Getting
closer!
Eeek!
It is, isn't it? It might still be November, and there might still be
a tonne of leaves on the trees, but the decorations are already up in
most High Streets, and we're sure you've already bought at one least
gift. As Christmas beckons so closely, we have once more put
ourselves right out there and played with a new set of toys. We
know... we're martyrs.
Star
Wars Stormtrooper Look-alite
The
franchise from a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away is
everywhere at the moment, thanks in no small part to the forthcoming
release of The Force Awakens. However, if you thought the
machinations of George Lucas (or rather, these days, Disney) had
extended merely to action figures, LEGO, and video games, think
again... they'll also be lighting up your child's room.
The
Stormtrooper Look-alite is a LED desk lamp that... well... looks like
a Stormtrooper. The body is hallow plastic into which you insert the
three (not included) AAA batteries, while the helmet part is actually
a shade that surrounds the single small bulb. Not bright enough to
fully light a whole room, but certainly enough for a fun night light
or side light. And yes, thankfully, Darth Vader is also available.
£19.99
from www.maplin.co.uk
Playmobil
Super 4: Royal Tribune
Playmobil
have their own TV show these days, Super 4. Drawing upon several
themes previously explored by the toy line (there's dragons and
spaceships and spies etc...) Super 4, appropriately, has it's own toy
line, the sets from which are causing quite s plash in the toy world
right now. We were sent one from the medieval-type world, complete
with horses, knights and kings.
Royal
Tribune features a raised platform with a throne, a horse in full
jousting regalia, several accessories and weapons, and also three
figures. One of the people included here is Alex, a main character
from the show, this being his signature set. We actually rather like
what is included here, and the size and sheer amount of stuff makes
it great value. The rest of the range is also nicely kitted out, with
a good mix of buildings, vehicles, and figures. Check it out.
£22.99
from http://bit.ly/PLAYMOBILUK
Playmobil's
Super 4 is also currently running free adventure trails across the
streets of Central London, designed for young budding heroes and
grown-ups to attempt in a bid to find treasure! There is a reward for
every challenge completed, but four especially lucky kids might find
the world’s most expensive Super 4 figures hidden on each trail,
each plated in 24 carat gold! Find out more at www.super-4.co.uk
HEXBUG
AquaBot Seahorse
If
you were thinking of getting your children some goldfish this
Christmas; a, you're an idiot, and; b, better make sure that toilet
flush is working fine – you'll be using it on Boxing Day. Kids and
goldfish just don't mix – and it isn't the children's fault. To be
honest, fish are sooooo dull that we're never surprised to hear about
them be neglected, or tortured, or fed to the cat. Get them this
instead.
The
HEXBUG AquaBot Seahorse is the kind of pet that won't complain (or
die) if it goes unfed, and will supply the kids with hours of
entertainment right up until it doesn't anymore. Afterwards as we've
said, it won't die. Simply drop it into the water and it will start
to swim – quite a remarkable sight, especially considering the way
it swims! It will float around, swimming about and bumping into the
glass of the bowl or aquarium (or bath, which is what we tried it
in). After a while it will stop, but to wake it up simply give it a
nudge, or rap your fingers on the glass. Lots of fun, and loads more
types of sea life in the range.
£9.99
from www.hexbug.com
Radio
Controlled VW Sampa Campervan
If
the weather gets really bad this winter, and you find yourself stuck
in the house for days on end, at least you'll be able to imagine
you're cruising off on a coastal summer adventure... all thanks to
the Radio Controlled VW Sampa Campervan. This officially licensed RC
car is a scale replica of the original campervan which is so
synonymous with the 60s and 70s, and, refreshingly, isn't something
you can control with your phone.
No,
this ships with a good old fashioned controller, the type that,
although it might make your thumbs s ore, it will give your hours of
fun play. 'Hey guys, lets drive to the beach,' you'll call, come
Christmas morning. 'Don't forget the sandwiches mum! And dad, you can
bring the drugs.' Cue awkward family talk about levels of
appropriateness. But this is a tonne of fun to drive around, and very
easy to do so thanks to that tactile controller.
£19.99
from www.maplin.co.uk