REFURBY Old school toys making a Xmas comeback
WE may be heading into a brand new decade, but it’s toys from Christmases past that are topping our wish lists this year.
Reboots of classic kids’ favourites are shouting out to sentimental parents from shop shelves – and the Furby has come back to claim the No1 spot.
The computerised critter, who has had a refurb to bring him bang up to date for the 2020s, is priced at £92.
But a mint and boxed original from the 90s could set you back £250.
Other re-releases include Polly Pockets. The dolls may be tiny but they’re making BIG money, with sales up 150 per cent. Toy expert Peter Jenkinson said: “There’s a real revival of all things retro right now and we’re seeing classic toys are gaining popularity alongside more modern offerings.”
Here are the top ten toys enjoying a Christmas comeback...
1. Furby, RRP £92 More than 40 million of the cute fur balls were sold after they were first launched in 1998. The updated version has LED eyes and can connect to an app, where you can hatch virtual babies.
2. My Little Pony, £10 These little plastic equines first galloped onto the market in 1982 – and they’re still hot to trot. There’s a MLP telly show and a movie to get kids giddy. And there’s even a group of adult fans, who love to party dressed as ponies.
3. Polly Pocket, £10 Known as Barbie’s little cousin, the weeny dolls were originally made by Bluebird Toy. But
Mattel has brought them back and they’re enjoying huge success.
4. Rubik’s Cube, £10
This boxy brainteaser is a toy shop staple, with more than 400million sold since it was launched 40 years ago. But sales are on the up now that cubing has become cool again.
5. Spirograph, £10
This was originally invented in 1827 as a pattern-making machine to help stop bank note forgery. It was launched as a toy in 1965 and sales prove there are still hours of fun to be had with this creative kit.
6. Sticklebricks, £20
These colourful, bristly bricks were first launched in 1969. Judging by their popularity, it’s fair to say they’ll be stickling around for a whole lot longer. 7. Crayola, £10 Just a simple set of crayons, but Crayola’s rainbow of colours always brighten up grey winter days and they are still a massive draw.
8. Retro Mini Arcades,
£139.99 Who needs a PS4? You can get everything from Pac-man and Street Fighter to Asteroids and Space Invaders on these mini arcades. They are the cool thing to have in your home – even if you don’t have kids.
9. Stretch Armstrong, £20
This gel-filled, latex body-builder was originally designed to have springs inside to make him stretch – but a corn-syrup mix became his muscle mass of choice in the 70s. Stretch him up to four times his size and he boings back.
10. Tree Tots, now called Timber Tots, £23.99 This cute tree house pops up to reveal woodland creatures chilling out on chairs and swings. It was a huge success for Kenner Toys in the 80s and now the new version is doing big business for Bandai.