3 Aug 2012
Hong Kong toy star is Christmas favourite
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| Hot list. (Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/rapideye) |
Comprising the company's most exciting new toys, this year's list has been bumped up to 13 from 12 to accommodate both Hong Kong's VTech InnoTab 2 and US producer LeapFrog's LeapPad.
Designed to imitate grown-up tablets and boost learning, both models have already proven to be big hits with tech-savvy four-to-nine year-olds.
The touch-screen computers give children access to games, e-books, animation studios and photography.
Technology is a theme that runs through this year's list, with an interactive doll and robotic bug making the top 13 - as well as a play set inspired by online gaming craze, Moshi Monsters, and a board game version of popular app, Words With Friends.
It also sees the return of the 1990s must-have interactive pet, Hasbro's Furby, this time re-mastered with the latest technology.
The Entertainer's Buying Director, Stuart Grant, said: "interactive toys are very exciting for youngsters and stimulate their senses and imagination. They pick up new technology in a flash and love getting their hands on the grown-up gadgets."
"Parents have cottoned on to the idea that they can use their children's appetite for technology to boost their learning, which is what makes the tablets so popular."
Traditionalists won't be disappointed with the rest of the toys expected to empty shelves in the UK this year.
Classic brands Crayola, Nerf and Lego are featured, as are products inspired by kids' favourites Spider-Man and Ben 10.
Monsuno, a new battle game that's set to become the latest collectible trend, also made the list.
Grant said: "blockbuster films have really inspired some of our choices this year. Spider-Man is eternally popular, but there's a real buzz around the latest film and the merchandise is especially good, plus the Lord of the Rings Lego is fantastic."
The Entertainer's top 13 toys list for Christmas 2012 in full:
VTech InnoTab (US$133.4)
LeapFrog LeapPad (US$141.2)
Moshi Monsters My Moshi Home (US$62.7)
Lalaloopsy Interactive Doll (US$94.1)
Furby (US$94.1)
Crayola Glow Book (US$43.9)
Lego The Lord of the Rings The Battle of Helm's Deep 9474 (US$156.9)
Hexbug Nano Hive Play Set (US$39.2)
The Amazing Spider-Man Dual Web Blaster (US$36.1)
Nerf Elite Hail-Fire (US$70.6)
Monsuno Core (US$14.1)
Words With Friends (US$31.4)
Ben 10 Omniverse Omnitrix Touch (US$39.2)
from Martin Evans, London Office
| Contact: |
| Company | Tel/Fax/Email/Web |
| Crayola |
Tel: (1) 610-253-6271 Fax: (1) 610-250-5768 Web: http://www.crayola.com |
| Hasbro | Tel: (44) 208-569-1234 Web: http://www.hasbro.com |
| LeapFrog | Tel: (1) 510-596-3333 Email: press@leapfrog.com Web: http://www.leapfrog.com |
| Lego | Tel: (44) 1753-495-000 Fax: (44) 1753-495-375 Web: http://www.lego.com |
| The Entertainer | Email: customerservice@thetoyshop.com Web: http://www.thetoyshop.com |
| VTech | Web: http://www.vtechkids.com |
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