Lisa Courtney from Hertfordshire today celebrates being officially recognised as the biggest collector of Pok?mon memorabilia in the world, having accumulated 12,113 different items over 13 years. Her incredible record-breaking collection, which is still growing in size…
Several years ago, the National Children’s Bureau published research that revealed that on average, boys cycle 138 miles a year and girls only 24 miles. This still rings true.
Darlington’s project began with the production of a documentary called Beauty and the Bike, chronicling a trip made by a group of teenage girls to Bremen in Germany, where they met their cycling-loving peers and found out about the joys of the open road. It all sounds slightly twee, but addresses the important issue that girls tend to get to a certain age and it’s no longer the done thing to get about by bike.
Another offender is the site Bike Belles, run by the otherwise excellent charity Sustrans, which encourages women of all ages to take up cycling. One helpful section dedicated to beauty tips provides such gems as: “Use waterproof mascara when it’s raining on your bike, and take a powder compact for a quick refresher on arrival.” Admittedly, I write as someone who occasionally arrives at the office sporting a minor oil slick on my face, but I sincerely doubt that women are so image conscious that this is what is stopping them. As many a female cyclist will confirm, it is more hassle than it’s worth looking attractive while travelling by bike.
Fads may come and go, but when it comes to children, you can’t beat two wheels and a puppy for Christmas.
Toyworld has released its Top 20 Toys for this holiday season and, surprise, surprise, it’s packed with the latest releases.
At No 1 is the cryptically-named Bakugan Bakubowl Arena, which is a “range of action-figure warriors which tuck into spheres and pop open when they’re rolled onto a game card”.
Perennial boys’ toys Hot Wheels and Lego also make the top 10 and talking Wot Wots dolls, designed by Weta Workshop, takes out the last spot on the list.
The creepiest toy on the list is the FurReal Lulu, a mechanised cat that responds to petting.
“As you pet her, she will relax, and will roll over to look at you and let you pat her tummy.”
Bakugan Battle Pack Spin Master, £19.99
Battle Strikers starter set Mega Brands, £9.99
Ben 10 Alien Force Kevins DX Action Cruiser Bandai, £29.99
Bendaroos Mega Pack Spin Master, £19.99
GO GO Pets Hamsters Character Options, £9.99
GX Racers Tightrope Terror Flair, £22.99
Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera V-Tech, £49.99
LEGO Games Minotaurus LEGO, £17.99
Monopoly City Hasbro, £24.99
Princess Peppa’s Palace Character Options, £39.99
Sylvanian Families Caravan Flair, £44.99
Transformers Movie 2 Voyagers Figures Hasbro, £22.99
Source: Toy Retailers’ Association
A dolls’ house, designed to educate children about global warming, is expected to be one of the best selling presents this Christmas, a department store has predicted.
The dolls’ house is equipped with all the latest eco-friendly devices, including solar panels, a wind turbine, recycling bins and a rain water butt. The dolls can even lounge on a sofa made from recycled chipboard.
The toy is on sale at Selfridges for £149.99 and has been manufactured by Plan Toys, a Thai company that makes all of its products using sustainable wood, lead-free paint and in factories powered by biomass energy.
The dollhouse’s energy efficient design also includes an electric inverter for generating electricity, a biofacade, which uses the natural cycle of plant growth to provide shading, and a blind that can adjust the amount of sun light and air circulation.
TODDLERS and youngsters are today left without play equipment after heartless vandals broke into their nursery, destroying toys and plastering abusive graffiti across the walls.
The break-in happened at Quayside Nursery in Rope Walk, at the rear of University Campus Suffolk, overnight on Monday.
Sue Brown, deputy manager at the children’s centre, said staff were upset and shocked to discover the destruction when they arrived for work yesterday.
She said the nursery itself was not affected but vandals broke into the play area, breaking the play house, pulling up plants and writing foul graffiti across the walls
A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said the force received a call at about 8.35am yesterday to reports of criminal damage.
She said the offence happened at some time after 8.40pm on Monday night.
Anyone with any information which could assist officers with their enquiries is asked to contact Ipswich police on 01473 613500.
World famous pram maker Silver Cross has turned its attention to traditional toys.
The Broughton-based company is bringing out the new range in October – and the three soft teddies and one rag doll have all been named after villages, or famous people, in the area.
The Broughton Bear has jointed legs and arms and a swivelling head, the Malham Bear is softer and designed for babies, and the Helmsley Bear comes with a pram blanket.
The last of the collection, the Bronte rag doll has a removable floral dress and lace smock. All come in a Silver Cross gift box.
Our stylish footballer Door Plate is a must-have for any football fan’s bedroom door.
Personalised Door Plates are manufactured from 3mm MDF wood, individually hand cut, and supplied with two sticky pads. The Door Plates measure approximately 15cm x 20cm (6″ x 8″) in size.
The child’s name is shown here in black, but is also available in blue or multi-coloured letters.
This design is also available as a Pendulum Clock and Coat Peg.
Please Note: This item will be shipped 2 to 3 days after order date
Has Father Christmas got lost this year? Show him where your room is with this helpful festive Door Plate.
Personalised Door Plates are manufactured from 3mm MDF wood, individually hand cut, and supplied with two sticky pads.
The child’s name is shown here in black, but is also available in white or multi-coloured letters.
Please Note: This item will be shipped 2 to 3 days after order date
Farmer Brown with his collection of cheery animals is sure to help any child find their bedroom.
Personalised Door Plates are manufactured from 3mm MDF wood, individually hand cut, and supplied with two sticky pads. The Door Plates measure approximately 15cm x 20cm (6″ x 8″) in size.
The child’s name is shown here in white, but is also available in black or multi-coloured letters.
Also available as a Coat Peg, Pendulum Clock, Pencil Block and Height Chart.
Please Note: This item will be shipped 2 to 3 days after order date
BG Toys New Products