Top toys for Christmas
We’ve checked out the toys kids want this Christmas so you don’t have to
CHRISTMAS – it’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Well, try telling that to harassed parents of young kids who are forced to navigate through a bewildering array of toys in crowded shops while Boney M’s carols blare out on repeat.
Online shoppers don’t have it much easier. Scrolling through the thousands of goodies on offer is enough to fray the strongest nerves.
This year, online retailer Takealot alone has about 25 000 toys to choose from, says Julie-Anne Walsh, Takealot’s head of marketing. “We’ve gone searching to the North Pole and back to find the most-wanted toys for kids.”
The choices are overwhelming: a gazillion toy cars, dolls, games and hi-tech gizmos bombard the senses.
We asked leading retailers what the top toys this festive season are. And as you may have expected, you’ll have to dig deep for a good many of them.
INTERACTIVE TOYS
New toys are increasingly designed to encourage interactivity, says Catherine Jacoby, marketing manager at Toys R Us. “This year’s list of favourites shows how toys are continually evolving.”
If you love Hatchimals – those eggs that kids nurture and help to hatch to reveal a bird-like toy – then Hatching Dragon is next level. This toy is part of the How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise and when children play with the egg, a dragon hatches.
He makes flapping noises when you make him fly, eats when you feed him and snores when he sleeps. You can also ask him questions and he’ll answer with head and wing movements. Hatching Dragon is suitable for kids of five years and older and costs between R1 700 and
R1 800.
PRETEND-PLAY TOYS
This year, toys related to the Frozen II movie are expected to be big business. There are Elsa, Anna and Kristoff dolls, all with their own outfits, and The Nokk (water spirit) figurines, among others. All are suitable for children older than three and cost about R300 each.
Other Frozen II toys include the Magic Ice Walker, which sprays “ice crystals” when you strap it to your foot and walk around with it. And the Magic Ice Sleeve lets you spray “snow” from your arm just like Elsa does in the movies. These items retail at R570 each.
There’s also Elsa Lego (R335 to R1 500), and Frozen II accessories such as backpacks (R370) and sandals (R350).
For young fashionistas there’s the Go Glam Nail Fashion Pack (R430) which lets them indulge their creativity. It’s a miniature manicure set with a nail stamp with 125 patterns to imprint on nails.
The LOL Surprise Sparkle range (about R440 each) are balls that each hide a doll inside. The doll’s identity is revealed only when you open the ball – hence the surprise. Each comes with a sticker, water bottle, shoes, outfit, accessories and a catalogue of all the dolls in the range.
TECHTOYS & MORE
This year, Monster Jam trucks will put a shine in even the most jaded kid’s eyes. Depending on which truck you choose, prices range from R250 to R1 700.
For Lego fans there’s the Technic Stunt Racer (about R1 200). This powerful remote-controlled vehicle with its futuristic design can perform various cool moves, such as riding on its back wheels and climbing over objects.
The Air Hogs series of motorbikes and cars (R700 to R3 500) is another exciting option – these toys fly through the air, ride on their back wheels and drive up walls.
A new version of Bakugan Battle Brawlers, based on the Canadian-Japanese TV anime series, was reintroduced this year. When balls are rolled over special Bakucore cards, they crack open and turn into elaborate miniature figurines. Each ball contains a magnetic mechanism that springs open when it touches the metal mechanism in one of the Bakucore cards. Players choose their playing cards and compete against one another.
A Bakugan beginner’s pack costs about R500 and single figurines can be bought for R170 each. The game is aimed at children six years and older.
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (R7 000) video game console is still a top seller, despite its hefty price tag. It’s mobile and kids can compete remotely online.
The Shox Foldable Drone (about R700) is probably one of those gifts parents buy for themselves and pretend it’s for their kid – although there’s no reason why the family can’t play with it together. The drone can take pictures and videos by following hand commands.
If you’re on a budget, consider Justice League Superman and Batman figurines at about R200 each.
BOARD GAMES
This year retailers expect Monopoly Cheaters Edition (R500), in which traditional rules are bent and money is lent, to fly off the shelves.
And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love the POP! Funkoverse Strategy Game: Harry Potter. It’s a strategic board game that takes a bit of brainpower. This version includes popular Harry Potter characters and takes you to places featured in the movies. There’s more than one version of the game, which also costs about R500.
EDUCATIONAL TOYS & GAMES
The techno-centric Leapfrog series includes a range of offerings, and this year also offers the Dance & Learn Panda (about R1 000).
The panda teaches young kids songs about numbers, shapes and musical instruments. It’s aimed at kids nine months and older.
Want to instil a love of science in your little ones? Then the Jeronimo three-in-one science and education set (about R220) is just the ticket. It’ll keep aspiring scientists, engineers and mathematicians occupied for hours. The set is aimed at kids aged eight and older.
JUST FOR FUN
The AquaDabra Aquarium (about R400) lets children use special paints and shapes to make fish and build their own aquarium.
And if you want to encourage role-playing, consider Ecoiffer’s 100% Chef Cash Register (about R280). Kids can pretend to be shopkeepers and the set includes a cash register, scanner, play money and groceries.
PRICES ARE AT RETAILERS’ DISCRETION AND WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT, BUT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. EXTRA SOURCES: JUST FUN TOYS, PRIMA TOYS, TOYS R US, TAKEALOT.COM