Hamleys has released a list of its top 100 toys as it celebrates its 265th anniversary.
The list includes marbles, tiddlywinks, the yoyo, the Rubik’s Cube, Nintendo Switch, Sylvanian Families and, of course, Lego.
Hamley’s rich history began with William Hamley, a Cornishman originally from Bodmin, England. He dreamed of opening the best toy shop in the world, which he achieved when he opened his first shop in Holborn, London, in 1760.
“There are a multitude of purposes behind a toy’s design – it can be educational, encourage role play, drive imagination or problem-solving, it can bring comfort or develop hand-eye coordination”
Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, said: “There are a multitude of purposes behind a toy’s design – it can be educational, encourage role play, drive imagination or problem-solving, it can bring comfort or develop hand-eye coordination – there can be so many factors in creating immersiveness. You can never underestimate the power of togetherness created around some of the big-sellers – those toys that bring people of all ages together, that get families around a table talking, playing, challenging, maybe even cheating! Monopoly would be nothing without the competitive family battles that emerge.
“We also mustn’t forget that simplicity is often key – the joy of cuddling a doll or storytelling with an action figure or a superfast Hot Wheel car. Combined with a good dose of jeopardy and you have something truly memorable – think Operation or Kerplunk, Jenga or Buckaroo – they are so simple. I used to panic trying to balance the boot in Mousetrap and be terrified of the noise Operation would make when I got it wrong or just burst with panicky laughter when the Jenga tower finally wobbled and collapsed. Toys like that will last forever.”
Around 20 of the choices are dolls and action figures – Barbie, Sindy and Action Man are all on the list.
The full range can be seen on the link below.
https://www.hamleys.com/hamleys-top-100-hero-toys-of-all-time
