The shops are overflowing with a fabulous selection of boys toys this year, many of which are based on popular films and TV shows. From the ubiquitous Star Wars to 2010’s smash hit Toy Story 3, boys have been well catered for by the film tie-in market this Christmas.
The Best Toys for Boys
The following list, which is in random order, is based on current market trends, and includes recommended retail prices. The list is based on research done by the Toy Retailers Association, who survey toy shops in the UK and Ireland to produce their extensive ‘Dream Toys’ prediction lists.
Hot Wheels: Dr Bones Colour Lab
Manufactured by: Mattel, RRP £39.99
Hot wheels cars are as popular as ever with boys, and with the Dr Bones Lab set they will actually change colour when they get dunked in water. Different colours for warm/cold water equals hours of fun for car crazy kids.
Lego Star Wars: Hoth Wampa Cave
Manufactured by: Lego UK, RRP £39.99
Remember that bit in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke goes scouting on the ice planet of Hoth and gets caught by the giant Wampa creature? He gets hung upside down from the ice, remember, and has to use the force to get to his lightsaber. Well, now you can recreate this exciting scene in Lego. How cool is that!
Ben 10: Ben’s Mark 10 Car
Manufactured by: Bandai UK, RRP £29.99
This is a really awesome looking car which boys are bound to love. It’s a basic push along car, but it has four different battle modes, so it can be converted, for instance, to a submarine or a jet car, depending on the game being played.
Toy Story 3: Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear
Manufactured by: Mattel UK, RRP £39.99
The original and best Buzz Lightyear toy, re-launched for the third Toy Story film.
Toy Story 3: Andy’s Toy Collection – Sheriff Woody
Manufactured by: Vivid, RRP £39.99
This newest version of Woody has 50 different phrases to say when you pull the string on his back, and he will also recognise if he’s being spoken to loudly or softly and respond accordingly.
Doctor Who: Eleventh Doctor Sonic Screwdriver
Manufactured by: Character Options, RRP £14.99
The latest version of the Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is bigger and better than ever, for all budding young timelords.
Star Wars: Clone Wars General Grievous Spinning Electronic Lightsaber
Manufactured by: Hasbro, RRP £34.99
A super cool double bladed lightsaber, with lights and sounds. This lightsaber will also come apart, and can be played with as separate swords for two handed action.
Halo: UNSC Arctic Rocket Warthog
Manufactured by: MEGA Bloks, RRP £19.99
MEGA Bloks has a massive range of Halo toys – based on the popular sci-fi video game – of which the Warthog 4 x 4 vehicle is a definite winner.
Bakugan Maxus Dragonoid 7-in-1
Manufactured by: Spinmaster Toys UK, RRP £39.99
For Bakugan fans, the Dragonoid is the ultimate fighting champion. Built from seven pieces, which can be played with separately and then joined up to make one huge monster.
Zhu Zhu Pets: Kung Zhu Battle Arena
Manufactured by: Character Options, RRP £29.99
The supremely popular Zhu Zhu Pets have a boyish off-shoot with the Kung Zhu Hamsters. This battle arena can be attached to other parts of the kung zhu world, to allow amazing fights to take place between battling toy hamsters.
For more information on this year's most wanted toys for children of all ages, and to see what’s been popular in years gone by, you can always check out the Toy Retailers Association website.
Michelle Strozykowski - Michelle Strozykowski lives in a small brewing town smack bang in the middle of England. She loves films, especially arty European ones ...
