Page 20 – Toy Street

Top 5 Toys for Girls This Summer

We know that your little princess deserves the very best, which is why here at Toy Street, we want to help you treat your little ones with high quality, in-demand toys. From experience, we’ve found that kids want to do one thing, play. Whether it be with dolls, board games, inside or outside, their aim is to play. With our very own toy testers, we’re proud to confidently say that our toys pass the ‘kid test’. Take a look at our top five toys for girls this summer:

1. Butterfly Glamour Garden Dome Terrarium

It’s time to let your children’s creative side out with this Butterfly Glamour Garden Dome. The plant growing kit features a large planter pot which is then covered by a huge dome to help create the perfect growing conditions.

An incredible range of plants can grow within this dome and they are sure to attract beautiful butterflies to your little garden.

Everything is included to help you grow an amazing collection of plants, along with simple instructions on how to maintain and nurture them. But that’s not all! You can really make this terrarium your own thanks to the stickers included in the set that let you decorate the planter with a design to compliment the plants that sit under the dome.

2. Piano Mat

The Piano Mat allows your children to create their own music and have a little sing and dance as they do so. This funky mat features 24 touch-sensitive keys, with eight different sound effects for you to choose from.

This mat works in the same way an actual keyboard would, which means that your children can record, save and playback their favourites jingles. This gift will be a huge hit at children’s parties and for family gatherings alike.

3. Dobble Kids Finding Dory

Dobble has become a very popular board game with children and families alike. One of the latest versions is Dobble Kids: Finding Dory, which is based on the smash-hit Disney movie.

The game works in the same way as the original Dobble game, where players much match images from different cards as quickly as possible. Inside this edition of the game there are 30 different playing cards, featuring six different images from the Finding Dory movie.

There are also five other mini-games to choose from once you have played the main game – another trait from the series. Three were inspired by Dobble, two are especially designed for this version for children.

This game has been designed for children aged four and over, and will definitely bring friends and family together!

4. Star Lamp Projector

Turn your daughter’s bedroom into a fantasy disco land with this cool Star Lamp Projector! This lamp will project a spinning starscape onto the ceiling, which will not only light up the room but all your entire day.

The LEDs inside the map create different star-like patterns as the body of the lamp slowly rotates around the room. This is certainly going to help your children to relax, chill out and feel as calm as they possible can as they look up at the stars.

5. Baby Elephant

Whose little angel doesn’t want a cute cuddly toy to snuggle up with at night, or during the day for that matter? We have a great selection of soft toys for you to choose from, but one of the best has to be this baby elephant.

This soft toy also has a little party trick up its sleeve….. it can walk!! Flick the switch on the elephant’s belly and he, or she, will begin to walk across any flat surface. After a few steps, the elephant will move its head from side to side and curl its trunk.

This amazing cuddly toy will also make a distinctive elephant sound during this process! Sit back, relax and watch the smiles on your children’s face as they watch their new favourite soft toy walking across their bedroom.

Don’t forget to share your experience with our top toys for girls by using the hashtag #Toystreet on Instagram and Twitter!

Editors note: This blog was originally published on July 30th, 2017. Updated on July 12th, 2022 to improve the information available.

Top 5 Toys for Boys This Summer

Summer has now arrived and the weather should only get better. August is the perfect month for your children, or grandchildren, to go outside and play in the garden with their siblings or friends.

We know that all kids want to do is play. Whether that’s inside the house or outside in the garden with their friends. With so many toys and games on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best ones for the summer.

Don’t worry though because the toy testers here at Toy Street have put together a list of the Top five Toys for Boys this summer. Check out the great and exciting toys below:

1. Bubble Rocket Toy

Let the boys launch right into some sunny fun with this awesome bubble rocket! We’ve always enjoyed a good jump rocket and this is by far the best we’ve seen. The rocket’s tail is a multitude of hoops that creates a shower of bubbles as it shoots up into the air. The foam base is a safer option, especially for the little ones! It’s a great way to burn some energy and get the boys playing outside. They can even impress their friends with how high they can pump the rocket.

2. Bug Observation Toy

It’s time to let the monsters get muddy and grubby as they get to learn and explore the small world beneath them. This bug observation dome is an ideal addition to your little ones’ science and nature range or a great way to begin an interest in the natural world. With this cool coloured dome, there is a door for the bugs to enter and explore the textured surface whilst your son or grandchild studies and follows them with the pivoting 2X magnification scope mounted on the top. After the fun, the bugs can be let out for a return to their natural habitats until the next time.

3. Batman 12″ Bike

With puncture-proof tires, deep tread, a fully enclosed printed chain guard, and removable stabilisers you can be reassured that your boy is safe while he is riding around in style. The colour scheme, character graphics, and shaped plaque are what makes this ride so epic. The best way to make your son or grandson’s summer so epic is by letting them learn to ride and be free on their very own bat-mobile. You may even find out you have your very own superhero in the family.

4. Foooty Blue

Now this treat will certainly put you in your boy’s good books. The Create Play Blue football will definitely look cool in the playing field. No one else will have a football like it! What is so awesome is the endless possibilities of creation and construction of shapes and sizes. To construct, the elements can be connected with the SMART FOOOTY click system. With these elements, the boys can make ALL popular ball shapes to kick and throw around. The Foooty fits in every pocket and can be used anywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is your perfect travel buddy for every holiday or day at the park.

5. Kickmaster Large Quick Up Goal

To finish off, here is the needed toy to complete the children’s football tournaments and games in the backyard. Our ultimate football goal – perfect for the next budding football star. This goal set is perfect for transport, with anchor pegs and a carry bag included. It can be taken anywhere he fancies a game. Summer BBQ? Playtime at the park? Camping? With easy setup and storage, let the little ones take the fun with them! For the football-crazy little ones, combine the Foooty Blue and Kickmaster Large Quick Up Goal and let the toys do the hard work. Sit back and relax while your son or grandson has games of penalty shoot out all summer long.

Don’t forget to share your experience with our top toys for boys by using the hashtag #Toystreet on Instagram and Twitter!

Check out our full outdoor range!

Editors note: This blog was originally published on August 9th, 2019. Updated on July 12th, 2022 to improve the information available.

Top 5 Corgi Toys to Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

Last week, we shared our Must-Have Toys and Games to Celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee. Our lovely corgi toys by Keel were a big hit, so this week we’ve gathered all of our best corgi toys to share with you. Whether you’re looking for gifts, or just want to add an extra dose of adorable to your celebrations, here are our top 5 corgi toys to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen will soon invite everyone to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in June, with parades, concerts, and community events. It’s the perfect time to get together with friends and family. And it’s no secret that The Queen loves her Corgis. Since her reign began in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis, as well as some Daschund-Corgi crossbreeds known as Dorgis. Corgis are highly affectionate, loyal dogs who adore their families. They’re also very cute! It’s no surprise that they’re a very popular companion.

14cm Corgi with Cape & Crown

This sitting corgi plush has short, soft fur and a smiling face. They’re very excited to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with you! They even dressed up in their most royal cape and crown, so you can be reminded of all the fun you had for years to come.

5″ Corgi

This little friend from Suki is a big fan of The Queen’s corgis and dorgis. Take them home and together you can pretend that you’re just like Her Majesty and her faithful companions.

30cm Corgi with Cape & Crown

The most regal corgi toy you could bring along for your celebrations. This hand-made soft toy from Keel is made from only the finest materials, with a fancy purple cape and adorable tiara – fit for a queen!

Colin Corgi

Ty introduces the adorable Colin the Corgi to brighten your celebrations. With round, glittery eyes and the softest orange fur, Colin makes a great companion for all occasions, no matter how regal.

Doggie Doo – Corgi Edition

This game is all about the part of dog ownership that nobody wants to do. Take turns squeezing the leash until Doggie does what doggies do. The first player to clean up after the corgi three times wins! So, do you still want a real corgi?

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Must-Have Toys & Games

The Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee is Britain’s very first time celebrating a 70-year reign. This is a huge and exciting event and, naturally, there will be huge and exciting events coming up to honour the occasion.

Have you thought about how you’ll celebrate Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in history? The parades, concerts, and community events are a must. But if you can’t make it in person, celebrating at home can be just as fun. Here are our must-have toys and games for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

HM Queen Elizabeth II Monopoly

Fun for the whole family, Monopoly is a classic. This is a great way to bring everyone together for an afternoon, whether you’re casual players or a Monopoly master. This special version of Monopoly is a great way to learn about the life of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.

30cm Corgi with Cape & Crown

There’s no better companion for royal celebrations than an adorable corgi. This beautiful hand-made soft toy from Keel is made from the finest materials – fit for a queen!

HM Queen Elizabeth II Puzzle

Celebrate the last seven decades by reliving them through this 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Relaxing yet challenging, this charming and stately puzzle can be put together solo or together as a team.

14cm Corgi with Cape & Crown

Smaller and more compact than their larger counterpart, this little corgi by Keel is a perfect collector’s item for adults and children alike. It’s the perfect cute item to show your appreciation for the royal family and celebrate with them this summer.

Doggy Doo Game

Little ones begging for a real corgi? This game by Goliath is all about the part of dog ownership that nobody wants to do. Take turns squeezing the leash until Doggie does what doggies do. The first player to clean up after the corgi three times wins!

See more from Keel Toys here!

Top 5 Outdoor Toys for Summer

Getting outside in the fresh air has many benefits for children and adults; it can be a form of exercise, promotes healthy living and creativity and generally encourages children to be more comfortable with nature.

Outdoor spaces are usually more open than indoors, which proves children with the space to play and come out of their shells, it can be less intimidating and means that kids can be more social and learn how to interact with others without strict adult supervision. When children are outside they can blow off steam, and most importantly the best thing about it is that the kids are out of the way, amusing themselves so you can enjoy a bit of time to yourself.

We know that children can have short attention spans, which is why we have lots of great outdoor toys to choose from for those times when running around a nice grassy park just isn’t cutting it. The sun is finally showing it’s face, Spring is well and truly in bloom and we think it’s the perfect time to stock up on some outdoor toys ready for the summer!

1. Super Soaker

The phrase ‘water fight’ may fill some with dread, but there really is no better way to cool down on a hot day! This Super Soaker is the perfect starter ammunition for water fight beginners. It’ll have you soaking your enemies in no time!

2. Unicorn Bubble Wand

If you’re looking for an upgrade from your bubble wand then look no further! This wand has a pink unicorn-shaped casing. It pumps out perfect bubble after perfect bubble and will be the envy of everyone.

3. Flashing Space Hopper

This space hopper has a retro but classic feel and is perfect for a child or an adult! It’s classic for anyone’s outdoor toy range and will have you bouncing with joy all day long!

4. Monster Feet

Learning to walk on stilts is a great way to bond with a friend or family member, so polish off your circus skills and stand tall, these couldn’t be more perfect for outdoor play!

5. Light-Up Pogo Stick

Practise your balance and bouncing skills with the Elektra pogo stick. It’s guaranteed to give you hours of bouncing fun. The light-up pogo stick has a super bounce spring and flashes as you bounce, giving you a cool hi-tech design.

Shop our full outdoor range today!

Editors note: This blog was originally published on April 23rd, 2018. Updated on May 18th, 2022 to improve the information available.

6 Great Presents for 4-Year-Old Boys

Trying to find a present for the little ones in your life isn’t always easy. Where do you start? If you’re shopping for a birthday present or another special occasion, we’ve got the perfect recommendations for you. Here are our top 6 presents for 4-year-old boys.

Giganotosaurus

This deadly dino will make a great present for a 4-year old boy. It’s a highly detailed, hand-painted figurine, perfect for creative pretend play. Giganotosaurus was a fearsome dinosaur, measuring up to 13 metres long and weighing up to 14 tonnes! Each of their teeth was around eight inches long. Luckily, this figurine from Schleich is far less deadly – an ideal present for the dino-lover in your life.

Brio Builder Activity Set

Brio has been making high-quality wooden toys for more than one hundred years. This Builder Activity Set is packed full of tools and useful parts to help children build their own creations. The only limit is your imagination! What’s more, all wood in the set is FSC-certified. This Forestry Stewardship Council certification means that Brio only uses wood from responsibly managed forests. For the eco-conscious among you, this is one of the best presents for 4-year-old boys.

Deluxe Double-Sided Tabletop Easel

Arts and crafts presents don’t always go down well with parents, but this double-sided easel from Melissa and Doug is totally mess-free! It features a magnetic dry-erase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other. With a 50-foot long paper roll, there’s plenty of space to let imagination run free. Just pop the paper onto the built-in paper holder, then tear off using the sturdy tear bar once your little artist’s work is done. Also includes a dry-erase marker, 5 x coloured chalk, an eraser, and 36 letter and number magnets.

Fireman Sam Helmet with Sound

Fireman Sam is a beloved fixture in children’s television, protecting the residents of Pontypandy since 1987! Now your little firefighter can be just like Sam with his very own helmet. Press the button on the top to hear the theme tune and some of Sam’s most popular phrases. This helmet, made by Character, also features an adjustable strap.

Resting Husky

Next on our list of great presents for 4-year-old boys, we have this fluffy, four-legged friend. This husky is loyal, loving, and a little bit lazy! He’ll make a great companion for any little adventurer. He has beautifully soft, silver-grey fur with white paws, tummy, and face.

1-20 Colouring Book

At 4 years old, it won’t be long before your little one is off to school! Help him get ahead with this colourful activity book, which includes traceable numbers and pictures as well as 32 colourful stickers! It’s designed by Orchard Toys, leading makers of educational toys and games here in the UK. This 1-20 Colouring Book will help children get used to holding a pencil and writing numbers. Suitable for ages 4+.

Editors note: This blog was originally published on March 23rd, 2021. Updated on May 11th, 2022 to improve the information available.

How to host the perfect play date!

A play date can be both very exciting, yet very nerve-racking for the host! Of course, all parents want their children to make lots of lovely friends, but many dread the thought of hosting a large play date. To give you a helping hand with this daunting experience, we have created a list of our top tips for hosting the perfect play date!

1.) Set a Date With a Clear Start and Finish Time

This is important so that everyone attending is clear when the play date is taking place. This way no one will miss out, due to getting the date/time wrong. It will also allow you make sure you have plenty of time to prepare. We recommend the play date lasts around two hours. Any longer than this, then you risk the children becoming restless or tired.

2.) Who To Invite

Some play dates involve just the children, but you run the risk of having 10 children running mad around your house. We recommend inviting a parent along with the children, especially when hosting your first play date. This is particularly advisable if the children are little. This is a great opportunity for parents to catch up and share notes too. It is also important to consider how many people you will be inviting. We recommend starting with a maximum of five families, and then you can always invite more the next time.

3.) Don’t Drive Yourself Crazy Tidying

If you have 5 children coming round to play, the chances are that the house will get very messy. Decide which area of the house you want the play date to take part in. Some parents find it easier to have a rule saying no one upstairs. We recommend just giving the rooms you’ll be in a quick hoover before your guests arrive and it may be a good idea to move any fragile or precious items away.

4.) Food Should Be Simple

By all means you don’t need to make a sit-down meal, however picky snacks always go down well. Make sure you have some healthy, yummy snacks for the children if they are hungry, and maybe some juice to drink. For the adults, a cup of tea and a few biscuits will do just fine!

5.) Toys

One of the key factors of a play date is the toys/activities you have for the children to do. Make sure you have age-appropriate toys out, so there is something for everyone to play with. Have a look at our great range of toys for something a little extra special! If you are worried you can always ask each child to bring their favourite toy that they would like to play with.

6.) Set Up an Arrival Activity

When the children arrive, we would suggest having some games/toys out, for them to play with first. This will help the children all settle in and feel comfortable in the new environment. Have a look at our top 5 things to make and create for some fun ideas!

7.) Have Fun!

At the end of the day, kids just love to play. Try not to worry too much. It is exciting getting adults and children together for a couple of hours, so just enjoy the play date!

Top 5 Playmobil Adventure Toys

A recent study found that people who had less than one adventure every two years were not as happy. Adventures can build confidence, feed dreams and build a tolerance for uncertainty – not everything always goes to plan (especially in an adventure) and this can prepare a person for uncertainties throughout life, and we know there will be plenty of them!

Adventures are exhilarating, exciting and make you feel good – so why wouldn’t you want one? Here at Toy Street we know not every child has the time to sail the seas or fight dragons in real life, so that’s why we stock Playmobil. They have an array of options to bring out your inner Christopher Columbus or Bilbo Baggins!

Dinosaur Explorer Carry Case

Take your adventures out on adventures with this Playmobil carry case set. This set has everything a budding explorer needs to hunt down raptors, including an explorer figurine, 2 raptors, and plenty of dinosaur hunting accessories.

Mars Space Station

The Playmobil Mars Space Station has a removable roof, large command centre, real lock, fold-out ramp, and much more! There’s even a working double laser shooter, so your little space explorers will have everything they need to make new discoveries.

Family Fun Family Camper

Fully equipped with a table, chairs, food, BBQ and bikes, the family fun camper has all of the adventure essentials. There is a kitchenette, a bath, and beds inside. Take a road trip and go on all kinds of adventures!

Princess Castle Puzzle & Play

Renowned jigsaw makers, Schmidt, have created this lovely 100-piece Puzzle & Play set. Featuring a beautiful princess castle set against a starry sky, with a princess Playmobil figurine included for extended play and fun.

Raiders Fire Ship

The Burnham Raiders are a burning threat with their multi-functional fire ship. The working cannons are brought into position at lightning speed. As soon as the ship gets close enough, the Raiders extend their prow and use it as a grappling hook. Follow the magic compass and find the treasure!

Adventures with Playmobil!

The Best Outdoor Water Toys

Spending time outdoors can be great for your health, mentally and physically. But with so much to do indoors these days, it can be hard to find the motivation to get out and enjoy the sun. Luckily, some classic outdoor activities remain irresistible – even with all the advanced toys and games available indoors. One of these activities is playing with outdoor water toys. Nothing beats a water fight or a dip in the pool on a sunny day. Prepare yourself for the warmer weather by picking up some of our favourites:

Slip N Slide Wave Rider

Wham-O’s Slip ‘n’ Slide Wave Rider brings the fun of the beach to your garden! With room for two, grab your boogie board and challenge friends and family to race you down the 16ft slide, right through the showering wall of water!

Nerf: Splash Mouth

Nerf is bringing new tricks to water gun fights with Splash Mouth, the gun with two ways to soak your opponent! Pump to fire a stream of water, or open the hatch to fling all your remaining water at once! The hatch also allows for fast refilling action – just open and dunk! – so you’ll always be one step ahead of your opponent.

Sun Shade Pool

Babies and toddlers will appreciate being part of the fun from a safe distance in this inflatable shade pool. The design lets them see in every direction around them, and makes it easy to keep an eye on them too. The roof keeps them protected from the harsh sun while they splash and play in the shallow water.

Dinoland Play Center

Be the greatest pool party host with the Dinoland Play Center! Full of dinosaurs, games, and fun – Dinoland is a pool, a waterslide, and a sprinkler all in one! It also comes with hoops and balls to play extra mini-games with. The fun goes on for hours!

Giggle N Splash Cactus Sprinkler

This toy puts a unique twist on regular sprinklers. Designed for fun, Wham-O’s giggle ‘n’ splash sprinkler not only showers you with water but challenges you to land a ring on one of the cactus’ arms before your friends can!

You’ll have a blast with these outdoor water toys during the warm weather. They’ll be sure to provide endless entertainment for the whole family.

Check out more of our outdoor toys here!

Anonymous

Easy to order, arrived very quickly, excellent packaging and phone looks good as new.

1 day ago

I’m very happy with everything, there is a mild delay on shipping but I communicated with customer service who contacted me straight back and resolved that. Everything was great, the delivery came on time after that the item was perfect, great price and I’m very happy with everything, thank you.

Ian

Shopping experience was excellent from price, posting and packaging

4 days ago

Helen

Super fast delivery. A great little company *****

5 days ago

Stefanie

Everything fine,thank you so much!

John

Good packaging fast delivery Mint condition. Toy Street has a great selection of board games.

Great prices and speedy delivery.

6 days ago

Susan

Quick delivery parcel intact and item as described on the website

Linda

Quick and efficient, well packaged so no dented boxes.

1 week ago

Katie

Such a lovely website & good range of items. There was a specific brand of toy I was after and found the best selection on the toy street website, will definitely be a returning customer. Item was dispatched and delivered fast.