Christmas must-have toys... 200 days early
This year’s must-have toys for Christmas have been revealed – 200 days before the big day.
According to the retailer Argos, 2018 will be the ‘year of the unicorn’ with four toys based on the mythical creatures on its list for this year.
They include the My Lovely Unicorn Electric Ride-On and the Poopsie unicorn which expels glitter.
A range of dinosaur-themed Fingerlings and the LOL surprise Under Wraps have also made the list, while canine TV stars Paw Patrol return with the new Rescue Fire Truck Playset. Boxer the playful robot, the Treasure X 3-Pack Chest which lets children dig for gold- covered treasure, and the latest Lego City Arctic Mobile Exploration Base are also predicted to be big sellers.
Juliet Ward, head of toy buying at the chain, said: ‘The list shows how toys are continuing to progress with interactive items among the most popular.
‘We’re also seeing the modernisation of more classic and tra- ditional toys resulting in a varied and extensive list – everything from Boxer the mischievous robot to the Tiny Treasures Doll which looks and smells just like a real baby.
‘social media trends are influencing toys more than ever, such as the unicorn craze which has inspired products like the Vtech Fantasy Unicorn.
‘The pocket-money friendly collectibles craze also continues to evolve with LOL surprise, Fingerlings and the Treasure X 3-Pack Chest all must-have toys for this year.’
John Baulch, of Toy World magazine, said: ‘The Top Toys list for this year shows just how much toymakers are innovating and evolving to keep up with current trends, whether this be through the dominance of unicorns or the rise of technology in interactive toys like Boxer.’
For those parents who really enjoy planning ahead, Argos is happy to remind them that the Black Friday retail discount day will return on Friday, November 23 this year.
Those who want to avoid the mad stampede are advised to wake in the middle of the night. Last year, the quietest period online on Black Friday was 3am-4am.