Iconic toy retailer, Hamleys, has revealed its top 12 Christmas toys for 2018, which includes the LOL Surprise Dolls, Hairdoables and Ty Flippable sequined animals as top stocking fillers, alongside traditional options such as Lego, Paddington and Monopoly. Peppa Pig is also singled out as a top Christmas treat for kids.
G&G Review is wondering if and when the next big Ty craze will sweep across the gift industry, perhaps the time is now given how cute these are!
The head buyer of Hamleys, Victoria Kay, said: “These toys are being delivered with character, fun and cheekiness at their heart and we love them. It makes for a wonderfully diverse and interesting range this year.’
Hamleys also said mythical and magical toys are set to reign lists this Christmas, including the imperfect plush toys Fugglers, the Fingerlings who respond via noise, motion and touch, and the odd-looking Bubbleez.
In a nod to the imperfect Fugglers, Ms Kay said there were signs that “imperfectionism” was beginning to emerge as a trend ‘as children increasingly resist the pressures of idealised perfection in social channels and celebrity icons’.
The full Christmas wish list includes:
Crate Creatures, which vibrate, make noises and light up when their tongues are pulled. The motion sensor inside the creature reacts when they are upside down, knocked over or laying down. There are six different characters to collect: Snorthog, Pudge, Blizz, Sizzle, Char and Stubs.
Boxer Robot, which springs to life out of its box. To start, place one of the 10 activity cards (included) in front of Boxer. Once he rolls over the card and scans it, the fun begins.
Monopoly Cheaters’ Edition invites you to explore unique Monopoly moments in which rules are bent, money is borrowed, and funny business is welcomed. The bizarre suggestions on the board, cards, and rules encourage players to express their inner cheater.
Elasti Plasti is a non-sticky, super soft plastic that expands, stretches, bubbles and more. Stretches further than anything previously available.
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express featuring a railway bridge with clock and steps leading to Platform 9¾, moving brick wall entrance, ‘Wanted’ poster and Daily Prophet newspapers, plus a train toy and carriage with 4 seats and removable side panel and roof.
Gravitrax, a new STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] track system from Ravensburger. The starter set comes with over 100 components.
Hairdorables Assortments are collectible dolls with ‘Big Hair Don’t Care’ attitudes. There are 36 poseable dolls to collect, and each has thick, shiny and colourful hair that is perfect for brushing and styling. Available with mix-and-match outfits and accessories.
Ty Sequin Flibbables are an update on the traditional Ty toys with flappable sequins. Eleven styles are exclusively launching with Hamleys for four weeks – Crunch Dino, Stompy Dino, Tremor Dino, Diamond Unicorn, Sparkle Unicorn, Moonlight Owl, Jewel Fox, Yappy Chihuahua, Pinky Flamingo, Payton Penguin, and Malibu Cat
Lol Surprise! Eye Spy Under Wraps Doll Assortment have 15 new surprises. Users unbox the spy glass to find codes and unlock surprises. Each doll is dressed in a mystery disguise, unbox each layer to discover who’s inside.
Nerf Laser Ops Pro Alphapoint 2-pack, which give players everything they need for live-action laser battles.
Hamleys Cuddly Paddington, which is exclusive to Hamleys and sits at 28cm tall.
Hamleys Peppa Castle and Royal Guard Plush is also exclusive to the world’s most famous toy store
Images from the top: Ty flippables, Monopoly, Hairdoables, LOL Surprise! and the interactive unicorn Fingerlings.
