Classic toys from a generation ago
are expected to be best sellers this Christmas, according to retailers, though
most have been given a modern twist.
Monopoly, Lego, Sylvanian Families
and Fireman Sam have all made the list compiled by the UK Toy Retailers
Association to highlight the most likely toys to end up under the Christmas
tree this year. The Monopoly board game, however, has been updated. In Monopoly
Revolution, paper money has been replaced by a battery-operated debit card machine,
all the property prices have been revalued to reflect sky-high London prices
and the board is now round.
Even Sylvanian Families has
injected a bit more speed into their quiet world of toy mice, rabbits and
bears. The company has started selling a motorcycle and sidecar for the grandparent
raccoons.
Buzz Lightyear, who has frequently
made the list since the first Toy Story film 15 years ago, has reappeared
thanks to the very popular third film released this summer. Jet Pack Buzz
Lightyear, which has a jet pack which lights up and blows out air.
Gary Grant, the chairman of the Toy
Retailers Association, said: “The technological advancements used in many of
the toys we reviewed this year were simply amazing, and demonstrate how forward
thinking manufacturers are. In what has been a challenging yet extremely
positive year for the toy industry, it is also refreshing to see the industry’s
faithful brands continuing to perform well to keep classic toys in the hearts
of children everywhere.”
One toy that has caught most toy
shops by surprise is not on the top 12 list but has already sold out in many
outlets: the Lotso Huggin Bear, the villainous character from Toy Story 3. Like
the stuffed, cuddly toy in the film, the bear smells of strawberries.
Mr. Grant said: “I think a lot of
people didn’t think a villain would sell well. A lot of retailers have underestimated
how popular it would be and haven’t ordered enough stock.”
One sign that the recession is over
is that the average price of the top 12 toys has increased by 50 per cent from
$42.61 to $64.20.
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