Toy retailer Hamleys acknowledges Lego, Barbie, and Rubik's Cube as iconic playthings of all time.
In celebration of its 265th birthday, iconic British toy retailer Hamleys has unveiled a list of the top toys that have left an indelible mark on popular culture, endured the test of time, and continue to captivate children and adults alike. This illustrious list, compiled with the help of Hamleys' top buyers, includes 10 toys that have shaped the world of play and have become synonymous with childhood memories.
Leading the pack is the ever-popular Lego bricks, first released in 1958. These timeless, creative, and globally adored building blocks have since expanded to encompass toys, films, and theme parks, cementing their status as a true phenomenon. Following closely behind is the Barbie doll, a pop culture icon with over one billion units sold worldwide since its debut in 1959.
Another enduring favourite is the Monopoly board game, which has been bringing families together for competitive and collaborative battles since its inception. The Rubik's Cube, the world's best-selling puzzle toy, has sold more than 500 million units since 1974.
The list also includes classic handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Game Boy and the 90s tech toy sensation, the Tamagotchi virtual pet. Action Man dolls, Teletubby dolls, and the interactive electronic toy Furby round out the top 10, with the Frozen singing doll completing the lineup, based on the hit franchise that has captured the hearts of many children.
The joy of cuddling a doll, storytelling with an action figure, or playing with a superfast Hot Wheel car is a key factor in the popularity of these toys. Simplicity often plays a significant role in creating memorable toys, as demonstrated by games like Operation, Kerplunk, Jenga, and Buckaroo.
Jenga, in particular, is a game where the excitement comes from the potential for the tower to collapse, while Mousetrap and Operation are named as toys that evoke fear and panic due to their potential for failure or unexpected noise.
Hamleys' list also pays homage to toys that had cultural impact, enduring popularity, and historical significance, such as the hula hoop, spinning tops, and marbles, which were among the first toys sold by the store when it opened in 1760.
Glo Worm and Simon were particularly popular in the 1980s, while the Sindy doll, a personal favourite of a Hamleys buyer, is described as a cool British icon. Karen Dennett, a senior Hamleys buyer, remembered toys that experienced unforeseen demand and had to be restricted to one per customer, such as the Frozen Singing "Let it Go" Doll.
Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, noted that the list quickly turns into a nostalgia-fest, even for toys from just four or five years ago. These top toys of all time serve as a testament to Hamleys' rich history and their continued commitment to providing children with timeless, engaging, and memorable play experiences.
- The fashion-and-beauty world has been influenced by the popular styles and accessories seen on Barbie dolls, a pop culture icon that has stood the test of time.
- For food-and-drink enthusiasts, the toy kitchen sets and pretend foods often found in children's homes are reminiscent of iconic toys like those sold by Hamleys.
- In the realm of lifestyles, the active, adventurous nature of toys like cars and Hot Wheels reflect the excitement and thrill that comes with exploration and travel.
- For those interested in home-and-garden, Jenga, with its tower of blocks, offers a miniature version of the balance and stability one seeks in maintaining a home.
- Pets may not have been on Hamleys' initial list, but the Tamagotchi virtual pet and its responsibility-centered gameplay can be seen as a forerunner of the interaction and care often associated with real-life pets.
