Latest news with #Hamleys'
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
some of which you'll only remember if you grew up then
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. How many of these classic 1960s toys did you play with as a child? Sign up to our Retro newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The top 100 toys of all time have been named by Hamleys Many of the greatest toys were born in the 1960s Some are still popular all these years later, but others have failed to pass the test of time The 100 greatest toys ever have been named, including some classic 60s playthings. Many of the toys listed in Hamleys' top 100 of all time remain hugely popular with youngsters today - having been enjoyed by generations of children before them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But there are some nostalgic 60s toys you will probably only remember if you grew up back then, when they were all the rage. In total, 16 toys launched during the 1960s have made the top 100 according to Hamleys. They are: Operation (1965) This test of manual dexterity has been keeping families entertained for 60 years, with countless budding surgeons honing their skills on long-suffering 'Cavity Sam. Tammy Doll (1962) Tammy Doll was the 'girl next door' answer to the more glamorous Barbie doll. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She was advertised as the 'doll you'll love to dress' but she lacked Barbie's staying power, with only three models being made, between 1962 and 1966. Clackers (1960) A child playing with clackers | Keystone/Clackers were one of the biggest crazes of the 1960s and 70s. They consisted of two acrylic balls on a piece of string which you had to make collide to produce the addictive 'clacking' noise which gave the toy its name. Sadly, the balls had an alarming tendency to 'explode', which led to clackers being banned by some schools over safety concerns. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lite Brite (1967) This classic toy has been sparking children's creativity for nearly six decades, and remains hugely popular. Youngsters use coloured pegs to create their own glowing masterpieces - but make sure you keep track of those tiny pegs! Sindy doll (1963) Sindy, the British doll launched to rival Barbie, with her boyfriend Paul in 1967 | Getty Images Sindy was launched in 1963 to rival her US counterpart Barbie. She was the best-selling toy in the UK in 1968 and 1970 but her popularity waned, while Barbie's appeal shows little sign of diminishing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Buckaroo (1967) Everyone has their own strategy for Buckaroo but the bucking mule remains a law unto itself. Players take turns to stack items on the long-suffering mule, trying not to cause him to kick out and eliminate them from the game. Few players have succeeded in placing all the items on the mule without it bucking, though it is possible. Nerf Blasters (1969) These toy guns, with their foam bullets, remain as popular as ever - and they've changed remarkably little since they first hit the shelves in the 60s. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You'll want to stock up on the bullets though, as they have a habit of going missing. Battleship (1967) The simplicity of this game has made it an enduring classic. The phrase 'you sunk my battleship' has made it into almost every area of popular culture, sparking numerous memes. Action Man (1966) A young boy playing with Action Man toys in 1966 | Getty Images Action Man was the UK's answer to GI Joe and provided hours of fun for youngsters during the 60s, 70s and 80s, especially with the addition of the moving Eagle Eyes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Spare a thought for Red Rocker and Blue Bomber, the two duelling robots who have been sparring for more than 60 years. Vin Diesel is reportedly set to star in a film based on the game, which ends in spectacular fashion with the loser's head popping up from his neck. Mouse Trap (1963) This game has one of the most satisfying conclusions - when it works. It can take ages to set up just right, but the pay-off is worth it in the end. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tiny Tears doll (1960) Tiny Tears doll | Submitted One of the best things about dolls used to be that you don't have to change their nappies or put up with them crying. But Tiny Tears, which sheds tears after being given water from a bottle, sparked a trend for hyper-real dolls. It was marketed as being 'just like a real baby'. Hot Wheels cars (1968) Hot Wheels cars have been named by Hamleys as one of the 100 best toys ever | Getty Images These mini vehicles have been racing off the shelves since 1968, and their appeal shows no signs of slowing down. They are hugely collectable, with the most expensive vintage Hot Wheels vehicle ever having sold for a phenomenal $175,000. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Etch A Sketch (1960) You've heard of the paperless office, which never quite happened. Well, this was so nearly the solution to the paperless games room. Children could simply shake to clear the screen and get working on their latest magnetic masterpiece. No longer would parents have to put up with their kitchen and living room walls being covered with their child's artwork. Alas, it was not to be, despite the toy's enduring popularity, and the satisfaction gained from mastering the controls. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Walkie Talkies (1960) Toy walkie talkies were launched in 1960 and all these years later it's still not 'over and out', thanks to their enduring popularity. Spirograph Another toy which has been fuelling children's creativity for decades, Spirograph enables even the least artistic of children to create enchanting works of art. What do you think was the best toy of the 1960s? Let us know in the comments section.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
some of which you'll only remember if you grew up then
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. How many of these classic 1960s toys did you play with as a child? Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The top 100 toys of all time have been named by Hamleys Many of the greatest toys were born in the 1960s Some are still popular all these years later, but others have failed to pass the test of time The 100 greatest toys ever have been named, including some classic 60s playthings. Many of the toys listed in Hamleys' top 100 of all time remain hugely popular with youngsters today - having been enjoyed by generations of children before them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But there are some nostalgic 60s toys you will probably only remember if you grew up back then, when they were all the rage. In total, 16 toys launched during the 1960s have made the top 100 according to Hamleys. They are: Operation (1965) This test of manual dexterity has been keeping families entertained for 60 years, with countless budding surgeons honing their skills on long-suffering 'Cavity Sam. Tammy Doll (1962) Tammy Doll was the 'girl next door' answer to the more glamorous Barbie doll. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She was advertised as the 'doll you'll love to dress' but she lacked Barbie's staying power, with only three models being made, between 1962 and 1966. Clackers (1960) A child playing with clackers | Keystone/Clackers were one of the biggest crazes of the 1960s and 70s. They consisted of two acrylic balls on a piece of string which you had to make collide to produce the addictive 'clacking' noise which gave the toy its name. Sadly, the balls had an alarming tendency to 'explode', which led to clackers being banned by some schools over safety concerns. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lite Brite (1967) This classic toy has been sparking children's creativity for nearly six decades, and remains hugely popular. Youngsters use coloured pegs to create their own glowing masterpieces - but make sure you keep track of those tiny pegs! Sindy doll (1963) Sindy, the British doll launched to rival Barbie, with her boyfriend Paul in 1967 | Getty Images Sindy was launched in 1963 to rival her US counterpart Barbie. She was the best-selling toy in the UK in 1968 and 1970 but her popularity waned, while Barbie's appeal shows little sign of diminishing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Buckaroo (1967) Everyone has their own strategy for Buckaroo but the bucking mule remains a law unto itself. Players take turns to stack items on the long-suffering mule, trying not to cause him to kick out and eliminate them from the game. Few players have succeeded in placing all the items on the mule without it bucking, though it is possible. Nerf Blasters (1969) These toy guns, with their foam bullets, remain as popular as ever - and they've changed remarkably little since they first hit the shelves in the 60s. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You'll want to stock up on the bullets though, as they have a habit of going missing. Battleship (1967) The simplicity of this game has made it an enduring classic. The phrase 'you sunk my battleship' has made it into almost every area of popular culture, sparking numerous memes. Action Man (1966) A young boy playing with Action Man toys in 1966 | Getty Images Action Man was the UK's answer to GI Joe and provided hours of fun for youngsters during the 60s, 70s and 80s, especially with the addition of the moving Eagle Eyes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Spare a thought for Red Rocker and Blue Bomber, the two duelling robots who have been sparring for more than 60 years. Vin Diesel is reportedly set to star in a film based on the game, which ends in spectacular fashion with the loser's head popping up from his neck. Mouse Trap (1963) This game has one of the most satisfying conclusions - when it works. It can take ages to set up just right, but the pay-off is worth it in the end. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tiny Tears doll (1960) Tiny Tears doll | Submitted One of the best things about dolls used to be that you don't have to change their nappies or put up with them crying. But Tiny Tears, which sheds tears after being given water from a bottle, sparked a trend for hyper-real dolls. It was marketed as being 'just like a real baby'. Hot Wheels cars (1968) Hot Wheels cars have been named by Hamleys as one of the 100 best toys ever | Getty Images These mini vehicles have been racing off the shelves since 1968, and their appeal shows no signs of slowing down. They are hugely collectable, with the most expensive vintage Hot Wheels vehicle ever having sold for a phenomenal $175,000. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Etch A Sketch (1960) You've heard of the paperless office, which never quite happened. Well, this was so nearly the solution to the paperless games room. Children could simply shake to clear the screen and get working on their latest magnetic masterpiece. No longer would parents have to put up with their kitchen and living room walls being covered with their child's artwork. Alas, it was not to be, despite the toy's enduring popularity, and the satisfaction gained from mastering the controls. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Walkie Talkies (1960) Toy walkie talkies were launched in 1960 and all these years later it's still not 'over and out', thanks to their enduring popularity. Spirograph Another toy which has been fuelling children's creativity for decades, Spirograph enables even the least artistic of children to create enchanting works of art.
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic British toy chain reveals top 100 toys of all time including retro classics – did your favourite make the list?
We reveal the full list including Pokemon Cards and Subbuteo below TOY JOY Iconic British toy chain reveals top 100 toys of all time including retro classics – did your favourite make the list? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC toy chain has revealed a list of the top 100 toys of all time, including some childhood classics. The team of buyers at Hamleys has rounded up its favourite games, dolls and more throughout history as it marks its 265th birthday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Hamleys has revealed its ultimate list of the top 100 toys of all time Credit: Alamy Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, said: "Once you start looking at this (list), it turns rapidly into a nostalgia-fest – even for toys from four or five years ago." Classic toys such as Barbie dolls, first launched in 1959, made the top 100 list, as well as iconic card game UNO. LEGO Harry Potter, which first went on sale in 2018, also made Hamleys' list. Some nostalgic toys also featured, including space hoppers, which first launched in 1970, and Jenga. We reveal the top 100 list down below, but here are five standouts. Monopoly 6 Monopoly is sold across the globe in dozens of languages Credit: Getty A game which inevitably leads to debate and arguments among friends and family, Monopoly first launched in 1935. The true icon of board games, more than 113 local editions exist in countries across the world with it available in 46 languages. Since its launch almost a century ago, it is believed to have sold over 300million copies worldwide. You can currently pick up the classic Monopoly game from Smyths Toys for £14.99. UNO 6 UNO was first developed in the United States Credit: Getty A simple but endlessly enjoyable game, more than 150million sets of UNO have sold worldwide across 80 countries. Pokemon star dead at 71: Legendary voice actor James Carter Cathcart played string of fan-favourite characters in show The game, which you win by getting rid of all your cards, was first invented in 1971. A pack of UNO cards is on sale for £3.99 currently on Rubik's Cube 6 The Rubik's Cube was originally called a Magic Cube Credit: PA No list of top toys would be complete without the Rubik's Cube, of which more than 500million copies have been sold globally. Hamleys claims this makes it the biggest selling puzzle game of all time, after its launch in 1974. The current world record for solving a Rubik's Cube is held by Xuanyi Geng, who completed a 3x3x3 cube in just over three seconds. The Works is selling one on its website for £3. Nintendo Game Boy 6 The classic 1989 Game Boy was the first console of its kind Credit: Alamy Three Nintendo consoles made it onto Hamleys' top 100 list, including the 1989 Game Boy. The first of its kind, the Game Boy line went on to become a cultural icon of the 1990s and 2000s. An original 1989 device is currently on sale for £75 on CeX's website. They have been known to sell for as much as £620 in the past though, while other retro computer games have gone for up to £1.5million. Barbie 6 Everyone will remember playing with Barbie dolls at one point during their childhood Credit: Alamy An undoubted staple in many children's lives growing up, the first Barbie doll launched in 1959. Since then, one billion of the dolls, made by Mattel, are thought to have been sold worldwide. So famous is the toy, a feature-length film was released in 2023 chronicling about the character. Shoppers can currently buy a Barbie Fashionista doll on The Entertainer's website for £7. Sell a vintage model and you could end up getting nearly £1,000 though, according to one expert. What else made the list? Other best-selling dolls made the list including Tiny Tears, Polly Pocket, My Little Pony and Bratz. Action figures such as Action Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Wars figurines also made the cut. Clackers from the 1960s featured - combining two balls attached to a piece of string that you can bang together to make a "clack" sound. Hamleys' top 100 list Lego Classic Bricks Monopoly Beanie Babies Polly Pocket My Little Pony UNO Rubik's Cube Tamagotchi Clackers Trivial Pursuit Slime Scooter Pogo Stick LUDO Subbuteo Transformers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Operation Hungry Hippos Connect 4 Kaledeiscope Hatchimals Bratz Care Bearas Yo Yo Weebles Masters of the Universe Matchbox Cars Speak and Spell LeapPad Teletubby Doll Thunderbirds Tracy Island Power Rangers Pie Face Lite-Brite Nerf Blasters Sylvanian Families Battleships Nintendo Game Boy 1989 Stretch Armstrong Furby Hot Wheels Cars Troll Dols Play-Doh Pokemon Cards Slinky Cabbage Patch Kids Mr. Potato Head Tiny Tears Doll Mouse Trap Nintendo Wii View-Master Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot LOL Surprise Dolls Pogs Fingerlings Barbie Doll Simon LEGO Harry Potter Etch a Sketch Action Man Spirograph Glo Worm Nintendo Switch Hula Hoop Super Soaker Baby Alive Doll Tiddlywinks Fisher-Price Telephone Space Hoppers Plasticine Meccano Marbles Tammy Doll Skittles K'nex Walkie Talkies Boggle Rubik's Snake Playmobil Jenga Horny Trains Buckaroo Zapf Creation Dolls Top Trumps Scalextric Cluedo Spinning Tops Fuzzy Felt Space Invaders Hamley Bear Silly Putty Magic Markers Tonka Trucks Sindy Doll Wooden London Bus Rocking Horse Toy Soliders Snakes and Ladders Boglins Pokemon cards and Top Trumps were also selected by the buying team at Hamleys. Meanwhile, Playstation and the Xbox also made an appearance. Victoria, head buyer, said there were a multitude of reasons why toys are so successful among shoppers. "They can be educational, encourage role play, drive imagination or problem-solving, they 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 – get families around a table talking, playing, challenging, maybe even cheating. '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." Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major UK toy brand shuts 29 stores and axes employees as it blames one thing
The famous toy retailer now runs 11 stores across the UK and 176 branches worldwide and has reduced its UK workforce from 435 to 401 Hamleys closed 29 stores during its most recent financial year and cut the number of employees in its business. The number of workers was reduced from 435 to 401. It comes after Hamleys shut 40 shops in the previous 12 months, blaming pressures from inflation. But in better news, Hamleys also opened 22 new sites in its last financial year. The famous toy retailer now runs 11 stores across the UK and 176 branches worldwide. Hamleys' turnover rose from £51.4million to £53.3million in 2024, according to its latest financial figures reported on Companies House. Its pre-tax profits climbed to £3.7million, up from £673,000 from the previous year, and its UK sales increased from £43.9million to £45.9million. Hamleys was established in London in 1760 and is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest toy retailer globally. It has been owned by Reliance Industries, an Indian conglomerate, since 2018. In a statement, the board said: "We had a strong year, driven primarily by franchise royalties, and we're optimistic about continued growth from it with [the] introduction of new territories along with organic growth of existing territories. "The UK retail market remains challenging going into 2025 as consumer spending continues to be impacted by inflationary pressures." It added: "As a result, we remain cautiously optimistic on business growth with a continuous focus on cost optimisation to ensure the profitability of the group. "The group is continuously striving to improve the customer experience and proposition across all formats to ensure long-term sustainability of the business. "We remain focused in identifying opportunities for future growth and implementing a robust digital strategy is a key growth driver for the UK in 2025. "The strategic review undertaken in 2024 to improve customer experience and proposition across all formats, introduction of new products and services, continued overseas growth and entry into new proprietary and franchise markets has delivered positive results for the group in 2024." It comes after fish and chip shop chain Deep Blue Restaurants revealed it sold off nine of its branches. The restaurant chain parted ways with these sites between October 2024 and May 2025. Deep Blue Restaurants also owns Harry Ramden's, having purchased the company from Boparan Restaurant Group six years ago in 2019. The funds from the sale of the nine Deep Blue Restaurants were used to refurbish some Harry Ramsden's locations, as well as marketing campaigns. The company has 16 Deep Blue restaurants and eight Harry Ramsden's sites, according to its website.
India.com
03-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani's masterstroke, launches Hamleys store in this Muslim country, not Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Indonesia, it is...
New Delhi: Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, acquired the global operations of Hamleys in 2019. Hamleys is a British multinational toy retailer, owned by Reliance Retail and it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest toy store. Now, Mukesh Ambani has launched a Hamleys store in Kuwait, making it Hamleys' ninth store in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) following its strong presence in the UAE and Qatar. Hamleys has inaugurated Kuwait store in collaboration with the Middle East Retail Group. The launch of Kuwait store has further strengthened Hamleys' strategic partnership with the Middle East Retail Group, its trusted franchise partner in the region and a leading retail conglomerate known for bringing iconic global brands to the Middle Eastern market. This store has been established in a 1,170 square meter area at Kuwait's famous 'The Avenues Mall'. Hamleys is considered one of the best toy brands in the world and this is the first Hamleys store in Kuwait, while it is their ninth store in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Hamleys store is designed for children of all age groups. More than 10,000 toys from over 100 brands are available here. Children will have the opportunity to see and buy famous toys such as Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Marvel, Build-A-Bear, Bandai, and Candylicious. In addition, it will feature a high-energy racetrack called 'Ralleys'. Hamleys Global CEO Sumit Yadav said, 'Our plan to open a store in Kuwait has been in the works for a long time. Opening a store in 'The Avenues' is a significant moment for us. The response to Hamleys in new markets has always been positive, and we are confident that Kuwait City will not be an exception. We will continue our expansion in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.' Nabil Daoud, CEO of the Middle East Retail Company, said, 'The arrival of Hamleys in Kuwait is a matter of pride for us. This brand is already receiving a lot of love here. Many Kuwaiti families have grown up with Hamleys and have seen it abroad. This store is for them, and our role is to bring it closer to them.'
