I went to the UK’s biggest toy fair, the nostalgic and retro must-haves for kids that are making a comeback this year
Read on to find out how much all of the toys cost
I spent hours playing with Care Bears and Sylvanian Family characters as a child, so it’s amazing to see nostalgic and retro toys making a comeback.
I spent the day playing with the toys tipped to be the top 30 for kids out of 310 entries this year at The Toy Fair earlier this week.
Melissa Symonds, executive director of UK toys at Circana, said just 30% of the toy market’s value comes from new products.
She said a lot of growth is fuelled by the excitement of emerging brands but also the nostalgic appeal of relaunches and the “ongoing reinvention of beloved, established lines”.
It’s been 40 years since the first Sylvanian Families were released but they are still as popular as ever.
The Skytop Fairy Castle, costing £59.99, is tipped to be a best-seller this year when it launches in July.
While a £19.99 Care Bear aimed at neurodivergent children and adults and comes with a belly badge which is designed to reduce feelings of anxiety when stroked was also named as a top toy.
Care Bears first hit shops in 1983, and they were very popular in the 90s and noughties.
The popular BuildaBear chain is also launching a Wordship Stuffing Station later this year.
For £35.00 you can bring the experience of visiting a Build-A-Bear workshop into your own home.
It also works out to be much cheaper than taking your child to a Build-A-Bear store, which could make it the perfect gift for those on a tight budget.
Film and TV characters
Several popular film and TV characters also made the line up, including a Disney Stitch toy.
The Disney Surfer Stitch has been produced just in time for the release of the live-action film this year, over two decades on from the first movie.
The beloved blue alien stands on a surfboard with a red paddle in hand.
Children can control Stitch’s board to make it look as though he is riding waves at the beach.
The toy spins 360 degrees and can even right itself if it tips over.
It costs £39.99 and is available now.
Marvel fans will be eager to get their hands on a new Spider-Man toy which will be on sale from July.
The Amazing Flip Spidey is a talking plush toy which can make over 50 sounds and phrases.
It can also do a 360 degree flip, light up and fire two web darts.
But at £39.99 it is one of the most expensive toys in the shortlist.
I also spotted a Sesame Street interactive toy among the shortlist.
The Sesame Street Nom Nom Cookie Monster plush toy shakes and makes cookie monster munching sounds when children press his stomach.
The battery-operated toy is aimed a preschoolers, who will enjoy listening to it say nom nom and wiggle with excitement.
It is recommended for toddlers and children aged 18 months and over.
It will be available from next month and costs £24.99.
Construction toys
Lego has built on its popular flower range with its new Botanicals Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet.
The toy is aimed at adults, but can also be enjoyed by children.
It comes with 15 Lego flower stems including daisies, cornflowers, eucalyptus, elderflowers, roses, ranunculus, cymbidium orchids, a waterlily dahlia and a campanula.
All the stems are adjustable which allows builders to arrange a bespoke bouquet that they can use to decorate at home.
The kit costs £54.99 and can be picked up now.
There is also a Lego City Helicopter, Fire Truck and Submarine Remix, which will set you back £54.99 and is available now.
The set allows kids to play with the toys separately or mix and match the vehicles to create custom creations for any mission they may want to play.
Meanwhile, the Lego Mario Kart – Baby Mario vs Baby Luigi is aimed at younger children.
The birthday gift set is ideal for boys, girls or children aged eight plus.
It features two collectable Nintendo figures – Baby Mario and Baby Luigi and their vehicles.
Every car can launch shells and there are six balloons to aim at.
The set also produces sound and visual effects.
It costs £24.99 and can be purchased now.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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