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Which of the nation's favourites made Hamleys' top toys list of all time?

Which of the nation's favourites made Hamleys' top toys list of all time?

ITV News13 hours ago
Toy retailer Hamleys has named Lego bricks, the Barbie doll and the Rubik's Cube among the top toys of all time.
Hamleys said it compiled its 'hero' 100 list with the help of top buyers to mark its 265th birthday, and included toys that had cultural impact, enduring popularity and historical significance.
Among the top ten is the board game Monopoly, the Nintendo Game Boy and the Tamagotchi virtual pet, which Hamleys described as a 'symbol of 90s tech toy obsession'.
Alongside Barbie, the Action Man, Teletubby, and Frozen singing dolls also made it to the top of the list.
The toy store described Lego, first released in 1958, as 'timeless, creative, and a global phenomenon', noting it had gone on to span toys, films and theme parks.
It said more than one billion Barbie dolls had been sold across the world since its first release in 1959, making it a 'pop culture icon' across the decades.
More than 500 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold since 1974, making it the world's best-selling puzzle toy.
Hamleys said 'eternal classics' such as the hula hoop, spinning tops and marbles were still bought around the world today, despite them being among the first toys sold by the store in 1760.
Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, said: 'Once you start looking at this, it turns rapidly into a nostalgia-fest – even for toys from four or five years ago.
'My personal favourites are Sindy doll, I was always a Sindy girl as she was a cool British icon.
"I also adored Glo Worm, even though I was maybe a bit old for it and Simon felt like properly, cutting edge, advanced technology when it came out, it was literally the soundtrack of Christmas in the 80s.'
Ms Kay said it was difficult to determine what made a toy popular, but said: '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. 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.'
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