The Sylvanian Family collection

The Sylvanian Family collection has been an institution in the UK since 1985 when Epoch launched the collection of plush dolls that quickly caught the attention of young children and adult toy collectors alike. Tiny plush families of animals make up the families in the forest, which is quite fitting given the fact that Sylvanian actually means ‘of the forest.’

Now available worldwide, the families of bears, mice, beavers, hedgehogs, and plenty of other animals have worked their ways into the hearts of many youngsters and adults and are a quintessential part of many children’s lives.
In fact, it is for this reason that even though the Sylvanian families may no longer be in the top ten lists of Christmas toys, they still have carved quite a niche in the Christmas market. Year round, the Sylvanian families still also sell well, with new toys released on a frequent enough basis to keep collectors satisfied and young children thrilled with the introduction of new houses, families, and other accessories that will make their make believe stories even more believable.

In fact, the delicate details built into each house and accessory is what makes the plush woodland creatures so enthralling. There are many more Sylvanian Families toys on the market then there were back in the eighties and even though most of the main houses have been introduced, the toys continue to modernise and bring out new fun perks.

For example, the Sylvanian Families caravan and car set is fully loaded with everything you may expect to find in a caravan, from large kitchen suite to bunk beds to a bathroom suite to a living room area. Add in the vehicle with room to fit the entire mouse family and you have a low priced treat that everyone can enjoy.

Another great new line introduction is the Pleasure Boat, which is designed for use with the Dalmatian family in mind since the dog loves water, but of course you can place whatever set of family toys that you desire into it. Like the other pieces, the top and side folds out so that you have full access to tiny little suites inside the mini cruise boat that is titled the ‘Martia May.’

With a tiny kitchen suite and little cupboards, a fold out picnic area on the side, and a living area and small bathroom and fishing area, it is hard to miss with this great toy accessory. When imagination is basis for a toy collection, it is not hard to imagine that even the Sylvanian Families can get sick at times which is why the Sylvanian Families General Hospital accessory house is also now on the market.

Inside the office is everything you would expect to find to treat the chipmunk family right. With a small work table, bench, check out table, doctor’s bench, waiting area, and a small cot for when someone is feeling down, this toy can also be a great way to introduce a child to the idea of visiting the GP.

Lego is still the number one toy

Toys R Us, the biggest chain toy store in Britain, announced that Lego, the good old-fashioned blocks, won best selling toy for the year of 2010. Zhu Zhu Hamsters and Ben 10 were next in line.

Additionally, the top selling range of products at the store was Lego. That included Lego City, Lego Toy Story 3, Lego Star Wars, and Lego Creative.

The Lego displays in the stores were being restocked as many as five times every day in both months prior to Christmas. The demand for Lego was skyrocketing.

As far as film oriented ranges of products, Toy Story 3 was the best seller. “It was clear the way the child selects their toy this year. Ben 10 and Toy Story were heads and shoulders above others, even though we saw some standards feature well, like Play-Doh, Lego, and hula hoops,” announced Mike Coogan of Toys R Us.

Zhu Zhu Hamsters and Ben 10 were school children’s favourite toys. Ultimate Alien Figures and Ben 10 Action topped first place, but Zhu Zhu Hamsters broadened their selection with new playsets, battle arenas, and hamster runs.

Among the pocket change toys, GoGo Crazybones. That was over and above World Cup 2010 stickers.

Meanwhile, the Neox Motorbike, Cowboy clothes, and Princess Charm Dolls were the parents’ first choices for their toddlers.

HappyHopperz – A new take on spacehoppers

This Christmas kids will be asking for HappyHopperz, inflatable animal space hoppers. Seriously cool, the HappyHopperz range of bright, inflatable animals not only rival the space hoppers of the 70’s but take the whole bouncing experience to a totally new level. It’s been a while since the children’s toy market has seen a product that has the potential to capture the imagination of a young child as much as these recently launched HappyHopperz.

With ears and horns for little hands to grip on to and feet to steady the bounce, these wonderful loveable animals come in a variety of different styles and colours. Tactile and flexible HappyHopperz stable comprises reindeer, horses, dogs and cows all made from phthalate free PVC that can be inflated to various sizes depending on age.

As well as being great fun there’s an added bonus too. HappyHopperz will increase your child’s balance control and co-ordination, plus strengthen their core muscles.

Visit http://www.happyhopperz.co.uk to see some live, bouncy action. £21.99 + P&P

Chuckle Buddies Available from Hawkin’s Bazaar

You’ll roll around laughing!

The Chuckle Buddy has soft, tactile fur and a wide-eyed cuteness that belies the fact that he is a plush toy with a difference – he lies in wait to spot your presence with his clever movement sensor, and then begins a display of merriment that will induce anyone watching to join in with a smile and a chuckle of their own. He rolls from side to side, chortling loudly – a great curiosity and source of fun. Two designs are available, a cute and cuddly spaniel or a cheeky, mischievous monkey.

Chuckle Buddy Dog – £14.99

Chuckle Buddy Dog

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Chuckle Buddy Monkey – £14.99

Chuckle Buddy Monkey

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Remember that if you order over £50 worth of goods online, you get free UK Delivery at Hawkin’s Bazaar.