Amongst the slime, sand, unicorns, pugs, there were some gems at this year’s London Toy Festival. The week-long mega toy fest that determines a lot of how the £3.4bn ($4.7bn) industry will fair in 2018 and (somewhat) in 2019. Fewer STEM and STEAM toys than I expected but they were there. The gender divide is still well and truly alive and well (although mainly perpetuated by demo-ers and stereotypical imagery in the main). Amongst the licensed toys (look out for new Turtles, Incredibles…everywhere and Nickelodeon properties to be particularly strong although most were under NDA so…no pics), here are the best things I saw walking around that kids (and big kids) will be parents and Santa asking for this year.
Create an Escape Room in your own home
Riddles, puzzles and other activities await 1-4 players in ‘Exit: The Sunken Treasure’. Set in a nautical theme, the game is set on the Santas Maria…but something goes wrong. Will you answer correctly and escape a watery grave? Great fun and a nice price point for everything you get inside the box.
Tell stories on the wall using your mobile phone.
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The Moonlite Starter Pack comes with two stories with plenty of other well-known (and lesser-known titles) to choose from to start a collection. Great gift for something a little different. Works with most Android and iOS devices and best of all no batteries required…except your phone’s. Smart idea, well executed.
The little robot that inspires hearts and minds
An impressive little unit that is a great introduction to coding and robotics. There is no screen and no tablets or smartphone apps – Botley just works and helps young people understand coding and logic. Program Botley to move forward, turn, detect objects and much more, this is a toy that will keep young minds engaged and charged. Great customization options and tons of accessories to extend play and learning. Money well spent.
Pictionary with cats? Shut up and take my money.
Whether playing as individuals or in teams, if you get past stroking the packaging, The Cat Game is literally the most fun your imagination can have. Pick a card from a CATegory, draw what it says and see if players can guess the answer! They say ‘Go Fur It’ and I believe people will.
The only robots I saw that really delivered on what it said on the tin
Soccerborg, two robots battle to score a goal (or generally harass each other) but either way it’s a lot of fun and is very addictive. Each Soccerborg pack comes with two robots, four bumpers, two balls, two remote controls, two goals and 1 sticker pack to design your robots. Referee not included.
A new take on the railway set space and magnets!
Magformers unveiled its new mono-rail SkyTrack sets at London Toy Fair. Coming in 44-piece or 64-piece versions, the little spacecraft flipped, spun, went vertical, upside down and balanced with different clip-in accessories. Fun and helps young people learn building skills. Impressive quality considering the price.
The bike that makes petrolheads jealous
Drifting is a thing I learned about today and there’s a serious bit of kit coming for those that need some speed from Razor. From the makers that brought Crazy Cart to the world, the Drift Rider gets 12mph (19 km/h) and offers up to 40 minutes of continuous use. The key point? This puppy is going to fly off the shelves (and around corners).
If you want to raise an architect grab an Arckit
Designed in Ireland, the new ArckitPLAY range offers four new products; Cityscape, and TinyTown 01, 02, and 03. Each is beautiful, intricate and helps develop spatial awareness as young minds decide where to place skyscrapers, highways, bridges, stadiums and parks. Originally Kickstarted in 2017, expect more versions later this year too. Stunning product.
This toy sucks but it doesn’t suck.
Why not get some brand loyalty going early? The Casdon Dyson Cord-Free Vacuum Toy is a good replica of the original from Dyson. The working sucking and (simulated!) cyclone action will help put the fun into housework. While the unit isn’t meant for serious cleaning it will pick up various elements with the numerous accessories it comes with. Epic.
If there is a magnet building block set that’s cuter than this I want to see it.
Magnetic Octahedrons, ½ tetrahedrons, and full tetrahedron shapes make up the TRIDO sets and allow for a lot more options than you think. Perfect for young minds and (ahem) older minds these will bring out the creative being in anyone whether at home, on a desk or at an office away day (just saying).
How to create the next generation of Directors, Storytellers and Animators
Possibly my favorite thing just because it’s such a simple and effective idea, this stop-capture animation toy is genius. Expect new animals (including dinosaurs!) and these handy backgrounds to hit shelves soon. Farm, Space, Castle and more will be available.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: An eggbox castle/house/store kit? Perfect for rainy or sunny days ( PAGL)…Make your own slime variations with the Ooze Laboratory ( Thames & Kosmos) Putty your thing? Get the Holographic Thinking Putty ‘Mixed by Me Kit’ and make whatever combination you like.
Date: Jan 23, 2018