DESPITE it only being September, it was hard to not feel the magic of Christmas standing inside Hamleys’ Christmas Grotto.
I’d been invited down to get a sneak peek of all the toys the iconic children’s retailer expects to fly off the shelves this festive season, and walking into the showcase, I knew it would be magical.
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With the holidays less than 100 days away, families may already be overwhelmed trying to figure out what the little ones in their life hope to find under the tree.
But Victoria Kay, head of buying and merchandising Hamleys, reckons toys influenced by children’s films are going to be a big hit this year.
This will probably not come as a surprise to parents.
Last year, the success of the blockbuster Barbie movie sent demand for the plastic doll skyrocketing.
And this Christmas appears to be no different, with a singing Moana doll poised to a fan favourite amongst kids.
Disney will release the sequel to the smash hit film, which follows the journey of a Polynesian princess who sets off on a quest to save her people, at the end of November.
The new Moana doll comes with her own necklace that plays a rendition of Moana’s Disney classic ‘How Far I’ll Go’ every time they press it.
It is recommended for children aged three and up and if you buy it at Hamleys it will set you back £29.99.
If you are hunting for a bargain, Amazon is selling the same doll for £23.49, but you’ll have to factor in delivery costs.
On the same Disney theme, Hamleys also predicts a laughing Stich soft toy will be a success this Christmas.
The 11-inch-high interactive blue alien is activated by a simple shake which then prompts the character to giggle and wobble.
It comes as a new live-action Lilo and Stich is set to land in cinemas next year, over two decades on from the first movie.
Hamleys is charging £24.99 for the plush, which is about four quid cheaper than Amazon’s asking price.
You can also buy the toy from Argos for £25.
Christmas on a budget
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Money will still be tight for many families this Christmas, so I was happy to see that one of Hamleys top toys cost just under £10.
L.O.L Surprise Mermaid Tots are the latest take on the ever-popular L.OL Dolls.
Children can make each of them a tail which changes colour when it is dipped in water.
If the kids in your life enjoy surprise or mystery boxes then they could enjoy this, as you don’t know what the doll will look like until you open the box.
Hamleys is charging £9.99 for the product, which is on par with John Lewis and Very who are also stocking the toy.
The retailer is also selling a selection of large plush toys shaped like cupcakes or chips for £22.
If your children like Squishmallows, then this would be a big hit.
However, if you are looking for a bargain, Dunelm is also selling a selection of similar products for £10.
Keeping it classic
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Nothing screams Christmas like stepping on a piece of Lego, so I was pleased to see this classic find a spot on the list.
Hamleys reckons a £80 LEGO Transformer Bumblebee will also be a hit this year.
The item is considered a collectable item for lovers of the sci-fi series and is only suitable for those aged 18.
This is because it could be a challenge to stick together.
A Play-Doh Hulk Smash and Squish is also expected to be in high demand.
It comes with the heroic green bendy action figure, 360-degree pressing tool and three moulds to create tanks, trucks and other shapes.
This will cost £16.99 at Hamleys, which is the same price as Smyths Toys.
You can check out the other toys Hamleys expects to be a smash below.
Numberblocks Five Musical Superstar Stage
Cost: £49.95
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An interactive musical playset allows children to join FIVE, the lead singer in the band to singalong to songs and sound effects.
Hamleys appears to be the only UK retailer currently stocking the toy.
The Bulldozer Stunt Bounce Car
Costs £45
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This is also only available to buy at Hamleys and is suitable for children aged eight and up.
The remote control vehicle has lights, three-gear acceleration and a 360-degree rotation and 180 -degree flip modes.
Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Deluxe Vehicle
Costs: £44.99
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This toy truck comes with one of Paw Patrol’s most loved characters, Chase.
The toy features flashing lights and sounds, as well as a projectile launcher.
If you are on the hunt for a bargain, The Entertainer is currently selling the same product for £17.99.
The retailer has over 160 stores across the UK and is also available online.
Drop Trivia Game
Costs £24.99
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This game is suitable for children aged six and above and asks players to answer questions quickly.
It is currently out of stock at other toy retailers such as Smyths and The Entertainer.
The Terror Fried Gross Bucket
Costs £29.99
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This is a set of nine collectable figures from the TerrorFried franchise.
Other retailers such as Smyths, Very and Selfridges are also stocking this product for the same price as Hamleys.
Hamleys Arias Allessandra Fur White Bonnet Baby Doll
Costs £120
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This pricey doll has a soft-touch body and limbs and a lifelike weight so it feels like you are holding a real baby.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
She comes with a romper and fleece, a dummy on a wooden chain, a family book and Certificate of Authenticity.
The product is only available to buy at Hamleys.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
