Page 31 – Toy Street

Our Childhood Best Friends and Memories

This week, we are back with another blog that is packed with cute and loving stories from us at Toy Street. Continuing the series of short stories, all written by our wonderful team members at the Toy Street HQ. Surrounded by bears and soft toys at work, we are always able to reminisce about our childhood memories. Also, be reminded of the warm feelings that our teddies give us. Today, the beloved Roshan has written about her childhood bestie, Snowie, and the memories they built in Panama and England!

Names:

Roshan & Snowie

First Play Date:

March 1995, when I moved to Panama.

A Little About My Best Friend:

Snowie came into my life when I was 4 years old. We had just moved from England to Panama so things were kind of scary and new for me. So, I’d done what I always did… Retreated into my shell. I remember it was a really hot day and my parents wanted me to make friends. So, we went to a park to meet a family my parents knew from their volunteer work. They had two daughters and one of them handed me this pink and white chubby teddy bear with a bell in its head. This was their “welcome to a new country don’t be scared” present for me.

I got HEAVILY attached to her and she became… Snowie! I took Snowie everywhere. I played with her in so many different scenarios. Some days she was a nurse fixing my other stuffed animals problems, other days she was a keen detective on the heels of the Cookie Burglar! We did everything together. My family would join in and we’d play games of “Where’s Snowie?!”. We would hide her in all kinds of places around the house – I think the best one was where she was gone for 2 whole days when my mum had managed to fit her into an empty Pringles tube!

I kept Snowie even when her bell stopped ringing, through growing out of my other toys, through moving back to England. Why? Because she came to me at a difficult time in my life and I’d love to be able to pass her on to my own kids someday… And play more rounds of “Where’s Snowie?!”.

Christmas Eve At Toy Street

Christmas is finally on our doorstep and we can’t wait to celebrate at Toy Street! Over the 25 day countdown, we have been having days filled with Christmas jumpers, yummy festive baked goods, and exciting Christmas quizzes. We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! To our toy-loving family. No matter how small or large your celebrations are, we hope that the presents under the tree are TOY filled! What is better than a little one’s face when the toys and games they have always wanted are finally in their arms with a big bow and a card from Santa?

Of course, it is Christmas Day tomorrow but the fun is yet to be in full swing! With lots of families and friendly gatherings coming up, there are many perfect opportunities for a play-date. Or, for the children to show you their favorite new dolls and games. Keep the kids entertained with a round of Codenames, or a teddy bear for the long car journey home.

For all the last-minute shoppers, we have put together a list of toys that are perfect as extra stocking fillers or last-minute gifts. Take a look at our favourite ideas:

Stocking Fillers and Last Minute Gifts

Dobble

At Toy Street, we are a little Dobble-obsessed… We have so many editions and variations – we can’t get enough! From the classic Dobble edition to Dobble Animals, Dobble Disney Princess and Dobble Beach. This card game is at an affordable price of around £10 and is filled with lots of skill-testing properties. Dobble tests your speed, observation skills and reflexes all in one. The aim of this awesome game is a race to find the matching image between one card and another. What’s more, there are 5 different mini-games in Dobble including the well, the towering inferno, Hot Potato, Catch them all and the Poisoned gift. Exciting and intense, Dobble is a brilliant card game for the whole family.

Players: 2-8

Little Miss Vanity Case

This is the perfect gift for a chic who is growing up fast and discovering the world of makeup and beauty! At the next family dinner, let the kids glamour you up while you sit back and enjoy the festivities. With perfume, nail polish, a hairbrush, a mirror and much more – there is plenty of pampering to be made. This is also perfect for little ones who like to borrow Mummy’s makeup or want their own! Mess-free and fun-filled.

Comes with: 9 wooden pieces in an adorable, zipped PVC vanity case.

Measures: 22 x 17 x 16cm.

35cm Barney Bear With Ribbon Brown

At the end of the day, it is time to load the car and get the kids home and into bed. Over Christmas, it is likely that you will be travelling lots with family or friends. At any age, this can be a chore or not ideal. So, it is time for car journey entertainment! At Toy Street, we have lots of bears which we think would be the perfect helping hand to help the children rest and relax in a car journey (long or short). However, this 35cm Barney Bear With Ribbon Brown is our absolute favourite this Christmas. This beautiful hand-made soft toy was designed by Keel Toys and uses the finest materials.

Measures: 35cm.

Don’t forget to share your Christmas experiences with Toy Street by using the hashtag #ToyStreet on Instagram and Twitter!

Our Childhood Best Friends and Memories

At Toy Street, we have had a wonderful, new and nostalgic idea! When working with the cuddly and awesome teddies we do, it has always made us think of our childhood teddies. Lots of us feel a little warmth inside. Thinking of the moments and playtimes shared with our cuddly ones, thinking of what they are up to know or where are they!

What does the teddy that I passed on to my cousin get up to now during playtime?

Where did my mum put my childhood favourite teddy when I grew up or moved out?

We wanted to put all of these thoughts and feelings together, and share them with you guys! In this blog, Katie has taken the time to tell you all about her favourite teddy… From when she was younger. Beginning with the team member’s name, their teddy best friend’s name, and the date of their first play date.

Names:

Katie & Eeyore

First Play Date:

27th Nov 1995, my birthday.

A Little About My Best Friend:

As I grew up, Winnie the Pooh was a staple story with wallpapers, storybooks and soft toys filling the house. With four siblings I grew up with Eeyore. My older brother got Piglet. As a teenager, my mum was always nicknamed Pooh (for her red t-shirts and fondness for dungarees). Leaving my younger siblings, as Roo and Rabbit. Eeyore was always a grumpy character in the books who taught me it’s okay to feel sad sometimes. Eeyore also helped me to cherish the happy moments in life. Now, I believe the Winnie the Pooh stories hold great educational strength for young children.

I have a lot of fond memories of Winnie The Pooh stories. We used to live opposite a big forest where we would walk our dog on most days. We’d dream of Hundred Acre Wood, throw Pooh sticks off bridges into streams… Just like the characters in the stories, spending our time making the forest our playground full of adventures, making dens, splashing in muddy puddles and climbing trees.

Although Eeyore might not stay in my bed as he did as a child, he is a toy I will never get rid of. Put in the cupboard, he comes out on rainy days and makes me cherish the wonderful childhood I had and the family I wish I saw more of. There’s something comforting about childhood memories and attachments so nothing beats a good cuddle down memory lane with a childhood teddy. Equally, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of a true cuddly friend. He’s a bit tattered now but still just as loved, I think over the years I’ve become more attached to my teddy than I ever was as a child.

Top 5 Gifts To Show Your Gratitude

It’s officially coming to the Season of Goodwill. Before we arrive well and truly, our friends across the pond have their Thanksgiving celebrations. Today, we have decided to look around the Toy Street HQ, on a hunt for what we think would be the best gifts to give someone. Whether you are showing your gratitude or you want to kick start someone’s bear collection in tried and tested fashion… Have a read of what we picked!

My First Steiff Bear

With a wonderful range of colours to pick from, what a special way to start off a child’s collection as they enter the world. There is no better way to say thank you for lighting up the world than with these lovely Steiff bears. We even have a selection of My First Steiff Bears that come with the cutest gift box, it is the perfect present for a little one.

Peter Rabbit Collection

As a mother of three children, it is not hard to notice that children do appreciate something material and physical that they can really look to at gratitude. We have also picked these as our little Peter Rabbit’s for people who don’t want to break the bank. These little Peter Rabbits at just over £5 was a wonderful way to show thanks to my children. They adored the gifts, so spread the love to your families too.

The Snowman and Snowdog My First Christmas

The Snowman is a tradition in many homes across the UK. Especially in the upcoming months, and a little dog companion only adds to the sweetness of it all. Why not say thank you to a little one for making your Christmas magical with this lovely little gift set; a steal at under £10.

Guess How Much I Love You Book and Toy Set

This comes with a wonderful story and a little comforter. We believe that showing a sense of gratitude with a book and a teddy will most likely leave them feeling more grateful to you. Now, and in the many lasting years to come.

Wildlife Gift Box Teddies

These adorable and wonderfully comforting teddies are in a higher price range than our other picks. But at My Bear Shop we promise the quality speaks for itself. These are beautiful, unique and so charming that they would be a wonderful gift for the young and the old.

Bonus time!

Toy Street has a range of gift wrapping and packaging available on our website so please don’t hold back in having a look. Check out the website and let us know what you think of this list or whether you think there is something we have missed that may have been a better fit.

Thanks for reading! And for the Teddy Bear-lovers in the states, have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Top 5 Toys For Batman Fans

This week, we are going superhero themed! Showcasing 5 of our favourite Batman toys and treats that are available on the Toystreet website. From awesome bikes and helmets to games and toys, there is a huge selection to pick from.

Batman is a fictional superhero who appears in the American comic books published by DC Comics. His first appearance was in the Detective Series in 1939 and is still super popular today. Since the 1940s, many movies, shows and all kinds of Batman-themed entertainment have been produced.

4D Mini Batman Gotham City

To begin, this mini 4D Gotham City time puzzle is perfect for the lovers of the Gotham series. Or simply fans of the superhero himself. This puzzle takes you to the gritty city of Gotham with iconic locations such as Wayne Manor, Gotham City police department, Iceberg Casino & Lounge and much more!

What we love about this unique puzzle are the dimensions that it holds. A jigsaw map, topography, 3D models and replicas, and finally a poster that details the history to represent time. This puzzle-map is truly interactive. The police station even includes a mini-led battery light to shine the Batman logo into the sky!

What is the total piece count? 839.

Measurements? Approximately 76 x 40 x 63 cm.

Batman Fluxx

Batman Fluxx, as with all Fluxx card games, starts with one basic rule: Draw one card, Play one card. You start with a hand of three cards, so add the card you drew to your hand, and then choose one card to play, following the directions written on your chosen card. In this edition, crime is running amok and no-one can win with Villains on the table. As players, jump into the action to help Batman and friends clean things up!

Ages 8+

2-6 Players

5-30 minutes playing time

Batman 3D Bat Safety Helmet

For any lover of the superhero, this is the perfect accessory for riding around. To school, to the park with friends, on a ride with family… Look and feel apart of the Bat team with this 3D Safety Helmet. This way, there are no excuses for not wearing a helmet… No need to feel embarrassed! Get one for your little one and you will both feel confident about them riding around in comfort again. The moulded ears and features will always be recognised.

On top of looking cool, this helmet is very well designed. Featuring a quick-release buckle, adjustable straps, ventilated shell, removable padding that is adjustable for comfort and fit…

Batman 12″ Bike

The perfect partner for our 3D Bat Safety Helmet. This outdoor toy would make the best Christmas or birthday present for any fan of the outdoors, and Batman! For bigger riders, we also have a 14″ bike available.

Check out the character graphics and shaped plaque, it has our favourite superman hero written all over! Also, look out for the rear bat wing! A few key features also include the enclosed printed chainguard, front, and rear caliper brakes, an adjustable seat and handlebars…

Batman Mini Quad

Your little superhero can save Gotham on this super cool 6v Battery Operated Mini Quad! We picked this for our top 5 as we loved that youngsters can enjoy their very own Bat Mobile. With forward gears and a max speed of 3km/h, they will feel they are racing to rescue as soon as they hop on board. If you are worried about safety, No. 3 of our top 5 will make the perfect solution.

Dimensions: Length 73.4, Width 40, Height 48 cm.

Maximum Weight (in kg): 30

Speed Limit (in km/h): 3

Includes: 6V Battery and Charger

International Hug A Bear Day

It’s past Halloween so I suppose that means we can mention the festive season being upon us. It seems more and more that Christmas is being advertised earlier and earlier so days are being brought in to break things up and the 7^th of November is of no exception (pssst! It is International Hug A Bear Day!)

November 7^th, as has been brought to our attention at Toy Street that is International Hug A Bear day! It is our time to shine, to celebrate a day of love and cuddles. I do not want to advocate members of the public going and finding bears to hug so let’s go with the much better approach of your favourite teddy bears!

International Hug A Bear Day at MBS

Speaking to so many colleagues and asking about the memories of their teddy bears, it really gave me ‘warm-fuzzy butterflies’. Seeing their faces light up in remembrance of their toys of old. Some have teddy’s that they have had since they were young, some are newer and have sentimental value. My personal memory of a teddy is the one I have called ‘Stevie’… I have had that teddy bear since the day I was born. It was a gift from a family member as I was the first child in a new generation. Now, my children cuddle Stevie at times they feel low, sad or scared.

I am glad to see that teddy bears are not a forgotten tradition. It really brings a sense of warmth when we think of not only the teddy but the story behind it.

Celebrations & Hugs

If you don’t have a teddy, feel free to look through our wonderful selection available online. With that festive season being upon us… Why don’t you spark that wonderful memory for someone else by buying them a cuddly loved one? From Steiff Classics to our crazy animal collection, there is a bear for everyone.

When you hug your bear or you share that love on to someone else, I hope you are thankful and take that time to smile. Have a wonderful International Hug A Bear Day; Sharing the hugs and love with your friends and family.

Our Top 5 Children’s Games

We have put together our top 5 children’s games. This was a tough one, as we have so many awesome games designed for children available. However, we have finally put together a list that has something for everybody.

Children’s games can be any of the amusements and pastimes of a little one. This can be based on fantasy and imagination, or organised games with sets of rules. These can also be played with anyone – friends, family or individually. Similarly, can be played anywhere – there are many inside games and outside games to be played.

Zombie Operation

In the spirit of October 31st, our first favourite has to be Zombie Operation! Operation is a silly skill game, but this version has an extra bite! Grab your trusted tweezers and take a stroll through the neighbourhood where everyone is dying to meet you. Keep calm and decomposed to avoid triggering the buzzer. This game requires skill, patience, and dedication. Have you got the guts to play? It’s a no brainer! This is a perfect seasonal gift for Halloween but can be used all year round. If you are feeling brave!

Doh Nutters

This game is described as the eleFANTASTIC game of picking up donuts. We love this one as it is so crazy, and there are two ways of playing. In game 1, can you be the first elephant to get all your donuts on your trunk? And in the alternative game, can you pick up and place your donuts on your game board one at a time before your fellow elephants? Doh Nutters is a game best played with 2-4 players, so it is perfect for smaller playdates and rainy days inside with the family.

Alphabet Flashcards

Next, is a children’s game by the beloved Orchard Toys. We struggled to decide here, as we have such a wide range of Orchard Toys to pick from. This time, we have chosen Alphabet Flashcards – the perfect tool to introduce children to the letters of the alphabet and first words in a fun way. The cards are double-sided, featuring a colourful, friendly illustration of the word on one side and the letter of the alphabet on the other. With 26 cards in a pack, let the literacy and fun begin all in one.

Hamster Race

Hamster Race is the cheese chasing, hamster racing game we all want and need! To play, line up your hamsters on the starting grid. Next, roll the dice and you’re off! Go racing around the track, picking up cheese and aim towards riding hamster wheel. The last one standing wins all the cheese in their mouth, and the player with the most cheese at the end of 3 rounds wins.

Match and Count

Finally, we have chosen another Orchards Toy game. As we said, it was so hard picking just one! This choice is also an educational activity puzzle, but this time is working on numeracy skills. Make learning from 1 to 20 fun by matching the simple picture cards with the numbers. There is no tricking this clever puzzle, as only the correct cards will fit together! This allows your child to also learn about self-correct as they have puzzle fun.

Farm Animals – Old McDonald’s Favourites

This week, we are going Old McDonald’s farm-themed… Showing you our favourite farm animals available online, so you can bring the muddy teddies home! Farm animals are still very much loved classic, just like the childhood nursery rhyme. This blog includes a few top picks from our wide collection of fluffy farm animals. So, you can have your very own Old McDonald farm at home!

Did you know the Old McDonald nursery rhyme is dated all the way back to the 18th Century?

Meet The Farm Animals…

Horses

Now, what’s a farm without horses? Fenny the Dangling Holsteiner (35cm) was made by the beloved German teddy bear maker – Steiff. With your child’s pure pleasure of galloping around in mind! Not to worry if Fenny gets dirty playing on the farm, he’s machine washable for up to 30C so children can have as much messy fun as they want (to a degree!)

Pigs

Second, the farmyard’s stinky favourite, pigs! At My Bear Shop, we have a huge variety of pigs and piglets waiting to be bought; from Peppa Pig to Pigilee Pigs. So, there’s going to be the perfect pig to join your farm! Enjoy jumping in muddy puddles with your new best friend, oinking away.

Ducks

Look out! Our little ducklings are wandering away from mummy duck again and into your basket! Our plump little ducklings are so irresistible! These guys come with the finest yellow plush covering their cute bodies. Also, a high-quality bear made by Steiff, measuring at 14cm.

Sheep

Baa Baa! Our adorable Shirley sheep is waiting for you with her cuddly shaved face and airbrush detailing! Perfect to join your farmyard friends with her brown beaded eyes watering at the fact you could be her furrever home!

Cows

Say hello to Cowaloo, the spotty tall farm animal friend! This Cowaloo measures at 35cm tall. Worried you are short for space on the farm? Well, customers can choose the 18cm Cowaloo, also available online. Both with moognificent spotty qualities! Indeed, fall in love with their beautiful two-toned brown eyes and embroidered features. This farm animal friend is suitable for babies so you can start creating your Old McDonald farm from an even younger age! The whole family can have barrels of farm animal fun.

Chickens

Finally, mother Hen has made her appearance! By the looks of it, she’s grown a lot, to a whopping 35cm! Along with awesome size, this hen’s beautiful caramel tipping and soft texture makes the perfect farmyard friend. Made by ‘Living Nature Soft Toy’, this Hen is fun and educational – with facts on her swing tag, the kids can learn all about her favourite food and her favourite place to live.

And here you have it, your whole Old McDonald farm right Infront of your very eyes! Just like that you can transform into a totally new environment and get lost in the world of farming and your favourite animals.

Editors note: This blog was originally published on 24th October, 2019. Updated on July 19th, 2022 to improve the information available.

My Favourite Thing To Play As A Child

When working with Toy Street, it always is interesting to look at the products for sale at our shop and compare to what was available to me as a child. Notice the change in trends and styles over time. There are the staples, of course, such as the hula hoop or the space hopper that will never leave. However, there are also trends that come and go. Who remembers Zhu Zhu pets, Magnetix or the password journal? Some of my childhood favourites that just aren’t around anymore. On the other hand, some of my favourites have stuck around… Like Top Trumps and Sylvanian Families!

Top Trumps

Now, if I hadn’t crammed in enough nostalgia in the introduction it is time for more! In this blog, I want to tell you all about Top Trumps. This was my all-time favourite thing to play with as a child and they are still available, especially at Toy Street!

Top Trumps first set off in the industry in 2000 and has come very far since. In the past 19 years, Top Trumps have managed to keep up with the trends while having a set of cards available for every individual’s taste. From STEM and The Big Bang Theory to Thomas and Friends and Ponies. There are 150 new designs but this doesn’t include the oldies you can get second-hand!

For those who are new to Top Trumps… How does a TT card work?

Each Trump card contains a list of numerical data, and the aim of the game is to compare these values to try to trump and win an opponent’s card.

Now only available from second-hand sources, my favourite pack to play was the High School Musical edition. I also loved my Moshi Monsters, Roald Dahl and Jaqueline Wilson set. I loved how Top Trumps manage to put my favourite films, games and books into a card game that never got boring. I remember going to car boots as a child and if I saw someone selling a pack of Top Trumps I was the happiest on the grounds! “Pleaaaase Mum!”

How To Play:

Any number of people can play Top Trumps, that’s what makes it the world’s coolest card game! Here are instructions on how to play Top Trumps.

To start the game, shuffle and deal all the cards face down. Each player holds their cards so that they can see the top card only.

The player to the dealer’s left starts by reading out a category from the top card (e.g. Height, value 5) The other players then read out the same category from their cards. The one with the best or highest value wins, and that player collects all the top cards, including their own, and moves them to the bottom of their pile. It is then their turn again to choose a category from the next card.

If two or more cards share the top value or data is not available for that particular subject then all the cards are placed in the middle and the same player chooses again from the next card. The winner of the hand takes the cards in the middle as well.

The person with all the cards at the end is the winner.

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.