With this Saturday marking exactly 200 days until Christmas, leading UK toy retailer Argos has announced its highly anticipated top toy predictions for 2019.
The list of 12 new and exciting toys that are set to feature on every child’s wish list comes as new research conducted by Argos reveals a quarter of Brits have already started their Christmas shopping. And just under ten per cent have even finished their festive gift buying.
This year’s list takes its major inspiration from some of the biggest TV, movie and even video gaming franchises, as digital entertainment continues to expand to toyboxes; almost one in five (17 per cent) of Brits look to the big and small screen for their main Christmas present inspiration, with this number rising to a third (28 per cent) for those with children aged five to nine.
The new legions of Fortnite fans can snap up the Fortnite Battle Bus (£40.00) and recreate their own Battle Royale using the character figurines included. Movie fans can grab the iconic LEGO Harry Potter Night Bus (£35.00), as featured in the hit film Prisoner of Azkaban, or the animated 7” Real Walking Buzz (£35.00), inspired by the imminent summer smash, Toy Story 4.
The small screen plays no small part in the list with the Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Super Paw Jet (£60.00), brought to life from the much-loved TV show, and Peppa Pig Playset (£40.00), an interactive theatre featuring the globally recognised character, also predicted to bring joy to fans nationwide this year.
Llamas are set to usurp unicorns as the top animal toy trend this year, with Boppi ‘The Booty Shakin’ Llama’ (£25.00) sure to charm kids and adults alike with its ability to enthusiastically ‘twerk’ to three pre-set songs and YouTube videos.
Programmes like Our Planet continue to amaze generations with the wonder of the natural world and potentially influence animal toys such as Owleez (£50.00), the first and only interactive pet that you can rescue, take care of and even teach to fly. Animal lovers can also explore over 100 different interactions with the Furreal Cubby Bear (£80.00) and watch in amazement as it responds to touch, voice and motion.
The Argos research reveals that a third of us (32 per cent) expect to spend more on gifts this year. Parents are set to spend an average of £273 on presents for their children – dads averaging £295 and mums £258. With the data showing parents are set to purchase seven gifts for children, the top toys makes the perfect shopping list.
Juliet Ward, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, said:
“Digital entertainment is influencing play more than ever before with popular franchises inspiring toys like the Fisher Price Imaginext Transforming Batmobile and 7” Real Walking Buzz. It’s really exciting to see online video gaming entering the toybox with the Fortnite Battle Bus allowing children to recreate what they see on screen in real-life at home.
“It’s no secret that children love animals and so they continue to heavily influence toy innovations, such as the Cubby Bear and Owleez. And kids and big kids alike won’t be able to resist the delightful Boppi – the world’s first booty shakin’ llama. There are also some really quirky innovations on the list this year, such as the collectable Blume Dolls, which magically sprout out of their flower pots when sprinkled with water.”
Toyologist Peter Jenkinson said:
“This year’s top toys list is a great representation of the entire toy market; there’s something that will appeal to every child and of all ages. From the quirky to the interactive, toys which encourage role-play to those designed for pure excitement and entertainment. All 12 toys are deserving of their spot – I’m struggling to find a favourite.”
The top toys will be available to buy at Argos from Saturday 27 July 2019.
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