You know it's nearly time to get your wallet out again when a retailer announces their list of expected Christmas top ten toys! Hamley's were first out of the door with their predictions which features a mix of both traditional and new must have offerings The list, released on 21st July, is shown below:
1) Battle Strikers Tournament Set
2) Transformers Bumblebee Helmet
3) Transformers Movie Leaders
4) V Motion ( a bit like a Playstation for very young kids)
5) Kidizoom Camera
6) Barbie & the Three Musketeers Doll
7) Barbie & the Three Musketeers Miette Kitten
8) Rubik’s 360 (new kid on the block)
9) Bop It (not a surprise! Annoyingly good fun!)
10) Lego Minotaurus Game from Lego
There you have it; a mix of toys from the people that know what sells at Christmas. At this point, I have to add that you shouldn't feel obliged to rush out and buy any of these as gifts but I'm sure the soon to come deluge of advertising will have children almost demanding 'that toy'!
What is quite refreshing to see it that likes of Lego toys are still going strong. I remember my first set as a birthday present way back when I was about 6 years old. Admittedly, times have changed and Lego have kept with trends (Lego Star Wars sets, etc) but I do like to have those nostalgic moments....
Anyway, enough rambling. There you have it: top ten Christmas toys - some not as expensive as you might think!
Friday, 31 July 2009
Monday, 27 July 2009
Terminator Mask
The Terminator Voice N Vision Mask has been released to coincide with the launch of Terminator: Salvation. Get ready for Terminator related spin-offs galore...just in time for Christmas!
Ok, it's nothing super hi-tech - the mask looks like the original T-600. Here's the manufacturers sales pitch:
Have you ever wished you had a super-human robot skull? The Terminator Salvation Movie - T-600 Voice 'n' Vision Mask is based on the skull of the T-600 robot from the popular action move. With voice changer, lights, sounds and steel-plated chrome features, this role play accessory is sure to impress even the biggest of fans.
Apparently, if you're a budding Terminator then this Voice 'n' Vision Mask is all you need to become a T-600 robot, killer machine from the future!
My own thoughts? A bit of harmless fun maybe, but if I really wanted to be a lunatic cyborg I'd take the shape changer anyday. Anyhow, keep your eyes peeled as the Terminator Voice N Vision mask should be in the stores soon.
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Elmo Live still around for Christmas
Elmo Live revs up for Christmas
Remember Elmo Live? He's that quirky little animatronic toy whose sales went through the roof last Christmas. It looks like he's set to have another bumper year in 2009 as, according to reports, the number of internet searches for Elmo have been showing an upwards trend as we edge nearer to Christmas. I know there's still about 154 days to go but it'll be here before you know it!
So what makes Elmo so special? For a start, he's one of the central characters in that timeless childrens series, Sesame Street (just going starry eyed as I remember my youthful days! In fact, the character was so popular that he even had his own spin off series.
The first Elmo Toy that was released hit the market way back in 1996. It was called Tickle Me Elmo and when you did, he would shake and laugh.
Tens years and, following Tickle Me Elmo's success, the follow up was released; Tickle Me Elmo Extreme. Pretty much the same as the original except that he'd laugh and beg for you to stop tickling whilst he rolled around on the floor.
The latest version, Elmo Live, has a number of new features that appeal to kids:
* Elmo 'speaks' - his mouth opens and closes just like the real muppet.
* He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs.
* One feature that seems to keep children captivated is Elmo's story telling - he even jokes, singing songs and plays games.
* Head bobbles back and forth as he speaks.
* All the interactions can be activated by a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.
Sure, it's a toy that will probably drive parents nuts but Elmo Live looks set to be another Christmas best seller.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Rubik's Cube Touch
Remember Rubik's Cube? I used to able to complete the original in just over a
The TouchCube works in the same way as the original Cube (which has sold around 350 million pieces), but uses some pretty high tech (well, compared to the original) in touch and motion technologies.
Apparently, Techno Source, the manufacturers of the Touch Cube have been working on the design for about 3 years so it had better be good!
"Rubik's TouchCube is the 'dream cube' for anyone who's into high-tech gadgets - it combines today’s most current technologies with the iconic Rubik's Cube", or so they say.
The TouchCube, which will launch in the Autumn of 2009, features touch sensor technology on all six sides, a motion-detecting accelerometer, and most importantly; coloured lights in every square so you get that authentic Rubiks experience.
Worried that you'll lose your place when you switch it off? This electronic cube has internal memory that lets you save you current puzzle.
There's also a range of sound effects and a light show that runs its charging in the docking station. The Rubiks TouchCube should launch with a price tag of about £129! That's an expensive upgrade!
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Whackey Toys | Clone Trooper Helmet
Seeing toys like the Star Wars Clone Trooper Helmet makes me kind of jealous! I have vivid memories of lining up at the cinema to see the original Star Wars film so many years ago...forgive my starry eyed reminiscing! Sure, back then we had the Star Wars trading cards and the plastic figurines (R2-D2 was my favourite but I never could quite master that whistling) but there's a huge range of toys available for children now. One example is Lego; have you seen all the different characters and vehicles that you can buy?
Back to the Clone Trooper Helmet. So what's so great about it? Well, for a start you get to be one of the bad guys! I know we all want to be heroes but from time to time I'm sure most of us have fantasised about being the evil leader who is set on taking over the universe...or is that just me? For a start, it lets you 'become' one of the clone troopers, if only until mum calls you in for tea. There's also a built-in microphone that does a great job amplifying amplifying the wearers voice - there's even a static noise effect that gives your speech the authentic clone sound. There's also a selection of pre-recorded clone trooper commands from the “frontline”! Just press the phrases button for battle commentary and and hear phrases such as “Get ready to turn those clankers into scrap metal,” or “I’ve got a bad feeling about this, sir.”
This toy is aimed at kids but I'm pretty sure that some adult fans of Star Wars will probably get a kick out of the Clone Trooper helmet (if you can fit it on your head!).
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