The Toy Detectives

59th International Toy Fair at Olympia London Starts Today

2012-01-24T01:00:00.001Z

The 59th International Toy opens to the trade on Tuesday 24th January 2012 in the Olympia Exhibition Centre in West Kensington, London. The event continues until Thursday and, as for the most of the past decade, The Toy Detective will be there in the flesh.

In previous years, I've attended as a buyer for an audacious (but now defunct) children's department store and, of course, on behalf of the world's only Toy Detective Agency.

Alas, in my more recent capacity I've elected to visit the show incognito; or in other words: hatless.

To-day I shall egregiously break the convention that makes a gentleman remove his hat whilst indoors. Yes, no detective work required, you'll be able to find an identify The Toy Detective by witnessing an I.C. [whatever] male wearing navy trilby (and all the other garments I feel necessary to keep me decent).

Some of you, with a more modern sense of dress and (dare I say: fashion) may only see an almost black fedora upon my head; but never-the-less do say hello.

For the public at large, the international Toy Fair is a trade only event, that is mainly attended by buyers (decision-makers within chains of stores that choose which products a shop is going to sell), press and other industry insiders. However, you needn't miss out because The Toy Detectives (and many others) will report the highlights from the show so that you'll have a few clues as to what children want and what you might be spending your money on in 2012 - the year of the dragon.

Lego Christmas Tree at St Pancras International Train Station

2011-11-25T17:03:00.001Z

Big smiles and lots of flash photography are often witnessed at St Pancras International train station. Most typically brought about by happy homecomings, bon voyages [sic] and by the occasional trainspotter. However, this week the arrival of a Christmas tree brought delight to the many thousands of people that pass through this unique portal to the continent.

Why would this particular Christmas tree rouse the interest of The Toy Detective? It's made of 600,000 LEGO bricks.

The 40 foot tall tree (comprising of 172 branches), all 1,200 baubles and even the star were made entirely of LEGO by a one-of-kind British construction company: Bright Bricks, with skilled labour also provided by the children of Edith Neville Primay School (Camden), Copenhagen Primary School (Islington) and the Harpenden Explorer Scouts.

Like scores of others, I stopped to take some pictures:

You'll find the LEGO Christmas tree on the shopping parade (which has a small Hamley's toy shop) beneath the Eurostar platforms, until the 3rd of January 2012.

Informer: Toy News Online

Not the Official Top Toy List for Christmas 2011

2011-11-01T15:48:00.002Z

Many toy industry organisations, retailers and manufacturers publish top Christmas toys lists. Rather than adding to the marketing hype and speculation, I usually keep my own Most Wanted predictions under my hat (usually a trilby).

However, in the last days of September I was asked for what I thought would be the top toys of 2011 by someone within the the industry. I hastily pick a few notable products that had been keeping The Toy Detective Agency busy in recent weeks. Below is an edited version of my email reply, which is no way our final verdict but merely a list suspects that parents may wish to apprehend as quickly as possibly if they are among their children's most wanted:

Octonauts Octopod Playset (£34.99)

Mattel brought this toy (based on both a series of books and BBC TV shows) to market in the UK a month earlier than planned, due an "unprecedented" level of demand expressed by parents. It's good to see Mattel respond, hopefully they will be brave enough to produce a large volume of units so that Santa does not disappoint. Otherwise this will be toy creating early morning queues outside toy shops. Australian parents have been buying Octonauts toys from private UK individuals at high prices.

LeapPad Explorer (£79.99)

LeapFrog vs. VTech is a lot more exciting than Apple iPad vs. every-other tablet computer to yours truly. I think LeapPad will be the number once choice among parents due to its makers good reputation with making reading-based electronic learning aids, its ability to encourage handwriting practise and also because existing Leapster Explorer software cartridges are compatible with this new device.

InnoTab (£79.99)

However, VTech's rival offering has its own advantages. An SD memory slot will make adding content extremely easy. With the built MP3 play, audiobooks could be loaded on the InnoTab for long journeys, or even homemade content by a parent could be added.

Moshi Monsters Tree House Playset (£20)

While Moshi Monsters soft toys will be high on Christmas wish lists, lots of pocket money will have all ready been spent on collecting the little plastic figurines; this is the perfect toy to extend their play.

VTech Kiddizoom Twist (£49.99)

Digital cameras continue to be popular with children too young to given a mobile telephone handset. VTech will continue to do well with this type of device.

Cars 2 Siddeley Spy Jet (£19.99)

Mattel and retailers want us to believe that Fully Loaded Finn McMissile is the most wanted Cars 2 toy. However, the die-cast cars are already in children's collections, so this plastic plane will immediately help re-create an exciting movie scene. Siddeley Spy Jet will be one o the individual products from the array of Cars 2 toys that will quickly sell this Christmas.

Emotion Pets Toffee the Pony (£59.99)

We all want to join the pony set and this battery-operated soft toy will make that dream a little closer to reality. UK store-buyers will probably order more of its rabbit stablemate Milky the Bunny as it a more attractive piece of plush, however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Doggie Doo (£22.99)

There nearly always an action board game for young children that becomes a run-away success. Doggie Doo seems to be an instant funny bone tickler for its target audience. Not fickle humour, rather faecal-humour; apologies if you're looking forward to a meal.

Bop It XT (£26.99)

A frequent visitor to top toy lists over the years. Mainly because it's nice to give a toy to someone who thinks they have outgrown playing with them.

Zoobles Mama & Zoobling Nurturing Play Set (£24.99)

The Zoobles range has proved to be a popular new collectible among girls, so a desirable residence that is out of reach for most children's pocket money is bound to be mentioned in letters to Father Christmas.

LEGO Ninjago Turbo Shredder (£28.99)

All LEGO has play value and will sell to someone, however, I've picked the Ninjago line based on the number of queries I receive at my Toy Detective Agency. The Turbo Shredder is a vehicle with caterpillar tracks and includes ninja minifigures; need I explain more?

Lalaloopsy Large Dolls (26.99)

I adored the original incarnation of these dolls which are the perfect antidote to decades of over-the-top made-up and adorned to perfection fashion dolls. A favourite doll amongst this range would be cherished and the inclusion of a pet means a lot of play will come from just one box.

Nerf Vortex Praxis (£24.99)

Nerf guns continue to appeal to a menacing side of both children and adults alike. Praxis is my choice because, with a removable shoulder stack, it can be used like a sniper's rifle or a hand gun; there's also no need for batteries and it is pump-powered. The Vortex range has all ready enjoyed a holiday season in the USA.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set (£24.99)

A few seconds of video footage in a TV commercial will instantly make this a must have among young petrol heads. Parent will also be relieved that won't have to tread too carefully in attempt to avoid stepping on speedway in miniature.

Everything's Rosie Ring 'O' Rosie (£23)

Everything's Rosie has been a rather popular CBeebies TV show and parents have been frequently asking The Toy Detectives where they might be able to buy spin-off merchandise. During my many visits to a variety of toy shops and department stores, I notice that this range is often poorly stocked. Ring 'O' Rosie is my favourite soft toy doll from the range and seems to sell-out quickly.

Toys, such as, Let's Rock Elmo and other hyped toys will do well, however, I feel my own little musings are a better reflection of what real 3 to 5 year olds will be crossing their fingers for.

The Toy Retailers Association unveiled its own Dream Toys Dream Dozen at a press event in London last week. To view the full list visit our website: TheToyDetectives.com

Team Hot Wheels Set New World Record at the Indy 500

2011-05-30T00:07:00.005+01:00

332 ft was the new world record jump distance set at this year's Indianapolis 500 by a mystery yellow-clad driver, later revealed as Tanner Foust. The driver, who has collected three X Games Gold Medals took the Four-Wheeled Vehicle Distance Jump Record in an event promoted by Hot Wheels, the famous vehicle toy brand from the Mattel stable.

The new world record beats the previous by 31 feet, while the main event at the Brickyard, the Indianapolis 500, celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Spectators watched as a masked driver sped down a 90 ft. ramp, suspended on an enormous 100 feet tall door and then across the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A design that mimicked the Hot Wheels V-Drop track set boys have played with on their bedroom doors for years. Many of the now grown-up and previously would-be stunt co-ordinators will have suffered an increased level of anxiety, having through childhood witnessed much failure in the set-up of their own Hot Wheels stunt tracks.

"As a kid playing with Hot Wheels I could only dream of experiencing something as outrageous as a life-sized V-Drop track set, and today it became reality," said Tanner Foust. "There's a lot that goes into being on Team Hot Wheels and the training and testing leading up to the jump gave me the confidence needed to push the mechanical and mental limits of the challenge and land the world-record title."

Foust is a professional stunt driver and has also been a three-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Formula Drift champion. His professional stunt driving credits include Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, Dukes of Hazzard, Bourne Ultimatum, Iron Man 2, and the remake of Red Dawn.

Sighting of Toy Tiger is Responded with Armed Police in Southampton

2011-05-23T22:42:00.003+01:00

Members of the public in county Hampshire in the south of England thought they witnessed a white tiger lying comfortably (sphinx-style) in field near Hedge End, Southampton. Of course they called the police to alert them of a potentially dangerous animal on the loose.

The local constabulary duly scrambled the force's helicopter and dispatched their armed officers. Alas, it turns out that the tiger was a rather realistic soft toy; that only moved slightly when in range of the police helicopter's rotor-blade draught.

More and video footage via: The Daily Telegraph.

Colour-In: Mr Tickle

2011-05-09T22:26:00.005+01:00

Hats off to Roger Hargreaves, the illustrator that created the modern children's classic that is the Mr Men and Little Miss series of book.

Mr Tickle was Hargreaves' first published book and became an instant success in 1971. He penned 46 Mr Men books and 33 Little Miss titles.

Born 9th May 1935, Hargreaves died of a stroke at the age of 53 on 11th September 1988. On what would have been his 76th birthday, Google has marked the date with a special set of 16 Doodles.

My personal tribute is a little doodle of my own: Mr Tickle, for you (or anyone else) to colour-in.

Colouring-In: Here Comes the Bride

2011-05-02T17:02:00.003+01:00

As with tradition, this little sketch for colouring-in is rather late for a recent topical wedding.

April Fool's Day 2011: Toy Hoax Round-Up

2011-04-03T23:25:00.011+01:00

This year's April Fools' day brought about many toy related hoax

es, published on the internet; vindicating my decision to go on scepticism high-alert for a day.

Now that my normal level of scepticism has been restored (which is still quite sceptical), I bring you a round-up of some my favourite April Fool's Day hoaxes involving toys and the toy industry.

The Apple of Playmobil's i

Not only a great hoax but also a product that, if real, could

get children and adults alike queueing overnight to be among the first to own a Playmobil Apple Store. ThinkGeek added the mock toy to its online catalogue, complete with detailed mini-figures, store layout, packaging and a tongue-in-cheek promotional video.

Steve Jobs could be seen introducing the iPhone 4 to an audience and Steve Wozniak appears on a Segway. Everything you'd expect to see in an Apple Store can be witnessed in this highly detailed hoax. The addition of "1984" as the Playmobil product number on the box, is a particularly delicious touch.

Jet Pack to the Future

If you lacked all notion of physics or the cost of manufacturing jet engines, then you may have been taken-in by PlayPennies report of Jet Packs for children.

Make Retirement a Hoot with Micro Zimmer

The Daily Telegraph published its own Top Ten April Fool's Hoaxes, which included the Micro Zimmer by the Micro Scooter company.

With speeds of up to 10MPH and the capability of preforming basic skating stunts such as the ‘bunny hop’ and ‘ollies’ this Zimmer Frame combined with a skateboard in a product built for thrill-seeking pensioners.

A Thin Leaf of Greenery

I often wrestle with my conscious when it comes to the environment and the toy & game industry. Just think how many boards games go unused and wasted after being played merely once because of stifling, unfathomable rules? Then, of course, there's the reams of wasted paper where these rules get printed. So, some may have rejoiced at an article on The Game Aisle website, hailing the introduction of "Unruly", a game gone green because it omitted the inclusion of an instruction sheet. It also promised to be infinitely more playable as it was up to the players to decide how it was played; influenced by the fact, no doubt, that many homes have their own house rules when it comes to playing the world's most famous board games.

The Building Blocks to Bribery

With the many meetings I have suppliers, retailers, inventors and the toy-buying public, it is of the utmost importance that my clientèle and I are sufficiently feed and watered; or in many cases just well oiled. I am, of course, talking about hospitality which by the strictest interpretation may fall foul of the UK Bribery Act 2010.

So, I found myself slightly choking on my liquid lunch when Toys 'n' Playthings reported that the toy industry was one the top targets of the Ministry of Justice, when it came to routing out bribery.

Suddenly remembering that the nation's toy industry grosses a very small percentage of what the UK arms industry rakes in, allowing me to relax in the knowledge that it was highly unlikely that I was unwittingly implicated is an international web of fraud and corruption.

Toy 'n' Playthings even went on to quote a Ministry investigator named Arif Poll (an anagram of April Fool).

Police Swoop on Young Children who Picked Flowers

2011-03-15T16:29:00.003Z

The Guardian newspaper reports that two, uniformed Police constables "rushed" in a marked car to the scene of a crime.

Two sisters, aged 6 and 4 were seen picking daffodils in a park in Poole, Dorset.

Even flower picking naughtiness (which, of course, is both theft and vandalism) must be nipped in the bud. However, what has happened to park rangers and allowing parents the opportunity to explain right from wrong?

Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation

2011-03-06T18:57:00.007Z

Toy Story 3 won a Best Animated Film award at this year's Oscars and its makers, Disney Pixar, are producing a short film titled: Hawaiian Vacation. It will be shown with Cars 2; due for release on June 24.

Another Toy Story short film is planned to be released with Disney's The Muppets, which is expected to be in cinemas in late November.

Colouring-In: Make Way For Noddy

2011-01-09T17:17:00.003Z

Noddy is a childhood favourite of my own, so I was rather pleased with this little effort of drawing the Enid Blyton character.

Here's a link to a PDF version for easy printing so that it can be coloured-in.

Colouring-In: Jessie from Toy Story

2011-01-02T16:27:00.007Z

Once Christmas finally arrived, the Toy Detectives naturally took the opportunity to rest and recuperate after such an intense period of toil.

It is, however, very difficult to abandon all thoughts on one's profession; so as I relaxed with my sketch pad during the holidays, a few toy related cartoons were drawn. Including the above, my little version of Toys Story's Jessie. Do use it as a colouring-in page if you wish; here's a link to a PDF version for easy printing.

During 2010, Toy Story 3 was a bestselling movie, DVD and toy range.

A Little Help for Toy Shop Marketers

2010-11-23T23:06:00.004Z

The Toy Detectives pride themselves on their ability to provide a free service to those who use the internet. However, this means any hopes of a more lucrative income is left to solving cases brought to us by a select number of high-yield V.I.P. clients, whom we deal with in person; with, of course, the utmost discretion.

So, as way of keeping the drinks cabinet sufficiently stocked I now offer my services in the field of poster design. I plan to offer a bespoke printed advertising material design service to the toy retail trade at reasonable rates.

To whet your appetites my entire portfolio of eye-catching designs now follows:

Elusive Exclusive: Giving-Up on Own Brand

2010-11-22T08:03:00.001Z

I'll avoid stating the obvious that buying quickly will help avoid disappointment on this year's most wanted Christmas gifts. However, whilst we always expect toy shortages due to popular demand of particular brands and characters, this year there will be some considerable shortages on "own brand" toys.

Own brand is the term used to describe products with a shop's name on it, or a name that the retail company has made-up, or that is in some other way is "exclusive" to one chain of shops.

Earlier this year there was some major flooding in parts of China where many toy manufacturers are based. Also, some retailers are still ordering toys cautiously; failing to fill their stores and warehouses with toys during the high-summer in preparation for Christmas.

The Toy Detective Agency is, as always, here to help in anyway it can; and in the case of hard to find own brand products, we will be recommending alternatives by other firms rather than scouring the country for elusive imports.

"Why?", I hear you ask, because if looks like own brand goods are not going to be pushed out of the factory gates on-time, then retailers are simply going to cancel orders; leaving the merchandise to go to the discount stores of other countries where the brand name is unknown.

Unique Steiff Bear Marks Rupert the Bear's 90th Anniversary

2010-11-08T08:30:00.002Z

Rupert the Bear reaches his 90th anniversary today. The cartoon bear is senior to Winnie-the-Pooh by six years.

To mark Rupert's birthday, a charity auction is taking place to raise money to counter muscular dystrophy.

Items going under the hammer include a special one-off Steiff teddy bear and artwork by Stuart Trotter, Rupert the Bear's current illustrator.

Bidding ends on Sunday, to take part visit: www.rupertbear.com/90

Some Toys May Never Get Into the Early Learning Centre

2010-11-04T08:30:00.002Z

The current batch of TV adverts being broadcast by the Early Learning Centre have certainly caused a hearty chuckle or two here in The Toy Detective Agency.

Instructing viewers to "Let the fun begin", the series of prime-time ads include a lactose-intolerant, blue, monster-alien type thing; a giraffe suffering an attempt to be devoured by a dinosaur; a mustached cowboy minifigure, struggling to stay in character and fellow hirsute Happyland resident, the vet, who is not going into space.

It's not the first time that the toy retailer has advertised on TV but its previous gogglebox campaign aired at least 20 years ago.

Keen to enjoy a fond reminiscence, yet too time-pressed to dust-off the old Betamax player and video archive, I was fortunate enough to find the above clip on YouTube. Featuring an all too obvious parody of Action Man and Barbie dolls, Chris Tarrent's voiceover reassures us that "some toys will never get in".

If you'd like to see the latest ELC adverts then visit the following link to their "As Seen on TV" website page.

The Toy Detectives, of course, will be monitoring as much television, newspaper and other forms of advertising as possible; and will be writing their unique case files to help you find this year's Most Wanted toys.

Chilling Colouring-In for Halloween

2010-10-31T16:13:00.004Z

Halloween seems to always make me want to draw some rough sketches. This year I've given Yojojo from Waybuloo a set of fangs and a bat-like cape so he can enjoy some Trick or Treating.

I've also been given as a present the cutest miniature Hello Kitty book that hangs off a keyring. Every page is illustrated with sweet drawings of the world's favourite kitten, including one with Hello Kitty dressed as a witch, flying in the sky on her broomstick. I've drawn my own version that's ready to be coloured-in.

Please do print, share and colour my hastily done, little drawings. You can also download the pictures as a PDF file by clicking here.

I also have a little Halloween music playlist that users of Spotify.com might find a little entertaining, click this link to enjoy a little Sneaky Bat Machine, Emilie Autumn, Reaper und more.

Style Over Function: an Etch A Sketch for the iPod Generation

2010-10-01T00:12:00.004+01:00

At the Toy detective Agency we make use of the computer products made by Apple. However, this not because of the shallow allure of their shiny, glowing form. No, these machines do the job of computing and do it better than any other difference engine I'm willing to sign a cheque for.

It is the aesthetic perfection of some of the world's most cherished toys that delight us the most, so it was with great pleasure that we found our gaze cast upon an Etch A Sketch iPad case.

It's an official product by the Ohio Art Company that is marking the 50th Anniversary of the drawing toy that has sold 150 million units worldwide since its launch. By comparison over 3 million of Apple's iPad sold in its first 80 days.

Perudo Back to Soho for its World Championship

2010-09-13T23:28:00.007+01:00

Ex-Blue Peter presenter and former Perudo champion Konnie Huq will be hosting the 21st Perudo Championships. The contest, that has been taking place annually, will be held at the Groucho Club in Soho, London, UK on Tuesday the 2nd November 2010.

The event is being organised by the games distributor, Paul Lamond Games.

We're not yet sure, at The Toy Detective Agency, who will be taking part but the game's following includes famous personalities, such as, Richard Branson, Stephen Fry, Rory Bremner and Sienna Miller.

Perudo is sold in many toy shops and department stores, you'll also find it on sale online from Amazon.co.uk.

Toys R Us Anniversary Celebrated with Free Give-Away Tote Bag

2010-09-05T20:42:00.004+01:00

Toys R Us in the United States are currently having a Super Anniversary Sale. During the event customers can receive a free tote bag, which features images of Geoffrey the Giraffe throughout past decades and pictures of classic Toys "R" Us logos.

To get your free bag make a purchase of $25 or more in Toys R Us on either September 5th or 6th 2010. This offer is only available in-store and not online, while supplies last.

Mystery Shopper Finds: Take Along Thomas & Percy Starter Set for Only £7.50

2010-08-18T07:49:00.006+01:00

Thomas and Percy toy locomotives, made from die-cast metal, two signals and a loop of track can be yours for the bargain price of £7.50 from Early Learning Centre.

The Take Along Thomas & Percy Starter Set by Learning Curve has 19 pieces and is compatible with the new Fisher-Price Take-n-Play Portable Railway; which is replacing the Take Along version.

The trains alone in this set usually sell for around £6 each, making this offer an attractively cheap deal.

However, as I write this this, the offer is not available online; I witnessed this product in the Woking branch of Early Learning Centre. You can find your local store on the ELC website: www.elc.co.uk

Toy Story 3 Breaks Animation Box Office Record

2010-08-16T21:46:00.005+01:00

It will surprise few, but it is a fact worthy of note, that Toy Story 3 has become the highest grossing animated film of all-time.

The latest movie to feature the Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Pixar's cast of familiar computer generated friends has taken more than $920 million at box offices worldwide since its opening on 18th June 2010. The previous holder of the record was Shrek 2 by DreamWorks.

Disney Pixar may find themselves holding onto this record for some years to come.

Lego's 3D Cinema Advert for Toy Story 3 Western Train Chase

2010-07-30T22:38:00.006+01:00

Lego have produced their first 3D cinema advert. Currently, it is being shown in Vue cinemas and promotes the new Toy Story 3 Lego range featuring the Western Train Chase (Lego number 7597); a 584 piece set for ages seven years and older.

Zingzillas: Bigger than the Teletubbies - The Toy Detective Tells You First

2010-07-30T22:24:00.004+01:00

There's no doubt that ZingZillas are both popular on television and in the toy shop. In recent days the Daily Telegraph have printed a story predicting that it will become more popular than the Teletubbies.

Naturally, the Toy Detective himself was right onto this trend the moment deliveries of ZingZillas first made their way into selected toy stores.

Regular readers will know that I'm an irregular writer. However, after many queries at the Toy Detective Agency I did eventually manage to exercise my thumbs and Tweet the following on Twitter:

"ZINGZILLAS require an emergency response. Parents note: the Teletubbies of this decade - h
ttp://su.pr/34KZlz"

So, if you want to know what my Toy Detectives and I are currently investigating, reading or playing with, you'll find no better place than the Twitter page of the world's only Consulting Toy Detective.

To see all my reviews, investigations and case files on ZingZillas, please visit the website, where you can even add your own comments or reviews; helping us supply the very best evidence to the toy buying public.

Will Waybuloo Yogo Fly-Up the Charts?

2010-07-28T00:11:00.004+01:00

Waybuloo are about to release a single. This particular pop pick is titled "Waybuloo Time For Yogo". The track will feature well known phrases from the popular CBeebies television show for pre-school children.

The single will be available for digital download on the 9th August. A music video version will also be available exclusively from Apple iTunes.

An album called "Waybuloo a World of Musical Happiness", available on CD or as download, is set for release on 6th September. Tracks include "Where have all the Narabugs Gone?" and "Snuggly Slide". The CD includes an instruction booklet showing Waybuloo yogo poses.

Informer: License! Global