What is YOUR favourite toy or game?
Lego
Did you know the modern Lego brick, known for its bright colours and the tubes and studs that allow the pieces to be connected together, was first released back in 1958?The Lego brick was created in Denmark by Godtfred Kirk Christiansen.He took over from his father, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, who founded the Lego Group in 1932. Lego has gone on to be hugely successful, with millions of sets sold each year. The brand has even expanded out to Legoland parks, with 10 locations around the world.
Hula hoops, spinning tops and marbles
Have you ever played with hula hoops, marbles or spinning tops?These old-school toys may make you think of your grandparents, but despite being around for a very long time, they're still enjoyed by lots of children today. The popularity of toys like this largely comes down to how simple they are to play with. They can be used in lots of different ways, and different countries have their own unique games and rules for them.
Rubik's Cube
Have you ever tried to solve a Rubik's Cube?It was invented in 1974 by a Hungarian architecture professor called Ernő Rubik.He went on to use the cube to teach his students about three-dimensional spaces.He originally named it the Magic Cube, and this was later changed to the Rubik's Cube in 1980. Over 500 million of them have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling puzzle toy.
Barbie
Around one billion Barbie dolls are believed to have been sold around the world since it was first released in 1959.The world-famous doll was created by American inventor Ruth Handler, and 350,000 were sold in the first year alone. But it wasn't plain sailing for the inventor. She experienced some pushback from people who weren't happy about the idea of a more grown-up looking doll. They thought women wouldn't want to buy it, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Millions of Barbies are sold every year, with many of the newer releases focusing on diversity and inclusivity.
Monopoly
Monopoly is one of the most popular board games in history. Did you know that it started out as the Landlord's Game all the way back in 1904?It was designed and patented by an American stenographer and feminist called Lizzie Magie, although its creation is often linked to a man called Charles Darrow. He released his own version of the game under the name Monopoly, which first sold in 1935. Over 250 million Monopoly games have been sold since its release.
Tamagotchi
Have you ever seen one of these before?It's called a Tamagotchi and was first released in Japan in 1996.It was launched worldwide the following year. Tamagotchis are virtual pets people can look after. The pocket-sized, egg-shaped devices became hugely popular during the late 90s, with lots of school kids playing with them together. The toy has made a comeback in recent years, largely thanks to Gen Z.
Furby
The Furby first burst onto the toy scene in the late 90s, and quickly became a hit, with over 40 million sold within the first three years of them launching. The toy was created by inventors Dave Hampton and Caleb Chung. The first Furby had infrared eyes which allowed them to communicate with each other.They were popular, as people loved being able to interact with the robotic pets.They even made appearances in TV shows like The Simpsons.
Nintendo Game Boy
The Nintendo Switch is hugely popular today, but many years before its invention, another handheld games console was the sought-after toy. The Nintendo Game Boy was first released in Japan in 1989 and came to Europe the following year. The tiny console changed the world of video gaming forever, allowing people to play games like Tetris, Super Mario and Pokémon on the go.
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The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Labubu not the first toy craze, and certainly won't be the last
Pop Mart has struck it rich. The Chinese company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers said this week that it expects profit for the first six months of this year to jump by at least 350% compared with the prior-year period, largely because of its smash hit plush toy, the Labubu. Pop Mart joins a small list of companies that have tapped into the zeitgeist, drawing in millions of buyers who, for one reason or another, simply must get their hands on a toy or gadget of the moment. But what makes the Labubu a must-have, or any toy for that matter, is a decades-old question that toy makers have yet to figure out. Here's a look at some of the most popular toys over the years. Cabbage Patch Kids Cabbage Patch Kids began as chubby-faced dolls with yarn hair that came with adoption papers. During the 1980s the dolls were so popular that parents waited in long lines at stores trying to get a hold of them. More than 90 million Cabbage Patch Kids were sold worldwide during their heyday. Cabbage Patch Kids, which were created by Xavier Roberts and initially sold by Coleco, were relaunched in 2004, looking to take part in the successful return of other popular 1980s toys including Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A Cabbage Patch Kid museum named BabyLand General Hospital still exists in Cleveland, Georgia. The dolls entered the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2023. Beanie Baby Beanie Babies captivated consumers in the mid-1990s. The cuddly $5 toys were under-stuffed for maximum hug-ability, stamped with cute names on their Ty Inc. tags, and given limited edition runs. Many people collected, traded and sold the toys with the hopes that their value would just keep going up at the dawn of the e-commerce age. It made some people money, and the founder, Ty Warner, a billionaire in three years. In 2014 Warner learned that he would not go to prison for hiding at least $25 million from U.S. tax authorities and instead received two years' probation. Warner, one of the highest profile figures snared in a federal investigation of Americans using Swiss bank accounts to avoid U.S. taxes, had pleaded guilty to a single count of tax evasion. Tamagotchi Looking for a pet without the real-life responsibilities? Well then the Tamagotchi electronic pet from Bandai was for you. Consumers were hooked on the egg-shaped plastic toy that first launched in Japan in 1996 and became a craze worldwide in the late 1990s and 2000s. Users were tasked with taking care of their virtual pet by pressing buttons that simulate feeding, disciplining and playing with the critter on screen. If a Tamagotchi is neglected, it dies. In 2013 Tamagotchi was reborn as a mobile app, duplicating the experience of the plastic handheld toy. The toy was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in May. Fidget Spinner Fidget spinners — the 3-inch twirling gadgets that took over classrooms and cubicles — were all the rage in 2017. The toy was considered somewhat of an outlier at the time, given that it wasn't made by a major company, timed for the holiday season, or promoted in TV commercials. Fidget spinners were more easily found at gas stations or 7-Eleven than at big toy chains. Fidget spinners had been around for years, mostly used by kids with autism or attention disorders to help them concentrate, but they became more popular after being featured on social media. While hot toys are often made by one company, fidget spinners were made by numerous manufacturers, mostly in China. The toys were marketed as a concentration aid but became so popular among children that many schools started banning them, saying that they were a distraction. Labubu The Labubu, by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, first appeared as monsters with pointed ears and pointy teeth in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology in 2015. In 2019 Lung struck a deal with Pop Mart, a company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers, to sell Labubu figurines. But it wasn't until Pop Mart started selling Labubu plush toys on key rings in 2023 that the toothy monsters suddenly seemed to be everywhere, including in the hands of Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and NBA star Dillon Brooks. K-pop singer Lisa of Blackpink began posting images of hers for her more than 100 million followers on Instagram and on TikTok, where Labubu pandemonium has broken out. Labubu has been a bonanza for Pop Mart. Its revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan ($1.81 billion), thanks in part to its elvish monster. Revenue from Pop Mart's plush toys soared more than 1,200% in 2024, nearly 22% of its overall revenue, according to the company's annual report.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major Legoland theme park to launch new space-themed land next year with rollercoaster and ‘cosmic' rides
And LEGOLAND Windsor is gearing up for summer RIDE ON Major Legoland theme park to launch new space-themed land next year with rollercoaster and 'cosmic' rides Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGOLAND is set to launch an out-of-this-world new attraction — with a space-themed land opening next year. The major new expansion promises to take visitors on an intergalactic adventure, as the family-favourite theme park gears up for a stellar 2026 launch. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 LEGOLAND is set to launch a space-themed land opening next year in California Credit: Legoland Packed full of rollercoasters and cosmic rides for thrill-seekers of all ages, a brand-new space-themed land set to launch at its California resort in early 2026. The out-of-this-world expansion will blast families off on an interstellar Lego adventure like never before, marking the biggest in-park investment in Legoland history — with more than $90 million poured into the new space lands coming to both the California and Florida resorts. What rides will it have? A groundbreaking indoor rollercoaster, said to be the most advanced ride Legoland has ever built, launching guests from the all-new SPACEPORT 886 — a nod to the iconic Lego Space Buggy set. 'This isn't just a coaster – it's a full-on Lego galaxy," said Merlin Magic Making boss Flora Liu. 'We're mixing the creativity of Lego with the wonder of space to bring families a totally new kind of adventure.' Visitors can look forward to two additional cosmic rides, offering wannabe astronauts more thrilling ways to explore the final frontier. Younger guests can get in on the action too, with a Junior Astronaut Training Zone designed especially for little space cadets to enjoy imaginative play. There'll also be out-of-this-world food and drink options to refuel between missions, along with a galactic gift shop selling space-themed gear and souvenirs to remember the adventure. The new area is being built opposite Fun Town's Driving School and will be included in general park admission and annual passes. So, whether you're training your toddler for launch or hunting for alien bricks, this brick-built universe is set to be Legoland's most stellar expansion yet. Popular Legoland ride returns following year-long closure LEGOLAND Windsor is gearing up for summer Meanwhile, Legoland Windsor is gearing up for a brick-tastic summer, with brand-new shows, splashing fun, and its latest addition — the Lego Insiders Clubhouse — ready to welcome excited families through the gates. The popular theme park promises a season packed with rides, live entertainment and hands-on adventures, including a brand-new Lego City live show guaranteed to keep kids buzzing all day long. Ramesh Ganeson, vice president of Legoland Windsor Resort, said: 'This summer, we're cranking up the fun at Legoland Windsor. "With thrilling rides, splashing adventures, and the new Lego Insiders Clubhouse, there's something to spark every imagination. "We can't wait to welcome families for a season bursting with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable brick-tastic memories.' The Lego Insiders Clubhouse invites guests to become official play testers, completing four interactive challenges to earn exclusive access to the Lego Vault — where they'll get a sneak peek at upcoming Lego sets and behind-the-scenes content. To cool off, families can head to Drench Towers and Splash Safari, where giant tipping bricks and water slides promise a refreshing break from the action. Younger visitors can enjoy the Duplo-themed water play zones featuring animal figures made just for them. Thrill-seekers can take on the Minifigure Speedway, the world's first Lego duelling rollercoaster, or dive into adventure on the Lego City Deep Sea Adventure ride. Day tickets start at £39 and must be booked in advance online. Kids under 0.9m tall go free — making it the perfect time to plan a summer day out full of bricks, splashes and smiles. Where is the world's biggest LEGOLAND? Legoland Shanghai Resort in China, which opened its doors on July 5 2025, is now the largest LEGOLAND in the world. Spread across a whopping 318,000 square metres in Shanghai's Jinshan district, the mega resort features a theme park, hotel, and a mind-blowing 85 million Lego bricks bringing the place to life. The park is split into eight themed lands, including favourites like Ninjago, Lego Friends, and Monkie Kid, with over 75 rides, shows and attractions on offer for families. 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The Independent
8 hours ago
- The Independent
The eye-watering profit Labubu maker expects to make from trend
Chinese toymaker Pop Mart anticipates a significant profit increase of at least 350 per cent and a revenue jump of around 200 per cent for the first half of the year, driven by the immense popularity of its Labubu dolls. The fang-toothed plush toys gained widespread global demand after celebrities like Blackpink 's Lisa and Rihanna were seen with them, contributing to Pop Mart's valuation reaching $40bn (£31.6bn). Originally created by artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu figurines were first sold by Pop Mart in 2019, with their popularity soaring after plush keyring versions were introduced in 2023 and gained visibility on TikTok. Labubu dolls, typically priced around $40 (£30), are sold in limited quantities via 'blind boxes', a marketing strategy that has faced criticism for potentially encouraging compulsive buying. The high demand has led to rare Labubus reselling for over $1,000 (£745) and a life−sized figure fetching $1.08m yuan ($150,000 or £111,800) at auction, prompting Pop Mart to issue guides on verifying authenticity and to scale up production.
