Page 25 – Toy Street

Get Ready for Autumn

It is autumn and all the leaves are falling down! The once bright greens have turned into crisp reds and yellows. Time to switch out the sandals for wellies. Swap those ice lollies for hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, of course!

Here at Toy Street, we would love to guide you with our top tips on getting ready for Autumn! Halloween and Bonfire Night are just on the horizon so it is time to get cosy.

Signs of Autumn

The changing of seasons really is an exciting time for everyone – especially for children!

Growing up, autumn was always my favourite season as I could see the world change in front of me. If you are looking for a fun activity for your little ones, why not try an autumnal scavenger hunt?

Pop on those boots (wellies or other) and take a walk in the forest or even in a local nature reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for the biggest leaves or conkers, pine cones or even mushrooms. If you are really lucky, you may even happen across some wildlife!

Animals love autumn too. Rabbits, squirrels and deer can often be found out in the forest on a fresh October afternoon. You can even look in your gardens or out of your windows for more nocturnal animals such as foxes and much more active hedgehogs! In the meantime, we do have some furry friends that make for the perfect snuggle buddy on a cold night!

Our Top Autumn Toys

As the nights draw in and the rain persists, we have put together a few ideas for those days in.

If you really enjoyed the autumnal scavenger hunt, then our Medium Hedgehog friend might be the perfect companion! A Living Nature classic, this hedgehog is a great symbol for autumn as they all come out of hibernation.

Are you ready to go ‘Into the Unknown?’ Join Anna of Arendelle as she journeys into the enchanted forest with her sister, Elsa, as they explore an autumnal wonderland. The Frozen 2 Anna doll is dressed to impress in her beautiful and undoubtedly cosy new cold-weather cloak.

We have also picked out a few ideas that will be perfect for all of the family! The first is this beautiful Autumn Hedgerow puzzle by Falcon de Luxe. At 500 pieces, the whole family can gather around and join in with this one.

If you are looking for something a bit more fast-paced, Outfoxed! is a cooperative board game with a bit of detective work added. Join the chicken detectives as they search for Mrs Plumpert’s missing prized pot pie.

Our last pick is the Nutty Squirrel Wooden Balance Game! Mr Squirrel needs some help moving his acorns up to his treehouse, you’ll have to balance his acorns on his back. A great game for younger children, it will help them learn all about balance and dexterity whilst getting into the spirit of autumn.

Halloween

Halloween is looming at the end of the month with all of its tricks and treats.

We take Halloween very seriously here at Toy Street so keep your eyes peeled! We’ll have spooky toys and content all over our blog and social media, so be sure to keep up to date.

As a little treat, here is a sneak peek into some of our favourite toys this Halloween ahead of our Top Toys of Halloween 2020 which will be coming your way very soon.

Our treats include Seeds, the smiley pumpkin! This little guy is the happiest Jack-o’-lantern around and will ensure all of the extra candy. Then we have the Sylvanian Families: Baby Costume Series. The adorable baby trick or treaters wear costumes as they hide inside their blind bag packaging waiting for you to find them – who will you get?

And then we have our tricks… This wall walking spider will bring both screams and laughter as it becomes a staple in your house for pranks. Watch as your new eight-legged friend scales windows and any other smooth surface, sure to cause lots of laughter. Our final pick is the Halloween Power Up for the King of Tokyo game. Introduce Pumpkin Jack and Boogey Woogey to your game of villains for exclusive power-ups and effects.

Keep up with our adventures this autumn on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and be sure to tag us @ToyStreetUK to share yours!

Editors note: This blog was originally published on September 30th, 2020. Updated on September 22nd, 2021 to improve the information available.

Top 5 Disney Princess Toys

It’s safe to say that Disney is a childhood staple for many boys and girls across the globe. With 12 official Disney Princess and a few honourary mentions such as Raya, Elsa and Anna, we’re here to break down the top 5 Disney Princess toys fit for any king or queen. Grab your glass slippers and your magic carpets and let’s run through our royal gift guide.

1. Dobble Disney Princess

Love Dobble? Looking for Disney Princess toys? Then we have the perfect gift for you! Dobble Disney Princess is a game of speed, observation and reflects. Asmodee has added this elegant edition to their Dobble collection. Featuring five quick and easy games, Dobble Disney Princess is perfect for all of the family and is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Not only do Snow White, Ariel and Rapunzel grace this beautiful tin, but Dobble is also perfect for on the go. Play with your friends on the playground to your whole family on a special occasion, don’t miss out on this game night staple!

2. Disney Princess Royal Shimmer Doll Collection

You will go to the ball! Embark on an enchanted evening with the Disney Princess Royal Shimmer doll collection. Join Cogsworth for tea with Belle or visit the streets of New Orlean’s with Tiana. Each fashion doll is inspired by a classic Disney film, you can expect a brand new spin on each of the classic dresses. Not only does each Disney Princess get an elevated look, but each also gets their own glittering tiara inspired by their adventure. Join Belle, Ariel, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Aurora, Cinderella and Snow White on a sparkling adventure today.

3. Disney Princess Teepee

Where better to watch a Disney movie than in a fort? The Disney Princess Teepee lets you open up the gates, Anna would be proud. Tie back the doors to this teepee and spread more Disney magic with friends and family or create a hideaway castle perfect for playing or watching Disney+ in! This teepee is the perfect addition to any palace with such a beautiful design. Belle, Ariel and Cinderella are exploring the castle grounds whilst Snow White, Aurora and Rapunzel all sit down for a picnic. Join your favourite princesses and let your imagination run wild.

4. Disney Princess Aquabeads

Next up we have Ariel’s top choice! Bring your favourite Disney Princesses to life with Aquabeads. Follow colourful patterns to create each Disney Princess out of beads. Best of all, finish your creation with just a spray of water! Gone are the days of getting parents’ to iron your creation, Aquabeads lets you spray and play. Featuring Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Tiana and Rapunzel, get creative with this special Disney edition of Aquabeads.

5. Ravensburger’s Disney Princess XXL Puzzle

When Belle hasn’t got her nose in a book, we can imagine her loving a puzzle with the help of Rapunzel and Pascal. Ravensburger are giving you the chance to create a true work of art on your living room floor. Ravensburger’s Disney Princess XXL puzzle features all 12 princesses across 150 large pieces. Get to work putting this puzzle together and keep your eyes out for Merida, Moana and more of your royal besties.

Explore a Whole New World of play with our Top 5 Disney Princess toys! Check out our other Dolls on offer here at Toy Street.

Best Teddies for Newborn Babies

It is very exciting having a newborn baby around. One of the first ways you welcome the arrival of a newborn is by a special gift. You choose this gift with the hope they will treasure it forever. The UK’s favourite item to gift a newly born baby is a cuddly toy or teddy bear. When it comes to choosing the perfect teddy for a baby, a few points must be carefully considered. Luckily, we have given you a helping hand and have listed the best teddies for newborn babies!

Bing Bing

Firstly, it depends on what you want the purpose of the teddy to be. If you’re looking for a super soft, lightweight teddy which will over time become their go-to comforter, then the perfect choice is Bing Bing.

Bing Bing is a beautiful super soft plush Giraffe teddy but also doubles up as a small comforting blanket. Perfect for newborn babies and part of the Suki Gifts Baby collection, this perfect gift is made from premium quality animal style print soft boa plush, complete with two colour tones and embroidered accents to the face. Bing Bing is approximately 43.8cm long, the perfect size blanket to cover a newborn’s body. Bing Bing is also hand washable and air dries quickly.

My First Peter Rabbit

If you’re looking for a more traditional teddy to gift a newborn baby, then it has to be the My First Peter Rabbit! From the classic Beatrix Potter books, the beautiful Peter Rabbit toy is made from premium soft plush. This ensures he is as gentle as possible against a baby’s skin.

Peter is wearing his signature blue jacket as seen in the original illustration! He comes complete with embroidered facial features and a Peter Rabbit logo on his foot. My First Peter Rabbit is hand washable, making him the perfect teddy for any newborn baby. He is part of the beautiful nursery collection designed as perfect gifts for newborns.

Bashful Silver Bunny Medium

This Jellycat bunny has the softest fur and floppiest ears. Making her the perfect pal for any newborn.

Her pink button nose and shiny black eyes make you fall instantly in love with this dear and she will be a treasured companion for years to come.

Solly’s Top 5 Seahorse Toys

For his second summer blog, our brand new beloved Toy Street mascot is sharing his top 5 seahorse toys! Here at Toy Street, we’re planning to fit in as much summer fun as we can with Solly before school starts!

1. Seahorse Unicorn Kiddy Pool

This is no regular seahorse toy, this is a unicorn seahorse toy! Not only does this kiddy pool have a beautiful pearly pink base, shiny fins, and a golden horn, but it is also designed with a sunshade to keep youngsters out of the heat and sun, has a soft inflatable floor for extra comfort, and is made from durable, non-toxic Phthalate free PVC.

2. Li’l Peepers Sealife Backpack Clip: Seahorse

This lovely little guy will always be by your side for trips to the seaside, the playground, and the park. Simply clip him to your backpack and he’ll follow you on every adventure you take!

3. Wiggle & Jiggle Fishing Fun

Catch the lobster, octopus, seashell, crab, pufferfish, marlin, or seahorse on the end of your fishing line, learn a fun aquatic animal fact, and then let the little guy go, ready to pick up another for your next fact. This interactive toy is both fun and educational! We can’t think of a better way to get your little one into sealife!

4. Sienna Seahorse

Sienna and Solly are the best of friends. They splish and splash together all day in the sea. However, Sienna needs a place to rest after playing with her best pal all day, could it be in your edroom? She’s the perfect pastel edition to any room and the bestest friend to cuddle all night.

5. Mudpuppy Puzzle To Go: Ocean Life

This is a colourful puzzle that features sea animals including an octopus, stingray, sea turtle, seahorse, and more and it all packs up neatly into one little drawstring bag for on the go entertainment! The puzzle if ideal for those aged 3+ and is the perfect way to begin animal recognition!

There you have it! Solly’s top 5 seahorse toys! See more of his Toy Street favourites here!

How to Play Monopoly Junior

We are all familiar with the classic board game Monopoly. We know its rules, its length, its ability to cause arguments among friends and family. However, how familiar are we all with Monopoly Junior? The spin-off game invented for children with a shorter play time, less room to cause arguments, and less complicated rules. So let’s get into them. Here’s how to play Monopoly Junior.

Components

When you open up your Monopoly Junior box, you will find:

1 Gameboard
4 Tokens
Character Cards
90 x M1 Notes
20 Chance Cards
48 Sold Signs
4 Who’s Your Token?
1 Die

Set up

Firstly, open up your gameboard and put it in the middle of all players. Next, each player selects their chosen character card and places it on GO. Then players will find the 12 sold signs that match their character token. Next, find the Chance Cards, shuffle them, and place them down on the Chance space on the board. One player must be the banker and they look after the money. Next, deal out the cash. The amount of money each player gets is based on the amount playing.

2 player game: give each player 20 M20
3 player game: give each player M18
4 player game: give each player M16

Game Play

Now, time to play the game!

The first player rolls the die and moves the number of spaces it shows clockwise from the GO space. If they land on a property space they may buy it using your M banknotes and put their sold signs on the colored band at the top of the space so everyone knows they own it. When the next player rolls, if they land on an owned property they must pay the owner rent. However, if they land on a free property, they may also purchase it!

Properties are not the only spaces to be landed on. Players could end up on the Chance space, in which players will then pick up a Chance Card, that could be either a trick or treat! Players could land on the Go to Jail space, where, you guessed it, they must go to jail! If players land on the Just Visiting jail space or free parking, they simply have a rest for a turn. Every time players go past go they may collect M2 from the banker.

Players must survive the game without going bankrupt. The best way to do this is by buying up property, especially those of the same colour. The more properties you have within the same colour the more rent your opponents owe you and that’s how to play Monopoly Junior!

Check out our range of theme Monopoly Junior games here! From Pixar to Shopkins, we have it all!

Top 5 Presents for 9-Year-Old Boys

Shopping for kids isn’t easy, even when they’re your own! It’s hard to know what popular presents for 9-year-old boys are. Do not fear! Here at Toy Street, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled this list of the top 5 presents for 9-year-old boys.

1. StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets

The ideal gift for any creative kid or movie buff. With StikBot Zanimation Studio Pets, any child can become a stop motion movie director. This set comes with two figurines. Their unique design allows for easy positioning on any flat surface thanks to their suction-cup hands and feet. StikBots can be posed in countless ways – their limbs, torso, and even neck can be positioned at multiple different angles! The set even comes with a tripod to steady a smartphone camera for the film! Use the StikBot app to create the movie’s scene with the green screen provided. Lights, camera, action!

2. Star Wars Episode 9 Galaxy Of Adventure Figure

Toys from the 80s have never been more popular…well, except for in the 80s. This is why Star Wars Episode 9 Galaxy Of Adventure Figures are in our top 5 presents for 9-year-old boys list. These figures stand at 12.5cm and have multiple movement points. Take your pick from Chewbacca to Darth Vadar to Leia. We have many to choose from and you can even collect them all!

3. Nerf Ultra Two

Of course, this list was always going to include a Nerf blaster. Being a regular in children’s toy boxes since the 70s, Nerf continues to dominate the market, especially when it comes to 9-year-old boys. This Nerf Ultra Two blaster has advanced design and performance to deliver extreme distance, accuracy, and speed. It comes with six groundbreaking Nerf Ultra darts — the farthest flying Nerf darts ever! Put a smile on the birthday boy’s face with this awesome Nerf blaster – and then run for cover!

4. Heroes Of Goo Jit Zu Marvel Super Heroes Series 2

You can stretch them, you can squeeze them. Since the creation of Stretch Armstrong in the 70s, toys that can be pulled, shaped, and are full of oozy, gooey blue slime have been popular presents for pre-teen boys. Take the appeal of this stretchy, squishy, gooey toy and combine it with a love of Marvel and you’ve got the perfect present!

5. Tetris Mini Arcade Game

Another bit of 80s nostalgia is the Tetris Mini Arcade Game. Unlike in the 80s, you no longer have to trek down to the arcade to play your favourite shape fitting game; you can now fire it up in your bedroom with the Tetris Mini Arcade Game! If your son, grandson, or nephew is a keen gamer, why not introduce them to this bit of gaming history?

More Presents for 9-Year-Old Boys

There you have it! Out list of the best presents for 9-year-old boys. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, be sure to check out our full range of toys for 9-year-old boys here.

Our Favourite Living Nature Soft Toys

Living Nature is a brand within the Keycraft company, founded in 1974 in Scotland. Among other brands, such as Gogopo or Magnoids, Living Nature is their official plus toys brand and is specifically focused on offering incredibly realistic soft toys.

Living Nature’s products are designed to be as realistic as possible. The brand offers a very large collection of over 120 animals of all kinds, with categories such as Pets, Woodland, World Wildlife, Farm, Water Prehistoric, and Buddies – there really is something for everyone!

Living Nature is intended for children who have the desire to learn everything about animals. That’s why Living Nature’s animals combine realism and quality at an affordable price. Moreover, these plush toys are also educational as most of the time a tag is attached to the toy, which gives relevant information about the particular animal, with its habitat, food habits, and behaviour.

So, let’s take a closer look at our personal favourites:

Floppy Chocolate Labrador

Your children’s best friend. Floppy should remind you of your pet, by its resemblance of course, but also because he is as soft, cuddly and playful. What better way to start your children’s plush toy collection than with Floppy. He will accompany your child in all his games and you can be sure that he will also be his most faithful companion.

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Why not add an extinct but still terrifying species to your collection? This Tyrannosaurus Rex is surprisingly realistic and is more than a simple pet. With this frightening and famous creature, your children will be able to imagine stories worthy of Jurassic Park!

Hedgehog Large

This little guy is as cute as he is prickly! The hedgehog is one of Living Nature’s woodland range critters. With his little black nosy and shiny eyes, he is irresistible to cuddle, even with his prickles!

Tiger Sitting

With Living Nature, you can find all the animals, even the most original, and this beautiful tiger is a great example of this. With its bright orange fur, this tiger would be an exotic and unique gift for any child who appreciates original toys.

Otter Medium

Otter’s collect rocks they like in their fur ‘pockets,’ hold each other’s hands when asleep, and have the cutest whiskers. This makes them one of the most adorable animals in the world and Living Nature’s Otter is no exception.

Sitting Red Fox

From his red coat to his sooty paws, to the snowy tip of his tail. The Sitting Red Fox is beyond beautiful from his head to his toes. He’ll creep into your heart and sneak into your arms for a cuddle!

Sitting French Bull Dog

His little face is as cute as it is funny! Living Nature’s Sitting French Bulldog is the perfect starter pet for anyone hankering after a puppy. He’s less work but just as fun, cuddly, and comforting.

Shop the full collection today!

Top 5 Under the Sea Toys

The theme of Toy Street’s seasonal newsletter for summer is Under the Sea! In honour of this, we have shortlisted the top 5 sea-themed toys here at Toy Street! Sign up to the newsletter here to find out everything toy related, giveaways, and discount codes! Without further ado here at the top 5 under the sea toys!

1. Playmobil: Magic Mermaid Cove

Mermaid Cove, like Atlantis, only more magical. Join the dolphins, fish, sea horses, and of course, the five beautiful mermaids that come with this set and explore the cove. Whether your lounging on the sea bed, using the marble run to collect pearls or gathering around the illuminated globe (that really shines!) there’s always something to do at mermaid cove.

This set is accessories galore and every mermaid is intricately detailed down to the scales on their tails and the curls in their hair. The perfect set for any merqueen or king, playtime will never run dry with this fun-packed playset!

This set is part of the Playmobil Magic selection. Check out the Mermaid Beauty Salon, Shark Drawn Carriage, Mermaid Lounge to add to your magical collection!

2. Plus-Plus Sea Turtle Tube

Plus-Plus creates creative construction toys for girls and boys to design puzzles, mosaics, and 3D creations with! This is just one of the award-winning STEM toys that encourage motor skills, creativity, focus, and patience. Today we are sharing certainly one of the cutest sets, which is the turtle tube!

Just when you thought Plus-Plus couldn’t get any better, they also produce all their toys in a zero plastic waste factory!

For more under the sea Plus-Plus fun, check out the Shark Tube.

3. Wiggy Sea Lion Beanie

Wiggy the sea lion will flip and splash into your heart the minute you look into his glittering blue eyes.

During the day Wiggy likes to do tricks with his friend, Wave the Seal, have a fishy snack, and ruffle his little grey mustache. At night, he likes nothing more than snuggling in bed for a lovely cuddle with his best pal.

Check out more Beanies here!

4. Aquabeads Sea Life Set

This amazing aquatic pack comes with over 600 beads in 9 different colours to create an array of sealife creatures! The templates provided include a crab, octopus, seahorse, and many more!

Check out our other Aquabead sets here!

5. Cora Pink Sequin Mermaid

Cora loves to have her long pink hair brushed and styled, she likes to change her outfit by flipping the sequins on her tail, but more than anything she likes to have oodles of fun during playtime! Join Cora on her mystifying mermaid adventures that happen deep under the sea. Meet her best mer-friends, Anastasia, Athena, and Indigo.

Cora is a beautiful plush doll, making her perfect for bedtime cuddles as well as playtime!

There you have it! Our top 5 under the sea toys! Discover even more aquatic toys here and don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter for even more fun!

Top 5 Steiff Animals

Steiff was created back in 1880 thanks to Margarette Steiff, a keen sewer who originally made pincushions shaped like elephants which, after becoming popular with children, later lead to stuff bears.

By 1902, Steiff had released the world’s first bear with jointed limbs. You can always tell whether a Steiff bear is authentic by the button label attached to each bears ear.

After the bears, came Steiff Animals and we are going to share our Top 5 Steiff Animals with you today.

1. Trampili Elephant

With shiny black button eyes and super soft grey fur, Trampili Elephant sits at 18cm tall and would be the perfect gift for any child or adult. Finished with the signature Steiff label in the ear, he is sure to melt anyone’s heart. He is also machine washable, which is perfect for keeping him clean and fresh after a hard day playing.

Take a look and add Trampili to your collection!

2. Leo Baby Lion

Just as we thought Leo Baby Lion couldn’t get any cuter. He is a super addition to any Steiff collection or children’s room. He has black embroidered eyes and soft beige fur and is completely machine washable. As always, the famous Steiff label is buttoned to his ear.

Take a look and add Leon to your collection!

3. Fritzi Donkey

Who wouldn’t want a soft cuddly donkey! Fritzi the donkey stands up tall at 28cm tall and comes with beautifully soft mottled grey fur as well as black mane and hooves. With the famous Steiff label buttoned to his ear he makes the ideal gift for any Steiff collector or a donkey lover!

Take a look at Fritzi and add this adorable donkey to your collection!

4. Keyring Panda

Not only do Steiff create lovable cuddly stuffed toys but also key rings! This adorable keyring is perfect for a panda lover or anyone into cute animals! He is 8cm tall and fitted with a metal keyring on his head which is removable, so he can still be put in the washing machine.

With black and white fluffy fur its super cute face is perfect to attach to your keys or bags or additionally, why not just have him on display, he’s sure to brighten up anyone’s day.

Customise your keys with this panda!

5. Starly Unicorn

Unicorns are everywhere so it would be silly not to include one in our top five Steiff’s Starly Unicorn would fit in perfectly to any unicorn fanatics home. Standing at 35cm and covered in cuddly white fur with a grey horn and, as always, the signature Steiff button in its ear this magical creature would make the perfect gift.

So there you have it – our Top 5 Steiff Animals. Come and take a look at our full range of Steiff Animals, we have over 250 for you to discover!

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

Great prices and speedy delivery.

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