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Gormiti Toys Figures and Playsets

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Trading Cards

Gormiti figures and trading cards are the main play aspect of this Boys favourite toy. The figures are based on the Gormiti characters and carry a number on the bottom of the foot (1 to 9); the idea of play involves adding this number to a trading card and if your score is higher than your opponent, you win. The cards also have a power number.

Gormiti toys and games

Gormiti Toys Games Action Figures Playsets

 

The number of Gormiti toys continues to grow and there is a wide audience of avid followers since it emerged on the scene back in Italy in 2005. There are hundreds of products and figures bringing the fascinating world of Gorm to life. Kids can enjoy collecting and swapping their own pieces for some awesome battles to conquer the island of Gorm and defeat their sworn enemies.

Gormiti Figures

Gormiti toys and games and the introduction of a new animated product range from the series, encourage imaginative roleplay and is aimed primarily at boys aged 4 upwards.

Popular Gormiti Toys include

  • Gormiti Island of Gorm Playset, 1 game board, 5 island pieces, 7 figures and lots of other features.
  • Valley of Destiny Playset, this includes 2 mystery figures and 6 accessories. It is compatible with all other playsets.
  • Gormiti Fire Mountain Playset, Plenty of adventure with lots of hiding places, traps and weapons. Includes 2 gold characters.
  • Gormiti 4 Figure Pack includes trading cards and special colour changing features on each figure.
  • Gormiti 1st Series, The Invincible Lords of Nature Set; 2 figure blister pack plus cards. There are 6 tribes and 42 characters to collect in this series.

The Invincible Lords of Nature!

As every fan and “would be” hero of Gormiti knows the beautiful island of Gorm was a peaceful place full of nature-loving people until one day everything was destroyed by the Lord of Magma the Volcano Tribe; Magmion.

By awakening the sleeping volcano Fire Mountain all was lost, the whole island was destroyed and all its inhabitants. However, one person did survive to save the day; the Wise Old Sage. By using his magical powers he gave life to new creatures called the Gormiti to restore the once magnificent island.

The Good Gormiti tribes were created from the natural elements: Earth, Forest, Sea and Air and against them were the baddies in the Magma and Lava tribes. The evil Magmion tricks the good tribes into fighting against each other as well as bad tribes. The battle rages between the tribes, no one knows who will be the victor and so the continuing saga to gain control of the island of Gorm carries on…

New Series Lords of Nature Return

This is currently the fastest growing boys brand without a TV series but from September 28th 2009 this will all change. Boys will be able to enjoy 26 30 minute episodes with the release of the first Gormiti animated TV series. The long-awaited animated show is expected to be a huge success along with the array of follow up new Gormiti toys. The cartoon series will be aired on Nick Toons daily.

The brand already has an immense following and with the promise of new Gormiti figures, play-sets, accessories, and characters will be in high demand especially in the run-up to the festive season.

The new products based on the cartoon series will be slightly different from the mainstream of Gormiti pieces but will complement the sets already available. There will be a good price range of toys from larger pieces to smaller play-sets making these excellent pocket money toys.

Boys toys for Christmas

Top boys toys for Christmas is sure to include the new IR Robotic Troncalion, the first robotic Gormiti toy that is a main feature of the cartoon series. It has eyes that light up makes realistic sounds and can move both two and four legs.

Also available will be four Gormiti Guardian Creatures to collect each come with a tribal Lord. Their mission is to protect the Lord when in battle. Fans will see them regularly in the TV series.

Electronic Toys, Game Consoles and Tablets

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The rise of the digital age has brought about another dimension in the world of toys and games. Whilst there will always be room for traditional toys, board games, wooden toys, construction sets etc the trend for techy toys is growing stronger by the day.

EDUCATIONAL ELECTRONIC TOYS AND GAMES

Electronic Toys & Games

 

More and more toys including old favourites that have been around for years are getting a digital makeover. Today’s technological advancements and electronic wizardry bring games alive and learning has never been so much fun.

Toy companies are thinking up new ideas all the time that are truly amazing and producing electronic toys and games that appeal to both kids and parents. The advancement in toys over the years has seen the growing emphasis on learning with Vtech leading the way.

It was back in the 1990s that Vtech made a grand appearance and since those early days has never looked back. V-Motion is their new offering for 2009 and looks set to be just as popular as Vtech’s V.Smile; which has been in the top ten toy list for the last 5 years.

V-Motion

V-Motion is a motion-activated educational video gaming system that includes wireless motion sensing technology.  Interactive play is even more fun with the addition of the Action Mania game introducing exercise, colours, shapes, numbers, spelling and more. This new electronic toy from Vtech is aimed at 3 – 7-year-olds and makes an ideal preschool toy.

As a child develops and grows their choice of toys and games tend to change but this is not the case when it comes to electronic toys. Electronic toys, techy toys and gadgets appeal to both kids and adults alike. They are the best type of toy that suits all ages and offer plenty of play value.

There are also video games, remote controlled cars, RC vehicles, electronic board games including TV favourites like Family Fortunes, The Colour of Money, Scene it and popular Britain’s Got Talent electronic game that the whole family can enjoy together.

Interactive Toys

The latest craze appears to be all things electronic and the more interactive play the better even when it comes to the baby and toddler age group. Electronic toys for infants to three-year-olds are always in demand because of their developmental value. They can soothe baby, with different sights and sound, teach letters and as they get older more toys are introduced to stimulate and entertain them like the range of Leapfrog toys.

Leapfrog has obtained a good track record of excellent preschool learning toys with best sellers of 2008 still proving just as popular this year such as Tag, Leapster 2 and Learn ‘N Groove lines. Their new line up for 2009 includes Tag Junior; this is aimed at a much younger audience and comes with a book and special bookpal character replacing the normal electronic stylus.

Leapfrog

One to look out for is the new Zippity. Leapfrog in partnership with Disney has come up with a sort of Wii Fit for kids. Although it does more than just get them active it is an interactive TV-based learning game.

It is designed to get children moving their entire body and comes with eight learning games, folding dance mat and incorporates wireless technology. The 8 built-in games feature popular Playhouse Disney characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Little Einstein’s and Handy Manny.

Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera

Other electronic toys that work well for toddlers are ride-on toys; they love the idea of driving their own vehicle and the feeling of independence. The cool VTech Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera is another great idea and makes a good first camera that lets kids take photos just like mum and dad. The Kidizoom has 16MB of internal memory; an SD Card slot and 1.8 inch LCD display.

Animatronics is a new concept in the toy world that was originally developed for the film industry. The use of robotics and electronics are used to make a model or puppet appear to be real or alive. Fine examples are the award-winning Elmo Live and the amazing Meccano “Spykee’ animatronic.

Handheld gaming devices

8 – 11-year-olds still enjoy the thought of toys but the type of toys they choose is changing. There are music orientated games, musical instruments, video games and handheld gaming devices that would also suit both sexes.

12-year-olds are more like “little adults” and are at the stage where you could consider a more grown-up gift like a camera, computer or digital music player. Boys at this age wouldn’t say no to the latest robot toy or RC car and buying for a girl is also easy if she is a fan of the popular talent shows on TV.

Memory Game | Memory Board Games

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Ravensburger Memory Game

The highly successful game from Ravensburger “Memory” first came on the scene in 1959 and as it celebrates its 50th anniversary looks to be as popular as ever. Each generation no matter where in the world they are from can play this timeless classic. To date, it has sold more than 75 million copies in over 80 countries.

Memory Game, Family Board Games, Memory Card Games

Global Success
The global success is all down to the simple structure of the game and because it is not based on language everyone can partake. The principle behind the game is simply to match pairs of cards using memory, turning two cards over per move.

The cards are printed with pictures based on various themes popular with adults and children including special edition releases. The game is simple to play, is suitable for all ages and there is no limit of players. Best of all because it revolves around concentration and memorising individual pictures it encourages the thinking process and exercises the mind.

It is refreshing to be able to appreciate old favourites that have proved the test of time and still hold the same amount of interest today. Kids, parents and grandparents can improve their memory and have fun too particularly with the “Memory journey through time” version.

Best of all is the game itself never gets boring because there are new versions constantly being introduced; so far there have been 250 variations. Ravensburger are releasing 20 different versions of themed style memory games this year to celebrate their fifty year anniversary.

Children in particular like memory games with Disney motifs like Disney Princess and Disney Fairies, there are Bob the Builder games, Star Wars Clone Wars memory and SpongeBob Squarepants.

Popular memory games

  • Winnie the Pooh
  • Micky Mouse
  • Bob the Builder
  • The Lion King
  • Cars
  • Thomas & Friends
  • On the Farm
  • Disney Fairies
  • Dora the Explorer
  • Lazy Town
  • Tigger and Pooh
  • Ben 10
  • Power Rangers

Memory is the world’s most popular matching pairs game and is suitable for all ages, the thick cards and easy rules means little ones can take part too. The basic idea of the game is simple- seeking pairs of cards that match; but the fun is turning over cards with favourite characters, heroes, TV stars and so one.

Musical Toys Dance Mats & Microphones

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Musical Toys

Toys and games play a major part in a child’s life and are integral in their development, they offer a versatile approach to learning while being fun at the same time. Musical toys very popular and appeal to children of all ages from newborns through to young adults.

 

Babies are surrounded by the brightly coloured cot and nursery toys that introduce them to different sounds and noises. As they grow from the toddler stage through to teens there are dance mats, karaoke and sing-along microphones to enjoy.

Baby Toys with Sound

Musical toys provide a great way for young children to develop fine motor skills and improve hand to eye coordination. The style of play and interaction makes a great alternative to everyday toys as they help stimulate the senses as a child learns to create different sounds through their own actions.

Drum Kits and Pianos

Drum kits, mini maracas, recorders, xylophones, tambourines and triangles plus pianos and keyboards are ideal for the budding musicians in the family. Whilst would be superstars enjoy the excitement of singing along with a cool Hannah Montana or Camp Rock microphone. An ideal gift for 3-year-olds and over would be a Music Set that has 6 different instruments including a tambourine and cymbals which can be found at Amazon.

In addition to the many benefits of these toys, they are also a fun way of exploring musical talent at any age. TV shows have a great influence over their audience and their popularity has seen an increase in musical themed toys and games.

X-Factor and Popular TV shows

Older children are watching X Factor, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and American Idol while the younger ones are having fun with the Teletubbies, Fifi, Dora, and Postman Pat. Not to mention new series like Waybuloo and the WotWots. These programmes have their own style of entertainment too that involve aspiring singers and musical dramas plus magical songs that hold a certain fascination with little ones who love to sing along with the characters in the show.

Dance Mats

Girls will like the idea of the new Hannah Montana series of audio and electronic lines; these include guitars, keyboards and microphone and stand sets. For fans of High School Musical, there is a Musical Journal or HSM3 Got the Moves Dance Mat. While those that prefer iCarly the Megabyte Mic means girls can sing along to iCarly tunes or record their own.

DJ Musical Gadgets

Youth Electronics is another area that continues to grow as technology gets better, allowing for more musical gadgets to be produced like the innovative Ucreate Music from Mattel. Kids and adults can try their hand at creating their own music and see what’s it’s like to be a DJ.

There are built-in tools as well to mix the sound with different beats with the option to add more instruments. The best thing about this ingenious creation is its ability to connect to the internet so musical masterpieces can be shared with others.

Rhythm Stix Drumsticks

Rhythm Stix is synthesiser drumsticks that are great fun and a must have for the keen drummer who likes the idea of a drum kit but is not quite ready for a full-size drum kit. These unique drum sticks are ideal for children, teenagers and the young-at-heart who’ll love the authentic sounds and rhythms as they beat the tom toms, cymbals and snare through the Rhythm Stix built-in speaker.

Impact-activated interactive toy drumsticks make a good gadget toy and are so easy to use that everyone will want to have a go. For the full works, the V Beat Drums is the answer with 3 play modes, free playing and pre-programmed rhythms to produce awesome sounds.

Children’s Electric Guitar

Silverlit Air Drum Perform your own Concert comes with a pair of air drum sticks with motion sensors and foot pedals. Also by Silverlit and one for the rockers who prefer strumming to drumming is the V-Beat Electric Air Guitar. This motion-sensing electronic guitar simulator has built-in tutorials and rhythms with full instructions and a learning guide feature for creating the best rockin’ sounds around.

CDs, Tapes and DVDs are not so many toys but rather another form of entertainment for children of all ages from nursery rhymes to favourite theme tunes and pop star’s releases. It’s not surprising that iPods and MP3 and MP4 players are so popular with young and old alike.

musical baby toys instruments drums guitars for kids

Getting involved in music is rewarding and uplifting for an older person whereas for a younger child it can be a more magical experience. The little wannabe rock star can learn to strum on his first guitar with the Tomy Thomas and Friends rock n’ roll guitar or maybe try out the Fifi and the Flowertots Sing-along Keyboard instead.

Dance and sing-a-long Toys

Dancing and singing is a fun activity that toddlers adore and a great way for them to learn without them even realising it. Toy makers are making excellent educational toys that introduce the fundamentals of speech, counting, alphabet and colours through play and music like the Learn N Groove from Leapfrog.

 

This unique learning centre comes with a page-turning book to select different activities which include plenty of musical magic. There are piano keys, flashing lights, groovy sounds and upbeat music plus a disco ball that spins as baby whizzes around. The recommended age is 4 months to walking age.

Thomas & Friends Musical Toys

One for the boys is the Tomy’s Thomas & Friends Musical Bubble for exciting bubble fun. Little ones of 18 months upwards can use this as just a pull along toy or better still see Thomas in action as he chugs along blowing bubbles while playing his theme tune.

Leading brands like Leapfrog, Fisher Price and VTech cater well for babies and toddlers with a good range of music based toys.  When it comes to older children, the tweens, teenagers and young adults its more about having funky items that are cool and up to date with all the latest technology.

MP3 Players

MP3 Players, iPods, CDs and DVDs make great gifts for most age groups and are ideal presents when stuck for ideas for a birthday or at Christmas. Best of all there are plenty of music presents that are cheap enough to make excellent stocking fillers and pocket money toys.

 

Disney Sing It: Pop Hits (Nintendo Wii)

Another one ready to hit the shops soon is the new karaoke game Disney Sing It Pop Hits released in October 2009. This is a sequel to the High School Musical Sing It and Disney Sing It High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

 

Karaoke Machines and Microphones

The new singing game from Disney is available to buy on Wii, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 and will be a hit with all ages. The video-based karaoke video game plays all the latest chart-topping pop songs plus music from Radio Disney favourites: Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Hannah Montana.

Great fun for players choosing to go it alone or to sing a duet, there is also a multiplayer mode for a head to head showdown with friends and family.

 

Musical Toys & Instruments for all ages

For some more inspiration in finding the best musical toys and instruments for various ages here are some ideas and suggestions.

3 Months: Baby Face Orchestra, Baby Band by Halilit, Chicco 21cm,  First Helicopter Musical Rattle.

6 Months: LeapFrog Learning Drum, Musical Bunny – Kathe Kruse, Chicco 20cm Dancing Animals, Musical Stroller Toy.

12 Months:  Little Tikes Little Rhythm Maker Drum, Vtech Pink Musical DJ Junior, LeapFrog Baby Learn & Groove Bilingual Animal Sounds Guitar.
2 to 6 Years
Wooden Melody Mix Station, Little Tikes Tap A Tune Xylophone, Fisher-Price Fimbles Find-a-Tune Radio, Jester Musical Jack in the Box,
Baby Grand Piano.

3 Years
Bontempi Musical Band Set, Star Wars MP3, Ladybug Percussion Set One (Wooden Box), Ladybug Xylophone
Bontempi Wind Instruments Trumpet, Bontempi Electronic Violin.

4 to 7 Years
The Wiggles Singing Wiggles Guitar, Bontempi Saxophone, Rock Drummer” Electronic Drum Set with Stool.

5 Years to 14-year-olds

Guitar and Microphone Stand Combo, Mookie Skipmate Musical Lolo Ball, Bontempi PM685 Digital Keyboard.
Electronic drumsticks-Rhythm Sticks, Bontempi Classic Pink Wooden Guitar, Character Options Hannah Montana Singalong Microphone.
6 Years. High School Musical Drum Set, Wooden Guitar with 6 strings, High School Musical Flip Phone Digital Music Player.

Hannah Montana Jammerz Air Guitar (Purple), High School Musical Electric Guitar, High School Musical DJ Mixer.
7 Years. Silver Stylophone Pocket Electronic Organ, I-No Electronic iPod Music Quiz Game (Pink), Camp Rock Sing-Along Headset Microphone.
8 years. Tomy Guitar RockStar in assorted colours, Hannah Montana Electric Guitar, 32 Midi Keys Digital Keyboard, Finger Beats Drums
i-Dog Pup – Pink.
9 to 11 Years. Power Tour Guitar Black by Hasbro, Bontempi Digital Keyboard with 61 Full-Width Keys, Blue Man Group – Percussion Tubes.
14 Years. X-Factor Karaoke Machine and Party Set, Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker, Guitar Hero Carabiner-Pocket sized Game
Name that Tune – DVD Game by Hasbro.

Construction Toys and Building Blocks

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At Top Toy Guide you can find the best construction toy and popular building play sets from loveable favourites like Bob the Builder to the more advanced construction kits like Meccano.Construction Toys & LEGO

Construction Toys and Building Systems

Building toys and construction systems have been around for generations and have been keeping kids amused for hours. Hand to eye coordination, fine motor skills and imagination can all be developed helping to instil confidence and self-esteem.

Meccano

Introducing construction toys at an early age helps your child use their hands effectively and develop good reflexes it’s also a great way of having fun. They can let their imagination run wild with the many types of construction toys such as LEGO, Geomag, Meccano, wooden bricks and more.

Playtime can be so much more exciting when a child can use their own imagination to build weird and wonderful things that are why traditional toys like LEGO and Meccano are still a firm favourite when choosing a Christmas toy.

Building toys

Building toys can be found to suit all age types and gender. For younger boys and girls construction toys are fun and colourful with safe and easy to use pieces. A good example is the popular Meccano Build and Play Funky Car. The recommended age is 4 years and over and is perfect for little hands.

The strong flexible parts are made with strong plastic rather than metal and are fun and colourful to play with. Best of all, the instruction booklet shows how to build five different models including a helicopter and a plane.

ELC have a selection of building it construction toys for ages 2- 6 years and 3-8 years and it won’t cost the earth to keep those little ones happy. Kids will particularly like the Robot poppers; a popping robot and alien that make popping sounds when stretched.

Playmobil

The magic of Playmobil has been with us for over 30 years and this high-quality brand of toys still delight children today. One of a kind themes like Romans, Knights, Police Seaplane, Zoo, Life in the City etc come with just the right-sized pieces for little hands to grasp plus the figures are bendable with pleasant faces.

Construction toys encourage children to use their hands to create and learn dexterity. The master of the construction world has to be the LEGO company who knows a thing or two about building with their famously coloured bricks. Lego favourites include LEGO MINDSTORM NXT, Deluxe Brick Box, LEGO CITY and LEGO Star Wars.

Construction toys

Other big players include Brio and K’nex and the recent inclusion of magnetic variations like Magnext; a revolutionary new magnetic construction system that offers excellent play value for both boys and girls. Children from the ages of 6 and over can enjoy building their own magnetic magic with endless construction possibilities.

MagNext

The MagNext 360 Degrees Magnacase is a great building platform where two can build at the same time. It is compact and portable making it ideal to take on long car journeys and holidays.

Wooden toys are a bygone favourite that still holds their place as top spot when it comes to building blocks, especially for much younger children. You can’t beat the smooth feel and warmth of wooden toys that can stand up to the rough and tumble play of youngsters.

A classic toy like the Wooden Baby Walker helps develop motor skills in children and comes with colourful wooden blocks featuring letters and numbers for learning, loading stacking and unloading.

Bob the Builder Construction Playset

Still with the youngsters the Bob the Builder Construction Playset is perfect for 3-year-olds and over. They will love this amazing playset with all their favourites: Tumbler, Scoop, and Muck as well as Bob himself. Little builders can help out with the building and hear Bob call out fun phrases as the vehicles move around the site.

Construction sets have a wide audience from tots to teenagers and are a great foundation for creativity and learning. So whether its traditional wooden blocks, building sets or complex model kits they make ideal Christmas presents where all the family can join in and have fun building stuff together.