Last week I attended one of my favourite events of the year, Dream Toys. Dream toys is one of the biggest to events of the year, it features leading toy industry experts, manufacturers, press, major toy brands and of course Father Christmas. On display are over 70 toys and of course the predicted top 12 toys for Christmas.
The event is held in central London and whilst it meant an early start for me and a 2 hour train journey it was more than worth it to see familiar faces and meet many new ones. I always know when I am getting close to the venue as I start seeing people walking the streets of London carrying Christmas gift bags.
The top 12 toys this year are along with RRP:
Barbie Dreamplane Playset Mattel £79.99
Blume Dolls Skyrocket £9.99
Frozen 2 ‘Into the Unknown’ Elsa Doll Jakks Pacific £39.99
Harry Potter Knight Bus LEGO £34.99
L.O.L. Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper MGA Entertainment £99.99
Nerf Elite Fortnite SP-L Hasbro £19.99
Owleez Spin Master Toys £49.99
PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Super PAWs Mighty Jet Command Centre Spin Master Toys £59.99
Peppa Pig Peppa’s Stage Playset Character Options £39.99
Rizmo Tomy £59.99
Ryan’s World Super Surprise Safe Flair Leisure Products £44.99
Toy Story 4 True Talkers Mattel £17.99
As perhaps to be expected there are toys from the biggest kids films of this year Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2. Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol also always feature each year as they are perhaps the biggest pre school characters with all of my kids loving them as they have grown up. Many of the toys on the list I had heard of prior to the event, with either my kids talking about them or having seen an advert for them. One however I had not heard of and was interested to find out a little more, Rizmo.
I headed to the Rizmo stand to talk and see what the toy was all about. I mean it made the top 12 list so it has to be good right? Rizmo is an interactive pet which starts off in baby form and grows into an adult. As you care and play for it you accumulate points which allow you to unlock further games giving a total of 7. As you acquire more points and care for Rizmo he then starts to grow and there are three stages before he is fully grown. I was kindly given a demo of what happens as he grows up
As well as the top 12 toys there are also ideas for the top toys within certain categories. Movie magic featured many Harry Potter related toys, which I am pleased to see having a Harry Potter mad daughter. As expected Frozen 2, Toy story 4 and Avengers also seem to make up the rest of the selection.
What I found really interesting is the similarities between this and a document I was recently sent from Warner Bros on their predicted top wizarding related wish list. I haven't been asked or paid to include this but wanted to as it may help if you are looking for some ideas.
The Back to Pre School section was perhaps one of the most colourful. The toys here would all appeal to my three year old son. In fact I don't think there is anything here that would not. He loves his Toot Toot train set and is absolutely Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig obsessed. Thomas is another of his favourites.
Curious Creatures has something for all age groups. The Baby shark toys are something my three year old would love. The girls aged 9 and 7 both love twisty pets having already spent a lot of their pocket money on them. Owleez is already on my youngest daughters wish list as in anything unicorn related. Last year she received a Little Live Pets Scruff a luvs and she absolutely loved it. It was one of her most played with toys. The new one for this year is electronic and vibrates when brushed, I know it is something she would adore. The twerking Llama had me in stitches. It was one of those toys that just makes you laugh.
My must have from Dream Toy is to make sure I get a selfie with Father Christmas, mission accomplished!
I didn't spend much time in the Let's get busy section as in total honesty there was nothing that stood out and whilst they looked great toys I don't think they would have the same appeal with my children as some of the other sections.
Big reveal toys are always a hit with my three. My son loves Ryan, well what 3 year old boy doesn't and Ryan seemingly features quite heavy with his reveal safe and his mystery egg. My youngest daughter loves all these reveal toys and in particular has asked for a Rainbocorns, we shall see what Father Christmas brings.
What's not to love in the trains, planes and automobiles section. I think all three of mine would love everything featured here, especially Lego as we love building with Lego.
I can honestly say my kids would be incredibly happy with the top 12 toys this year and certainly many from the other sections too.
