Finding the right toy
This year has seen the revival of old-time classics such as Monopoly, Cluedo, Memory Game and Scrabble to take top spot in the games section. Families are enjoying games they can share together and board games like these have always proved successful among all ages.
The run-up to Christmas is a frantic time for toy retailers and toy stores expect to see the promotion of old-time favourites along with toys based on movies, toys from TV shows as well as last years top toys for Christmas to hit the shelves again.
Popular action films are always followed by an array of DVD, gifts and toys to go with the hit movie; they make ideal presents at any time of the year.
Finding the right toy to suit the age of a child is not always easy; kids grow up so quickly that before you know it they’ve outgrown the present they so wanted. Top Toy Guide looks to find toys for all ages from the early learning stage to young adult.
FurReal Roarin' Tyler the Playful Tiger Interactive Fun and Play Pet Kids Toy with 100+ Sound and Motion Combinations
Amazon
£105.62
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John Lewis & Partners Intelligent Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Kit
John Lewis & Partners
VTech Kidizoom 5.0 Megapixel Duo Children's Camera with 4GB SD Card
John Lewis & Partners
£54.99
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Toys for Babies age 6 to 18 months old
At this age babies love investigating so looking for baby toys that have various textures, form and shape with bright vivid colours are ideal not forgetting toys for chewing; babies love to put things in their mouth!
A number of good baby and young infant baby toy shops cater to the type of creative toys that aid the development of vital skills in the first few months and years.
Good baby products include baby walkers, bouncers, cot toys and mobiles including wooden toys, ride on toys and playsets from trusted brands like Fisher Price, Little Tikes, Chicco, Leapfrog and Vtech.
Vtech 502303 Little Singing Puppy Educational Baby, Clip On Cot, Pushchair and Pram, Soothing Soft Interactive Toy, for 3, 6, 12 Months Boys and Girls
Amazon
Children age 2 to 5 years old
Most toy shops cater well for the pre-school age group, however with TV and movie merchandise making up a large amount of the toy stock available a balance still needs to be struck between these kinds of toys and those considered more creative and educational.
Many popular online shops, for example, Early Learning Centre and Amazon.co.uk cater well for 2 to 5-year-old children. These online stores publish valuable product reviews, customer comments and opinions.
Favourite children’s characters Fifi and the Flowertots, Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine, Roary, Waybuloo and Peppa Pig all have a massive following from the toddler’s corner.
No doubt as soon as the new animated series of Zigby is aired on CBeebies there’ll be many plush toys and games of this adventurous zebra and his friends.
Aimed at 3 to 5-year-olds the fifty-two 11 minute animation series is set in a beautiful jungle island and is full of fun adventures with friends Mcmeer the Meerkat and Bertie the Guinea Fowl.
Zigby is based on Brian Pateson’s book, Zigby the Zebra trots into Trouble. Books are available from Amazon.
Toys & Games for 5 to 8-year-old children
Children at around the age of five to eight years old quickly start to develop a unique personality with interests that can remain with them for the rest of their lives.
This age group love playing with toys that engage their curiosity imagination and are challenging, like board games, remote control toys, puzzles, construction sets, action figures, dolls and role play games.
Buying toys for 5 to 8-year-olds is made easier with the release of blockbuster movies and the toys that soon follow. Boys can enjoy reenacting action scenes and girls too can create their own fantasy world from top films like Barbie and the three Musketeers and High Street Musical 3.
Crayola Washimals Colour and Wash Pets Playset - Creative Colouring Crafts Kit, Gift Set with Washable Marker Pens
Amazon
Moonlove 296 pcs Jigsaw Puzzle Mix Colour Mushroom Nails Pegboard Educational Building Blocks Bricks Creative DIY Mosaic Toys Birthday for Kids Age Over 3 Years Old
Amazon
LEGO 17101 Boost Creative Toolbox Robot Building Kit, 5 in 1 Model, Build Code and Play Toy
Amazon
Dress up costumes are a great choice that gives good play value and encourages social skills among their friends as they pretend to be their favourite characters like Harry Potter, Bumblebee Transformers, Dr Who, Disney Princess or whoever their superhero is at the time.
Television and films play an important part at this age with shows like Hannah Montanna, SpongeBob, Star Wars, Batman, Spiderman and Indiana Jones. Other interests include music related toys and games, musical instruments, computer and handheld video games.
Toys & Games for older children of 9 to 11 years old
When children reach the ages between 9 and 11 years old they begin to explore new experiences, question and play differently often through sport, technology and science and arts and crafts.
They take very easily to challenging games like those found on gaming consoles like the handheld PSP and Nintendo DSi Lite with its challenging strategic games.
HM Forces Night Vision Goggles from character online may be popular with this age group and the Nintendo DSi Console released in 2009 is expected to be added to the list of best-selling toys for 9 to 11-year-olds.
Teenagers 12 to 16 years old
Buying toys and gifts for young and older teenagers can be a bit more of a headache for parents trying to get something cool for them to open especially when Christmas time comes around.
Young teenagers appreciate fun gifts as well as the more whacky presents. Firebox and I Want One of those are great online stores for finding this kind of present.
While nitro RC cars, robots and football kits will be welcome, cool gadgets such as iPods, mobile phones, mp3 players and the high-end gaming consoles will be top of the wish list too. The latest Playstation from Sony will even be on mum and dads wish list!
K'Nex Thrill Rides Mecha Strike Roller Coaster Building Set
John Lewis & Partners
LEGO 42077 Technic Rally Car Toy, 2in1 Buggy Model, Racing Construction Set
Amazon
infinitoo 109 pcs Magnetic Building Blocks| 3D Magnetic Construction Rainbow Kit| STEM Building Block Creative Educational Gift for Boys Girls| Magnetic Tiles Set for Kids Toddlers for Edutainment
Amazon
£25.99
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Children Hub 46pcs Magnetic Tiles Set - Building Construction Kit Educational STEM Toys For Your Kids (Stronger Magnets)
Amazon
Magnetic Building Blocks, Loori 100 Pcs Magnet Blocks Set, Kids Magnetic Toys Construction Stacking kits, Building Tiles Blocks for Creativity Educational, Come with Carrying Bag
Amazon
£26.99
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LEGO 10864 DUPLO My First Large Playground Brick Box Construction Set, Easy Toy Storage Preeschool Toys for Kids 2-5
Amazon
KNEX Imagine 10 Model Building Fun Set for Ages 7+, Engineering Education Toy, 126 Pieces
Amazon
144 PCS Magnetic Sticks Construction Set toys and Educational Stacking Toys for Adults and Toddlers (Children over 6 Years Old) by LocoTime
Amazon
£19.99
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LEGO 10863 DUPLO My First Animal Brick Box Construction Set, Easy Toy Storage Preschool Toys for Kids 1,5-3
Amazon
£24.97
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Viga Wooden 68 Piece Model Construction Tub Set - Childrens Wood Building Toy
Amazon
Magnetic Building Blocks Gift Desire Deluxe 94PC Kids Magnetics Construction Block Games for Boys and Girls Creativity Educational Children's Toys for Age 3 4 5 6 7 Year Old
Amazon
JOYIN 11 in 1 Die-cast Construction Truck Vehicle Toddler Car Toys Set Play Vehicles in Carrier Truck
Amazon
£20.99
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Moonlove Kids Construction Building Blocks Bars DIY Interlocking Magic Sticks Geometry Shapes 3D Intelligence Educational Stacking Toys With Handcarry Box Children Christmas Birthday Gift
Amazon
£12.00
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Children Hub 128pcs Creative Construction Toys For Kids - Flexible Sticks - Multiple Ways To Connect
Amazon
Robot STEM Toy | 3 In 1 Fun Creative Set | Construction Building Toys For Boys Ages 6-14 Years Old | Best Toy Gift For Kids | Free Poster Kit Included
Amazon
STEM Toys, DIY Construction Building Blocks Vehicles Puzzles, Assembly Engineering Educational Learning Toys, Creative Take Apart Toys for Kids Boys Girls 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+ Years Old (6 in 1 Stem Toys)
Amazon
£18.99
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Imperial War Museums Hawker Hurricane Construction Set
I Want One Of Those
The PS3 Slim launch date in the UK was September 2009, this new console doubles as a Blu-ray player too bringing the whole HD entertainment experience in gaming and movies.
These types of gift are not always the cheapest to buy so lookout for any bundle offers or special discounts and remember Amazon normally do free delivery for purchases over £5.