Heroes at Toyfair
Published
We sent our roving reporters to the British Toy & Hobby Association Toy Fair, staged each year at London Olympia. We asked them to select from Toyfair ‘heroes’ some of the very best toys for under-sevens in spring 2023. Our five top picks, in no particular order, are all available instore or online now.
WOODLAND ANIMAL BALANCING GAME
RRP £15.99
Maker Orange Tree Toys
Age 12 months +
A set of 12 beautifully painted wooden pieces in a drawstring bag, featuring characters and pieces from the woodlands. The chunky pieces are perfect for little hands, with smooth edges and gentle pastel colours. Balance all the different woodland animals as high as you can stack! Great for imaginative play and developing coordination.
Visit www.orangetreetoys.com
SESAME STREET POTTY TIME ELMO
RRP £34.99
Maker Just Play
Age 18 months +
Help little ones understand what happens when it’s time to go with cuddly 30cm plush Elmo. He makes potty training fun with giggles and chat: ’Elmo’s ready for the potty’, ‘Hurry, please’ and ‘Don’t forget to flush.’
Press his hand or foot to begin interactive play. Give Elmo his sippy cup when he asks for a drink and then help him get to the potty. If he doesn’t make it on time, he kindly reminds kids that accidents happen. When he has potty success, he sings a happy potty song. Realistic sipping, tinkling, and flushing effects add to the fun.
Dressed in T-shirt and removable training pants, Elmo comes complete with his sippy cup, a training potty that triggers interactive phrases and a sticker sheet. Requires 2 x AAA batteries (included).
Visit justplayproducts.com
GREEN SCIENCE MAGIC WATER TAP
RRP £22.99
Maker Great Gizmos
Age 5+
Build this amazing water tap that magically makes a non-stop stream of water. It pumps out water like a normal tap but it seems to float in mid-air! Place the tap next to a fish tank or against a wall to create a fascinating illusion. Add an art template to the water tap (like the rocket provided) to make a fun decoration.
Visit greatgizmos.co.uk
PLAYMOBIL 71202 CITY LIFE AMBULANCE WITH LIGHTS AND SOUNDS
RRP £49.99
Age 4+
Emergency situations stay well under control with this lavishly-equipped ambulance which features a light and sound module on the roof, opening side and rear doors and a huge range of medical accessories, from diagnostic charts to head bandages. Also included are three Playmobil figures, ambulance stretcher, defibrillator and IV bag. Requires three 1.5 V micro batteries for the light and sound module, not included.
Visit www.playmobil.co.uk
LEGO FRIENDS HEARTLAKE DOWNTOWN DINER
RRP £24.99
Maker LEGO
Age 6+
This diner sure is a fun place to hang out. Kids who love to play restaurants will adore features like the drive-through, outdoor seating, plus an arcade game and a moving jukebox. With lots of accessories to inspire creative play, they can create their own customised sandwiches or pretend to be a customer at the diner. Accessories include two drinks, money, three slices of bread for sandwiches, a napkin holder, a trash can and a skateboard. There’s also a mischievous cat who loves to visit the diner! And three LEGO® Friends mini-dolls – Liann, Aliya and Charli – are on hand to add to the fun.
Visit www.lego.com
