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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Rebecca Smithers

Best toys for 2011 - in pictures

Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - Hogwarts Castle
Hogwarts Castle
Manufacturer: Lego
RRP: £102.99

This is Lego at its - relatively - most sophisticated, and something in danger of being hijacked by the adults in the household. Hardly a snip at £102.99, but was changing hands for considerably more than that on eBay in areas where it sold out before Christmas. Interchangeable with other Lego sets but watch out for Harry and Hermione rolling out of sight under the sofa. A new range of ‘Ninjago’ lego is also tipped to be a top seller this year
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - squinkies
Squinkies
Manufacturer: Character Options
RRP:£9.99

Essentially just pencil tops (along the lines of the plastic trolls of the 70s) but the latest ‘must have’ collected by little girls and poised to be this year’s equivalent of Zhu Zhu Pets. Themed collections such as ponies, babies, friends, pets, and puppies are on sale, while there are even fun little accessories to collect such as jewellery and hats (but again, watch out for them disappearing under the sofa)
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - zoobles
Zoobles
Manufacturer: Spin Master
RRP: £9.99

Is it a mouse or is it a strange little animal with exceptionally large ears? Zoobles are a little creatures from the island of Zooble which have the power to hide and reveal themselves and are proving popular with both boys and girls. They live in their own Happitat and are quickly becoming collectible items which are also available in a number of different playsets
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - Harumika mannequin set
Harumika Lucia Mannequin Set
Manufacturer: Bandai
RRP: £20

A new girls’ fashion concept which allows youngsters to create and shape clothing on miniature mannequins, out of any type of fabric - with no sewing, glue or even scissors even needed. Each set contains two mannequins and a variety of fabrics and accessories including stickers, flowers and ribbons... A new ‘bridal’ set will be launched in July - sadly after Kate and Wills have tied the knot. And at the Toy Fair designer Anna Chong created Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress on one of the mannequins, using three slices of parma ham. Don’t do this at home girls , but if you really have to ...
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - Agent's headquarters
Agent’s Headquarters
Manufacturer: Playmobil
RRP: £69.99

Available from April, boys can battle against world domination by evil robots in the Secret Agents range. Essential for every trainee spy in short trousers, the Secret Agent's Headquarters has a living room wall that moves to reveal a world map detailing crimes happening around the globe. The evil Robo-Gang even has an SUV, which can be controlled remotely, to ensure swift get-aways around every difficult corner
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - Tune up speedy
Tune Up Speedy
Manufacturer: Leapfrog
RRP: £19.99

For toddlers and pre-school infants (and ideal for 18 months - 3 years-old) the Tune Up Speedy is a plastic car that can help youngsters learn about shapes, counting and more. The vehicle will help them to tune up their motor skills and fire up their imaginations. There is even a version which comes in eco-friendly packaging
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - Five second rule
Five Second Rule
Manufacturer: University Games
RRP: £19.99

The US manufacturer University Games has been boosting its family games portfolio, this year launching a major new game called Five Second Rule. The game, launched in the US last year, and was nominated for US Toy Of The Year 2011. A fast-paced game that requires players to think on their feet, answering questions within the pressure of five seconds
Photograph: PR
Olympia toy fair: Olympia toy fair - Half Moon Bay
Not offically one of the best new toys, but - hey - we liked them anyway as a welcome distraction from the acres of plastic. Half Moon Bay - a first-time exhibitor at the Toy Fair - produces a range of toys and gifts, from inexpensive keyrings and mugs to shoulder bags and lunchboxes featuring retro images such as Superman and Wonder Woman and, more up to date, Where’s Wally? It has also teamed up with Visit Britain to produce some very stylish giftware featuring iconic images such as London’s red buses and black taxis Photograph: PR
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