, it can be folded flat for storage; price £78.30 (gosh! think of the VAT you're saving).

Cotswold also sell some reasonably priced plastic sledges, prices start from £4.89.

Only Monsters Can Save The Earth

2009-01-04T20:37:00.003Z

Dreamworks, who brought Shrek to the big screen , have a new animated film due for release on the 27 March 2009: Monsters Vs. Aliens.

Reece Witherspoon and Hugh Laurie provide character voices and the movie is being produced in 3-D.

I'm looking forward to this one, the trailer is tremendously funny. Enjoy.

Back Online

2009-01-04T07:55:00.000Z

The Toy Detectives website is back online again.

On The Blink

2009-01-04T06:13:00.002Z

Apologies to anyone trying to access the main site. It is, as you will have most certainly gathered, offline at the moment.

This interruption is due to the work currently being undertaken to bring the new and improved website. Hopefully normal service shall resume shortly.

Yes, I have my fingers crossed too!

Ringing In The New

2009-01-01T23:44:00.004Z

With far fewer toys being bought during January, The Toy Detectives shall be busying themselves behind the scenes with a thorough refurbishment of their headquarters, which readers will know as TheToyDetectives.com website.

We hope to have the redesigned website before the end of January, if all goes to plan. It's not a case of change for the sake of change; we plan to make it easier to find the information important to you and also allow you to add your own comments to our toy reviews and news articles. We shall try and make it easier to find the toys you want to buy online by improving access to the most reputable online retailers.

It's also time to make a New Year's resolution: this year we'll update the blog more frequently and serve up a healthy portion of opinion to go with our news reporting.

Thank you for the many kind comments and the constructive criticism we take delight in reading. If you do have any comments or suggestions on what you would like to see on the TheToyDetectives.com website, do please contact us.

A happy and prosperous 2009 to all our readers!

Happy Christmas

2008-12-24T01:58:00.004Z

Vote for the Toy of the Future

2008-12-19T01:42:00.006Z

Argos started its search for the Toy of the Future in October and now the 10 finalists, selected by a panel of judges, have been announced.

The the winning young inventor will see their very own toy design brought to life and to Argos' 2009 winter catalogue; they will also win £500 to spend in Argos. The other nine runners-up will win £50 to spend on a toy at Argos.

Now it's up to the public to decide the winner. To view the entries and vote for your favourite visit the Toy of the Future website.

No Ho-Ho!

2008-12-14T03:44:00.006Z

Within a week two Christmas attractions have been closed down in Britain. Lapland New Forest closed because, as a spokesperson stated, of “bad publicity” read: such a shoddy rip-off that it drove some parents to violence in front of their own children. While, Lapland West Midlands, decided against opening because of, as a different spokesperson said “poor ticket sales” and “negative media” read: if it opened it would have been closed down anyway.

I’ve certainly been to a few dubious attractions and some outright tourist traps, from what I have seen from television pictures, those British versions of Lapland certainly looked like a very disappointing way to spend a long car journey, never mind the over £100 required to get a family in.

I myself feel very lucky. Instead of having to travel some distance, be it to a different country or merely a different county, Santa traveled to visit me! Well if that sound a little too boastful to be entirely true, then you’ll be right: Santa arrived to see all the children who visited our parish hall on that day.

Father Christmas had to leave the reindeer in a rather discreet parking spot: I grew-up in north London, the criminal fraternity would nick anything. The church hall was decorated with an artificial tree, paper decorations which I believe I personally had a hand or two, with my school chums, in making and tinsel from a decade the parents of the time would have trouble remembering.

There was no snow machine, in fact, not even a spray-can or cotton wool suggestion of snow. Santa had to make do with an orange, stackable, plastic chair; the kind that would look cheap in a roadside, greasy-spoon, cafe.

I and the other children cheerfully queued for a turn to sit upon Father Christmas’s knee; it was allowed back then but that didn’t make it right. I re-assured Santa that I had been a good boy all year long and asked for what I would really like - in a whisper, of course, as not to spoil the magic.

As with many children of previous generations we were able to deal with mild disappointment, such as not being allowed a twelve go on a playground slide or the short time a pack of Opal Fruits lasted. So, even if I did see that suspiciously polyester looking white beard slip a little, I’m sure I wouldn’t make too much of a fuss; for the sake of all the other children waiting in-line with varying levels of patience.

“What is the point you’re making?” you may well and probably often ask: there’s no monopoly on the omnipotent presence on dear ol’ Saint Nick. If it’s for a good cause Father Christmas can turn-up anywhere and children simply won’t telephone Trading Standards to see where there stand if they want a refund.

Losing Interest

2008-11-14T18:23:00.007Z

With daily newspapers, television and radio all making Gordon Brown's promise of a state funeral for Mrs. Margaret Thatcher sound more like a threat, I've refrained from commenting on the financial crisis. However, glancing at a recent issue of the splendidly informative and entertaining current affairs periodical Private Eye (no.1222), a copy of a clipping from the rules of the game of Monopoly took my notice:

"Q. What happens if the Bank runs out of money?

A. The bank never goes bankrupt. To continue playing, use slips of paper to keep track of each player's banking transactions - until the bank has enough paper money to operate again."

So the answer to the current financial crisis was in the rules of Monopoly all along.

Budding, entrepreneurial games inventors need not lose confidence due to the lack of spending money or willingness to spend it, because the highly successful Monopoly was released during the 1930s depression. Board games provided a relatively inexpensive form of at entertainment; for those whom had to shy away from lavish restaurants and the theatre.

Whilst Father Christmas will do his utmost not to disappoint, the toy industry is also likely to decline over the next year or two. After last year's numerous toy recalls, many toy manufacturers will have to absorb the increased cost of carrying-out better safety and quality control, this will make many Chinese toy factories unprofitable; brand name suppliers and consumers will refuse to pay higher prices so these factories will close.

This time I suspect those bright upstarts in the video games industry (especially makers of Nintendo software) will be raking it in from a new surge in demand for entertainment that saves us from tipping in restaurants, taxi fares and getting tipsy at theatre prices.

Barbie for Change We Can Believe In

2008-11-02T22:51:00.005Z

I'm not one to regularly discuss politics as a Toy Detective, especially the politics of the former colonies (did I just hear a shotgun go off in the distance?).

However, having flicked through the Toy R US (USA) Big Book of Toys I feel I must mention a special version of the world's most famous fashion doll: Barbie for President 2008 (exclusive to Toys R Us).

This Barbie wears a smart blue pinstripe twin-set and has the chattering class work-essentials, such as, a mobile telephone and a laptop computer. For those fund-raising evenings, an elegant pink evening gown with necklace, shoes and a handbag to go with it are also included. I can't quite fathom why a dog in a hat sits at her feet.

There are 3 versions of Barbie for President: "African American", "Brunette American" and the familiar "Blonde American". So not only has Mattel tried advance the cause of equality between the sexes, these dolls also advance the cause for equality amongst different races and more radically - hair colour.

Toy tie-ins with the US Presidential contest are not unusual. There were the much sought after Ty Beanie Babies: Lefty and Righty in various versions, based upon the donkey and elephant mascots of the major US political parties.

Ms. Barbie Millicent Roberts, is a most eligible candidate for President. Not only is she popular much of the world over, during the late 1980s and early 1990s Barbie served in the Army, Navy and Air Force; by appearing in a series of military theme dolls, Stars 'n Stripes.

Despite these proven diplomatic and patriotic credentials I'm afraid to say though, that this Presidential race like all before it will again be a case of, may the best man win.

Giant Lego Man: Washed Up in Brighton

2008-10-31T20:42:00.005Z

An 8 foot tall Lego man, cheerfully dressed in a green tank top and bright red trousers, has been found on the beach in Brighton.

A Lego spokesperson (no, not the yellow plastic kind) said: "We're bemused. He has nothing to do with us." Which has not been enough to silence rumours of a half-term publicity stunt. The plastic bricks are well known for getting lost easily but 8 feet of them would at some point be noticed if it was dropped into the sea, as much as if it was lost down the back of the settee.

Other possible explanations are that he may have fell from a ship or arrived from the Dutch Lego theme park.

This case is not unique; in August 2007 a giant Lego man was seen arriving on a Dutch beach. Witnesses had stated that they saw him arrive from the direction of England.

A spokesperson from Brighton & Hove City Council stated that they had no problem letting him stay on the beach. However, I can imagine that the forthcoming Guy Fawke's night must be causing some anxiety.

The Lego man arrived without a passport or a job to go to, so you can read more about this story in to-day's Daily Mail.

Argos Ask Children to Design the Toy of the Future

2008-10-30T22:47:00.005Z

Argos, the catalogue shop chain that sells the most toys in Great Britain, has opened a toy design competition.

Children between 5 and 15 years of age may take part by uploading a picture and a description to the Toy of the Future website.

The winning entry will go into production and will be sold by Argos in time for Christmas 2009. The winner will receive Argos vouchers worth £500, while 10 runners-up win a toy of their choice up to the value of £50 from the catalogue.

Entries must be submitted by 1st December, when it'll be down to a panel of judges to pick a shortlist of 10 toys to be announced on 10th December. The public will be able to vote for their favourite from the shortlist until Christmas Eve, with the Toy of the Future being revealed in January.

Argos have hinted that the winning toy needs to appeal to girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 10 years. Also, the winner entry should cost under £20; so don't forget to take the fluctuating price of oil into consideration.

Build-A-Pudsey for Children in Need

2008-10-27T23:23:00.004Z

The BBC's Children in Need appeal needs little explanation to Great Britain's subjects. The appeal aims "…to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. Our vision is a society where each and every child and young person is supported to realise their potential."

The television event is on 14 November 2008 with many volunteers organising their own events on or around this date.

At the Build-A-Bear Workshop (a chain of shops where you can build-your-own - that's right - Edward Bear) customers will be able to make their own Pudsey Bear for £15 and best of all £5 of that price will be donated to Children in Need. If your newly made Pudsy or similarly sized bear needs a little dressing-up then Build-A-Bear Workshop sell an appropriate T-shirt for £5, of which £1 goes to charity.

Getting a bear made at Build-A-Bear Workshop is a wonderfully entertaining event for children and it's heartening to know that a whole third of the price will go to the good cause.

To donate directly or to get materials and ideas for you own fund-raising event, visit the BBC's Children in Need website.

Oh Horror! It's Halloween Again

2008-10-26T20:49:00.005Z

Readers of TheToyDetectives.com may very well be bracing themselves for a barrage of criticism against the celebration of Halloween. Well, get ready to be surprised; it certainly hasn’t been known as a very English or British tradition but one must acknowledge the heritage and customs that were long ago, before the Saxon, brought to Great Britain by early Celtic settlers.

In Edinburgh the ancient style of this event will be celebrated by the Samhuinn Festival at Castle Esplanade on the 31 October. Don’t expect to see polyester Dracula outfits or pumpkins from Asda among the performers.

The tradition of trick or treat also came from the Celt’s autumnal exuberance and was known as Mischief Night; where the trick was the treat.

If you’re organising your own Halloween gathering but wish to avoid the obvious, how about carving a turnip instead of a pumpkin; these were known as Jack O’ Lanterns. I can promise you that it’s much more difficult than customizing a pumpkin; but if you do keep the contents, I think you’ll find it a great deal more edible.

For pumpkins that will get eaten I heartily recommend, a miniature marzipan version; please ask about allergies before dishing out such an irresistible confection. The majority of the marzipan can be coloured orange with food dye and a smaller amount coloured green for the stalks. The orange marzipan can either be simply rolled into evenly sized balls or the more artistic may wish to carefully carve some pumpkin-like details. I for one, however, will save myself from such efforts, having seen how quickly these get eaten.

As with most annual celebrations, it’s always a splendid idea to mark the occasion with a drink. I certainly never allow an April the 14, a September the 5 or December the 28 without raising my glass; or any day for that matter.

For Halloween I’ve a little potion, that all ages can enjoy, that makes a passable Witch’s Brew. The ingredients are fizzy lemonade (diet or low sugar varieties are perfectly acceptable); vanilla ice cream (that cheap, yellow variety is all I’ve ever tried in this cocktail) food colouring (optional, if used use a colour that you do not normally see in a tasteful drink, such as, blue or a rich green). A blender is also necessary. Add a good sized scoop of ice cream to the blender, then a couple of drops of your chosen food dye onto the ice cream, next pour some lemonade into the blender until half full. Switch the blender on until the ice cream turns to liquid and immediately serve the frothy, chilly drink. Yum!

A demonstration of one’s sorcery skills rarely goes amiss on 31 October. So that the uninitiated in magic may pass muster, there’s some simple tricks to read-up on in the fun section of our website. Please, I implore, be perfect in practice before performing for an audience.

If you wish to attend an organised event that has all the trappings of Halloween as we have now become used to, then it would be difficult to find a better place than one of the nations many theme parks. Legoland, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor are just some of the theme parks holding bewitching evenings over the weekend; do check locally.

Wishing you a fun and a safe Halloween from TheToyDetectives.com.

Smurfs Turn Golden

2008-10-23T22:30:00.002+01:00

It's time to light 50 candles on a birthday cake again. This time it's The Smurfs that celebrate their 50th birthday.

The Smurfs first appeared in the French Johan and Peewit comic on 23 October 1958. Their creator was Pierre Culliford, who used the name Peyo on his creative work.

The comic has been translated into over 25 languages. However, The Smurfs are probably best known for their television series made by Hanna Barbera. The show, which began in the 1980s and has a total of 272 episodes, is still shown in many countries all over the world.

Few can forget, as hard as some might try, the recordings of "techno" and "house" music released in the mid-1990s.

There have been over 3000 different products based upon the little blue creatures. Naturally, it's the toys that interest me the most and best of all is undoubtedly Schleich's collection of figures which are still being produced. Some of the rarer figurines, to the most avid collectors, are worth a considerably large sum for such a small lump of moulded vinyl.

The photographs are of some of my own figurines housed at The Toy Detective Agency's office; these were collected during the 1980s.

Happy Smurfday Smurfs and many Smurfy returns.

Breakfast at Hamley's

2008-10-21T22:45:00.001+01:00

Did you know they're now doing breakfast at Hamley's? Well Father Christmas does. Britain's most famous toy shop will have Santa stopping by for breakfast and afternoon tea from 29 November until 24 December.

Breakfast will be at 9.30 am except for Sundays, afternoon tea will be taken at 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays only. The event, that lasts about one hour, is recommended for children 3 years and older. Guests also get an exclusive goodie bag to take home.

There's room at the table for 16 children to join Father Christmas, their accompanying grown-ups, however, won't make it onto this particular VIP guest list but can watch proceedings from nearby.

One can only assume that taking meals at various famous toy stores has long been Santa's modus operandi but until now it's been kept secret. While the jolly fellow feeds his (what I can only hope it is fair to say) well developed gut, his helpers get to work loading-up a reindeer powered, delivery vehicle; in preparation for the most anticipated night of the year.

Each place, which must be booked and paid for in advance, costs £35. To book telephone 0844 855 2424. It takes four seconds to get to that phone; I'll give you two.

High Expectations for the School Musical

2008-10-20T23:46:00.004+01:00

With a record number of advanced ticket sales already in the school satchel, expect to see the records for cinema attendance, revenue and quantity of spin-off merchandise to soon follow the cheerleader. Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year will be in picture houses from Wednesday 22 October 2008.

Thousands of screaming fans gathered in Leicester Square. Most of the fans and even more of the screams were for Zac Efron, 20, who plays one of East High School's basketball players, Troy Bolton.

The film's prequels were made for TV, with 18.6 million viewers watching the US premiere of High School Musical 2.

In what is said to to be the final instalment , the stresses and strains of the last year at high school before college are followed, as well as the romance between Troy and Gabriella Montez, played by Vanessa Hudgens.

No doubt a TV serial, stage production and a new generation of pupils at East High will keep this lucrative franchise earning before anyone from Disney need utter the words: "on ice?"

Blue Peter Still Afloat After 50 Years

2008-10-16T22:39:00.003+01:00

One week and two golden anniversaries; 1958 was certainly a good year for bright ideas. This time we wish many happy returns to that fine vessel upon the tele-visual airwaves that is the BBC children's programme, Blue Peter.

I shall save the low wit that I guarantee you'll read elsewhere, regarding "sticky-back plastic", "here's one I made earlier" and lavatory tissue cardboard tubes (yes, my words not a Blue Peter presenter's, as one must maintain some kind of standard!).

However, I shall cheerily join children both past and present in recognition of the fond memories garnered from watching Blue Peter and its recipes, creative projects, charitable endeavours and work I have no intention of ever doing in the garden of my own volition.

One of my favourite clips from the show is below. Before Christmas 1993 the Thunderbirds Tracy Island by Matchbox was nigh on impossible to find in the shops. In 1994 I found myself working in a store that had, without exaggeration, pallet loads of unsold Tracy Islands; the ship carrying them reached the docks too late for Christmas. In two different years since then Santa has had difficulty in fulfilling his Thunderbird Tracy Island promises.

Dream Toys 2008: the Stuff of Dreams this Christmas

2008-10-15T10:51:00.002+01:00

The Toy Retailers Association reveals what it predicts will be the bestselling toys this Christmas at the Dream Toys 2008 media event in Marylebone London.

Gary Grant, Chairman of the TRA, stated: “This year, the top 72 really reflects the innovation and expertise at work in the UK toy industry. From clever new twists on old favourites to ingenious use of new technologies, this selection strikes the balance between familiar brands and the new kids on the block. It has been a challenging year for all businesses, but as a retailer I am delighted to see innovation continuing to come through. Even in an economic downturn, children still need exciting, good value toys to entertain and inspire their creativity.”

The Dream Dozen:

Baby Born® with Magic Potty, Zapf Creation®
Bakugan™ Starter Pack, Spinmaster
Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix, Bandai
Catcha’ Beast, Bandai
Cupcake Maker, Character Options
Elmo Live, Mattel
Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin’ Pup, Hasbro
High School Musical 3 Musical Dance Mat, Vivid Imaginations
In The Night Garden Upsy Daisy and Her Chase and Play Bed, Hasbro
My Life, Flair Leisure Products
Rescue Pals Swim To Me Puppy, MGA Entertainment Ltd
Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer, Hasbro

Girls Top Dozen:

Baby Born® with Magic Potty, Zapf Creation®
Barbie Princess Liana Singing Doll, Mattel
Bratz™ Girlz Really Rock Dolls, MGA Entertainment Ltd
Camp Rock Gift Pack, Mattel
Chou Chou My First Tooth, Zapf Creation®
Fur Real Biscuit My Loving Pup Hasbro
High School Musical Sing Together Dolls, Mattel
I Love Ponies Honey, My Baby Pony, Vivid Imaginations
Littlest Pet Shop Tail Waggin’ Fitness Club, Hasbro
Littlest Pet Shop VIPs, Hasbro
Rescue Pals Swim To Me Puppy, MGA Entertainment Ltd
Sylvanian Families Old Hollow Oak Treehouse, Flair Leisure Products

Boys Top Dozen

Air Hogs® Zero Gravity™ Micro Radio Controlled Vehicle, Spinmaster
Bakugan™ Starter Pack, Spinmaster
Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix, Bandai
Cars Walkin’ Talkin McQueen, Mattel
Clone Wars AT-TE Vehicle, Hasbro
Gormiti Island of Gorm Playset, Flair Leisure Products
Indiana Jones Hat & Whip Set, Hasbro
Power Rangers Overdrive Tracker, Bandai
Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer, Hasbro
Transformers Animated Roll Out Command Optimus Prime, Hasbro
Wall.E Transforming Robot, Vivid Imaginations
WWE RAW Arena Playset, Vivid Imaginations

Pre-School Top Dozen

Bob The Builder Interactive Construction Site, Born To Play
Dance With Me Teletubby, Tomy
Elmo Live!, Mattel
In The Night Garden Upsy Daisy and Her Chase and Play Bed, Hasbro
KidiZoom Multimedia Digital Camera, VTech
Mr Tickle Stretch & Giggle, Mattel
Peppa Pig’s Spaceship, Character Options
Playskool Kota the Triceratops, Hasbro
Recycling Truck, Playmobil
Roary the Racing Car Silver Hatch Workshop Playset, Vivid Imaginations
Tag Reading System. Leapfrog
Take Along Thomas Morgan’s Mine Electronic Playset!, RC2

Games Top Dozen

20Q Hand Held, Mattel
Bop It Extreme 2, Hasbro
Cluedo, Hasbro
Disney Princess Magic Mirror Game, Jumbo
High School Musical 2 DVD Board Game, Mattel
In The Night Garden Play Path, Hasbro
Kids Are All Right Electronic Game, Vivid Imaginations
Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition, Hasbro
Pictureka!, Hasbro
Quack-Shot, Tomy
Rubik’s Cube, Drumond Park
Scrabble 60th Anniversary Edition, Mattel

TechZone Top Dozen

Bladestar, Character Options
Catcha’ Beast!, Bandai
Guitar RockStar, Tomy
Hannah Montana My Secret Pillow, Character Options
High School Musical 3 Musical Dance Mat, Vivid Imaginations
IM-ME, Mattel
ITeddy, Vivid Imaginations
My Life, Flair Leisure Products
My Meebas, Mattel
Pleo, Vivid Imaginations
Spykee The Spy Robot, Meccano
Woogies, Mattel

Creative Top Dozen

Bindeez 3D Super Studio, Character Options
Crayola Creations Illumination Station, Vivid Imaginations
Cupcake Maker, Character Options
Etch A Sketch, Flair Leisure Products
Golden Coin Maker, John Adams
High School Musical Puzzleball®, Ravensburger
Lego Star Wars V19 Torrent, Lego
Magnext 360° MagnaCase, Megabrands
Martian Matter Alien Maker, Hasbro
Moon Sand™ Adventure Island, Spinmaster
Puzzle Extra Assorted, Jumbo
Rainbow AquaDraw, Tomy

Elmo In-Store Live

2008-10-14T23:49:00.000+01:00

The latest soft toy incarnation of Sesame Street's Elmo was officially launched to-day. Elmo Live dances, sings, tells stories, tells jokes, likes to receive hugs and responds to tickling.

Elmo Live is almost certainly going to be one of the most wanted toys this Christmas. It has been selling well by pre-order so far and was available at Toys R Us Times Square (New York, USA) on Friday 10 October. There have been no reports to the Toy Detective Agency yet about queues or shortages but one ought hesitate in securing what will be a coveted object.

Follow the link to see the prototype Elmo Live in action: watch Elmo Live.

Smashing Fun

2008-10-14T12:40:00.000+01:00

This year’s Summer Olympiad in Peking may be fading from memory but Great Britain’s run of sporting triumphs continue with the conquering of the 44th World Conker Championship.

Ray Kellock of Rushden, Northamptonshire was declared mens champion of the annual event held in Ashton, Northamptonshire. The ladies champion was Amy Farrow; junior: Thomas Whincup; intermediate: Robert Winfield; young adult: Rebecca Moss. In the team competitions, the Rusden Reprobates won the main team event, while France won the ladies only event.

All champions achieved glory solely by means of technique alone, all conkers were provided by the organisers from an officially sanctioned stock of conkers. So, no baked, pickled, frozen or varnished conkers were involved in the competition.

The event, with over 600 competitors of all ages taking part, raised £24,000 for charities supporting blind and visually impaired people.

50 Years Away from Peru

2008-10-13T22:27:00.000+01:00

A celebratory marmalade sandwich is in order this teatime, as it's 50 years today since the first Paddington Bear story was published.

A Bear Called Paddington, authored by Michael Bond, was made available on 13 October 1958. Since then more than 30 million Paddington Bear books in 30 languages have been sold. The tales of the bear from Darkest Peru were inspired by a gift bought by Bond for his wife, Brenda. The gift was a small bear, that was left unwanted on a toy shop shelf on Christmas Eve in 1956; it was named Paddington, as the Bonds lived near the London train station.

A new book, Paddington Here and Now, was published earlier this year to mark the golden anniversary. One of the new tales involves the famous modern landmark the London Eye, while Paddington Bear has also become a landmark; you can see a bronze statue of him at Paddington Station. To-day Google has displayed a special logo featuring the world's most famous marmalade devotee.

I myself developed my early interest in books partly due to Michael Bond's stories. Even to-day the influence is easily witnessed: I refuse to follow the current fashion for suitcases on wheels and prefer more distinguished (battered) vintage (old) luggage. If one finds one's luggage too heavy to carry, then one is trying to carry too much; wheels on suitcases cause aviation fuel to be wasted due to thoughtless packing.

Many happy returns and hats off to Paddington Bear; and then hats firmly back on again, as we wouldn't recognised Paddington without his.