The Toy Retailers Association have chosen a Christmas 'Dream Toys List' for pre-schoolers. As the festive season draws ever closer, the TRA is still the only official site for accurate predictions of bestsellers. Their findings are drawn from an extensive list of member resources, including High Street shops such as Toys R Us and the Early Learning Centre.
The TRA picked 12 toys, which were announced in no particular order. For the sake of clarity, this article draws from their findings, but has limited the list to the 10 most affordable toys for pre-schoolers. However, additional comments and information, such as pricing, is all independently researched.
Top Ten Pre School Toys
10 reasonably priced toys that young children will adore.
1. Mr Tickle Stretch and Giggle
The new Mr Men Show on TV has revived Roger Hargreaves brightly coloured, lovable characters. Everyones favourite Mr Tickle is now available as an hilarious interactive toy from Fisher Price. He tickles, giggles, shakes, sings and speaks several phrases. Available for about £30.
2. Take Along Thomas Morgan's Mine Electronic Playset
Thomas the Tank Engine is always very popular, and this wonderful playset is bound to be a big hit this year. Reasonably priced at around £30.
3. Leapfrog Tag Reading System
Available for around £30 - £40, the Tag reading system is a revolutionary educational toy, which brings books to life with a touch and talk pen shaped device.
4. Kiddizoom Multimedia Digital Camera
This durable, easy to handle camera can be used for taking pictures and videos and for playing games on. It comes with some basic games built in and creative workshop software for editing pictures. Costs about £50.
5. Roary the Racing Car Silver Hatch Workshop Playset
A great toy for encouraging imaginative play, and storing lots of cars, although it only actually comes with two vehicles – Roary and Hellie. This makes it slightly pricey at the top end of the market, so the best advice for Roary fans is to look out for a bargain, like the 3 for 2 offers at Woolworths and Boots. Costs anywhere between £30 - £50.
6. Peppa Pig's Spaceship
Adorable little Peppa Pig has her own spaceship with fun lights and sounds. From around £20 - £30.
7. In the Night Garden Upsy Daisy and her Chase and Play Bed
Upsy Daisy from In the Night Garden just loves her bed. It rocks her gently to sleep, then when she wakes up it scoots off and she chases it around. Can cost anything up to £40, but currently Toys R Us has a good offer on at £24.99.
8. Dance with Me Teletubby
Dance along with Po, La La, Tinky Winky or Dipsy, or play musical statues. Available for around £30 - £35.
9. Bob the Builder Interactive Construction Site Playset
A smashing electronic playset that recognises all Bob's different vehicles and responds with appropriate sounds and phrases. Great role-playing fun for around £50.
10. Playmobil Recycling Truck
A brilliant big truck for pre-schoolers obsessed with bin lorries, as many of them are. Costs around £20 - £30.
Other Most Wanted Pre-school Toys
The other two toys chosen by the TRA were the rather lovable but incredibly expensive Kota the Triceratops from Playskool, and the wonderful all singing, all dancing Elmo Live from Mattel. Kota retails at upwards of £200. (With many shops it's nearer £300). Elmo comes in a little cheaper at between £50 and £60. There's also great demand this year for the Fisher Price Grow with Me Kitchen and, as always, ride-on toys and trikes are very popular for toddlers.
Looks like Santa's going to be very busy!
Further reading: For older children, please check out Best Toys for Boys and Most Wanted Christmas Toys for Girls too.
Sources: Thanks to the Toy Retailers Association for kind permission to quote information from their website.
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