Tuesday 1 December 2015

Popular Toys for Christmas 2015

Christmas 2015
With 2015, fast running out, we are heading towards Christmas and that difficult time of the year, for parents trying to figure out, what present to buy for their kids. So what toys are currently the most popular with kids across the globe? That is quite a difficult question to answer as the trends differ from continent to continent. I will be focusing on North American and European toy trends.

So what are the main themes for the 2015 Holiday Season?
Well with the release of the Star Wars Episode VII, you can be sure that it will feature on some of the top 10 lists on both sides of the Atlantic.








Here is my latest list of popular toys for Christmas 2015 based on the likes of the kids of the USA and Canada!

(Read further down to see what is trending in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.)

United States and Canada

Number 1 - View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack


The 70's and 80's classic is back, but now as a 21st century Virtual Reality toy. This View Master will definitely feature on the Santa list for most kids! From the supplier " This kid-friendly device will surround you with stunning 360-degree environments so you feel as if you are really there!
Download one of the View-Master VR apps, slide your smartphone into the viewer, look at the Preview Reel and simply click the lever to launch yourself into 360-degree immersing experiences!
The Preview Reel included with the View-Master VR Starter Pack allows you to demo available apps so you can try all Experience Packs"

Read More ...
The View Master Virtual Reality set is definitely going to be a winner this Christmas.

Number 2 - New Nintendo 3DS XL - Black

This is the latest portable gaming device from Nintendo. It has already turned some heads and is a very good gift idea for kids from  7 years and older. The product description is as follows, just wet your appetite for this little beauty." The New Nintendo 3DS XL system combines next-generation portable gaming with super-stable 3D technology and added control features. Take 3D photos, connect with friends, and enhance your gaming experiences with added amiibo support. The New Nintendo 3DS XL system plays all Nintendo DS games. Nintendo DS games will not appear in 3D. AC Adaptor sold separately. New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adaptor as Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS and 2DS. 3D Mode recommended for Ages 7+."

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This item is currently running a close second!

Number 3 - Fisher-Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex

What a great toy! This is not just a small T-Rex, this is a huge T-Rex that will take over your living room and keep those young ones busy for hours. Be prepared for huge prehistoric party! This is a fantastic toy for any toddler! This toy is recommended for ages 3 to 8 years.

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Number 4 - Snap Circuits Lights Electronics Discovery Kit


See what your music can do to this set.
From the manufacturers: "Watch and be amazed at what your music can do with the new Snap Circuits Lights. Connect your iPod or any MP3 player and enjoy your music as the lights change to the beat. Features: Infrared Detector, Strobe Light, Color Changing LED, Lighted and Glow-in-the-Dark Fans, Strobe integrated circuit (IC), Fiber Optic communication, Color organ controlled by iPod or other MP3 player, voice or finger."

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Number 5 - Miposaur


What a great toy is the Miposaur! This robotic dinosaur can be  controlled by hand gestures, his track ball or with an Android or Apple App.
The manufacturers explain the features of this top toy as follows: "The intelligent robot dinosaur that responds to you! Whether it’s with your hands, his TrackBall, or with an app, Miposaur is smart enough to take on your every command- and mischievous enough not to!"



Read More ...

Number 6 - LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack - Xbox One


Another great concept from Lego. Get the latest game pack which combines all the favorite Lego characters to battle in environments outside their own. This is currently trending very high on the Santa wishlist! This starter pack is available in all your favorite game formats including Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo WiiU, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Further description from the manufacturers: "

  • LEGO characters from a mix of some of the best brands in the universe join forces and battle in worlds outside of their own. A Dark Knight, a Wizard, and a LEGO Master Builder traveling together down the Yellow Brick Road is just the beginning.
  • By purchasing additional expansion packs, players can grow their collection with a variety of their favorite brands to create even more crazy combinations.
  • Bring up to seven , vehicles and/or gadgets into the game all at once by dropping them on the LEGO Toy Pad for the most exciting and action-filled game around.
  • Players can let imagination guide their solo journey or have a friend join the adventure with co-operative, drop-in/drop-out play.
  • LEGO Dimensions is a system of play that offers continued compatibility - everything bought today or expanded with tomorrow will continue to work."


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Number 7 - Real FX Racing: Slotless Racetrack System

Real FX is a brand new concept. It is the best combination - video game, slot car racing and remote control all combined into one fantastic game. No lanes or slots required. It is as realistic as driving a real car. This is a very much different concept than the ever popular Scalectrix. This set has had rave reviews and is definate winner when it comes to getting something for your boy!



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Number 8 - LEGO Star Wars 75111 Darth Vader Building Kit
&
Number 8 - LEGO Star Wars 75110 Luke Skywalker Building Kit


Darth Vader
Luke Skywalker
What more can I say! Build these legendary characters and re-fight the final battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in Episode VI, Return of the Jedi.
These sets are quite popular this season with Episode VII being released shortly! Your kids will love these!



Read More ...


Number 9 - Mega Bloks Call of Duty Strike Fighter Building Set

The popular video game series Call of Duty has hit the building blocks arena, with Mega Bloks releasing a COD range of sets. So if your older boy is a COD fan then these building sets will be quite a winner.If he likes Lego as well you can be sure this set will be the right gift. I really liked the idea, although I am not personally a big fan of violent games. COD is however so popular that it was definitely a no brainer for Mega Bloks to climb on the band wagon.


From the manufacturer:
"Build the Call of Duty Strike Fighter collector construction set by Mega Bloks. Designed to hover, take off, and land vertically, VTOLs, or Vertical Take-Off Landing Aircraft are used to deliver heavy missile strikes with speed and agility. Ready to bring the fight to the enemy, this fan-requested aircraft features a high level of detail, with retractable landing system with rubber wheels, cockpit with sliding door, and storage compartment that opens. Armed with missiles for a deadly strike, the VTOL comes with three mission-ready, super-poseable micro action figures, including a pilot, technician and heavily armed soldier. Gear your team using the interchangeable weapons and accessories and prepare the VTOL for a lethal airborne attack."

Important - Not for very small children - small pieces - choking hazard.

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Number 10 - Chroma Flight-Ready Drone with 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal for GoPro Hero4 and Spektrum DX4 DSMX 2.4GHz Transmitter

Fancy owning a drone that you can use with your GoPro? The Chroma Drone is then defintely something you might be interested in. This Drone can only be shippped within the United States.

Shoot smooth, steady aerial video with your GoPro camera. The camera is not included with the drone. It is easy to fly. You really don't need any experience. The drone has 30 minute fight time after a good charge. It is designed with a Smart Mode for beginner pilots. For Ages 14 and up.


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Number 11 - Pie Face Game

This game is lots of fun and great for family times together! Top seller in Board Games.
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Number 12 - Cards Against Humanity

This is a great card game for ages 17 and up. This is the top seller this year. From the manufacturer:
"Cards Against Humanity is a party game for horrible people. Unlike most of the party games you've played before, Cards Against Humanity is as despicable and awkward as you and your friends. The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a Black Card, and everyone else answers with their funniest White Card. "


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Number 13 - Star Wars Loopin' Chewie Game

This is currently quite a popular toy in the pre-kindergarten age group. The toy work as follows, as per the manufacturer "This Star Wars Loopin' Chewie game can be lots of out-of-this-world fun! Chewbacca is flying in the Millennium Falcon and is on a mission to take all of the Stormtroopers down. Players try to save their Stormtroopers from his reach by flipping him out of the way and trying to get him to take down their opponents' Stormtroopers."
I really like the idea and it seems the kids like it as well!
Not for very small kids due to small parts - choking hazard.
Read More ...


Number 14 -  Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage Playset

What more can I say about Hot Wheels. Year after year Hot Wheels is somewhere in Santa's list of wanted gifts. The Ultimate Garage Playset is no exception to this yearly rule. Your boy will be extremely happy if Santa leaves this set under your tree on Christmas Eve.

Read More ...

More toys to follow on the USA list.

United Kingdom list (similar for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa)
In the meantime here is the list from the United Kingdom as per the latest press release from the oldest toy shop in the world, Hamleys.
Rank
Toy
Description
1

Thunderbirds here we come. This toy combines the old classic sequences from the 60’s story with 21st century technology, creating a super toys that will be a popular gift for any boy or girl that likes the story and technology. There are over 40 rescue and action sounds. From the manufacturer:
“Tracy Island is packed with over 40 action and rescue sounds so you really feel part of the team! Flick the switch and the palm trees will move back to make way for Thunderbird 2, Thunderbird 1 and 3 can also launch automatically and are accompanied with lights and rocket noises. The movable pool is included and you can even do some experiments in Brain's Laboratory. The Tracy Island set is a dream-come-true for Thunderbird fans!”




2

This remote controlled skating Elsa is quite enchanting. See her skating while singing the hit single ‘Let it go’. This will make any young girls heart skip a beat.


United States Reviews

3

This interactive Robot has been quite popular since it has been released. It has to be connected to the internet via an Apple or Android device.

The description from the manufacturer describes the functionality as follows:
“i-Que is an interactive, intelligent robot! He has a wicked sense of humour, with lots of jokes and some cheeky sound effects! Watch him move as he thinks and speaks. Play games, see if you can match his 'i-Que' by doing his quizzes, or ask him questions about pretty much anything. i-Que has internet safe search filters and by using speech-to-text technology he can understand almost anything you say. (Needs iOS or Android smart device with internet connection.)




4

The description from the manufacturer describes this toy in the best possible way.

“Clever Keet is your feathered friend whos just like a real bird only smarter
Give him a name, pet him and watch him come to life - he talk, sings, dances and swings
He will repsond to your voice. Teach him to speak - he will mix up your words! You can even ask him questions and he will respond
With playground providing various areas for your clever keet to play, sit and swing him on the perch
Includes adoption certificate.”



5

Play ring-a-ring-a-roses with Rose when holding both her hands. This toy is suitable for children from 18 months upwards.




6

Creativity Stimulator!
Great toy to keep kids busy for hours. Kinetic Sand just feel great between your fingers. Make your ideal sand castle, create all kinds of magic designs. Hours of fun – beware you might end up playing with this instead of your child!
Not for very small children. Ideal age is between 6 and 11 years.



7

Creativity toy. Triggers great creativity and imagination within kids. This is a very good toy with a hidden educational agenda!
This will probably be very popular with ages 6 and up!


United States Reviews

8

This bear is just absolutely great!
It interfaces with an iOS and Android application that is used to capture information about your child. The bear will then interact with your child using this “hidden information”. This is a great concept and is impressing the socks of the little ones!!!


United States Reviews


9

Shopkins are small characters living in a big shopping world. Collect them all.  This toy is recommended for ages 3 to 5. It has been very popular with young girls.










10

This is the latest LeapPad from Leapfrog. It is the ultimate educational toy and has been very well received internationally.
Specifications as per manufacturer:
7 inch hi-res multi-touch capacitive screen, 1024 x 600 resolution
Powerful quad-core processor
8 GB memory
Wi-Fi and kid-safe web with LeapSearch
5+ hours rechargeable battery
Two cameras and video recorders
Includes 10 apps plus six LeapFrog Imagicards and mini game



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1 comment:

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