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National
David Morton

The top 40 retro toys lying forgotten in North East homes - according to survey

Millions of forgotten toys – including Barbie, LEGO and Hot Wheels – are lying stashed in North East homes, according to a new survey.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed they each have an average of 17 toys and play things hidden away, with 67% planning to pass on their old toys to their children or grandchildren. Popular items safely stored include the likes of Rubik’s Cubes, Game Boys, Etch A Sketch, Fisher Price telephones, and Weebles.

More than half of those who have kept their treasured toys since childhood have done so because they hold special memories for them, with 82% believing their children or grandchildren will also get enjoyment from them.

READ MORE: Tyneside 70 years ago: 10 photographs from around our region in 1953

The research was commissioned by early years childcare provider, Busy Bees, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It was aimed at finding out how toys and the way children play with them have changed since their first nursery was established in 1983.

Marg Randles, co-founder of Busy Bees, said: “It is heart-warming to learn that so many people from the North East have saved their precious childhood toys in order to pass them down through the generations. It really is a reminder that while toys may have changed over the years, the pleasure they provide and the important role they play in a child’s development remains the same. Over the last 40 years, there have been huge changes in toys and the patterns of play – from the characters and materials used, to the introduction of technology."

A little girl with her Barbie doll set in 1997 (Daily Record)

More than half have managed to keep their toys in good condition, while 33% think they could be sitting on a tidy sum of money, estimating their collection could be worth an average of £313. However, 31% admitted they loved their old toys so much they had no intention of selling. The poll was carried out for Busy Bees by OnePoll.

THE TOP 40 RETRO TOYS STASHED AWAY IN NORTH EAST HOMES

1. Barbie

2. LEGO

3. Hot Wheels

4. G.I. Joe

5. Suzy Homemaker

6. Fisher Price telephone

7. Lite-Brite

8. Slinky

9. Rubik’s Cube

10. Nerf Ball

11. Fisher Price record player

12. Sylvanian Family

13. My Little Pony

14. Etch A Sketch

15. Fisher Price Little People

16. Game Boy

17. Weebles

18. He-Man action figure

19. Beanie Babies

20. SEGA

21. Troll Doll

22. Mr. Potato Head

23. Barbie’s Dream House

24. Care Bear

25. Tonka Truck

26. Star Wars action figures

27. Transformers

28. Playmobil

29. Simon

30. Chatter Telephone

31. Polly Pocket

32. Cabbage Patch Kids

33. Chatty Cathy

34. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures

35. Easy-Bake Oven

36. Flatsy Doll

37. Teddy Ruxpin

38. Speak & Spell

39. See ‘n Say

40. Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine

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