CHILDREN across York have been putting pen to paper in the hope of getting their perfect toy on Christmas Day.

Every year numerous must-have toys are given to boys and girls around the region. This year is no exception.

Aside from the ever-popular Xbox and PS3 games consoles and games, there are several top-sellers.

The “Dream Dozen” toys set to fly off the shelves this Christmas were revealed in late October, and they display a trend towards nostalgic characters and brands which have been updated with a modern twist.

They include Monopoly City, a modern-take on the traditional boardgame; toy hamsters from Go Go Pets and a Kiddizoom Video Camera.

This trend can be seen in York’s bigger toy stores, such as Toy’s R Us at Clifton Moor and Fenwicks’ toy department, but there are several additions.

According to Toys R Us, in York Kung Zhu Hamsters (a twist on the image of Go Go Pets 2009 best seller) may grab the number one spot.

Matthew McWhinnie, toy buyer for Fenwicks in Newcastle and York, said: “Everything is selling well.

However, shoppers now have a better idea of what they want to buy for their children and are spending more carefully. Even in tough times people still want to have a good Christmas.”

Fenwicks’ top-sellers include Harry Potter Lego, Toy Story’s Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear and an animal dolls’ house featuring Sylvanian Families. Also selling well is the Paper Jamz Guitar.

At the Early Learning Centre, in Market Street, York, toys for younger children such as Big City Garage for boys and Rosebud Doll house for girls, are selling well.

York’s smaller toy outlets show an altogether more individual list of top-selling toys.

Bubble’s toy store in Gillygate specialises in a non-comercial range of toys. A learning cube called Zoobookoo and Great Gizmo science experiment kits are among it’s top sellers.

Owner Trevor Fenwick said: “We try to shy away from TV advertised products and instead put an emphasis on well-made educational toys for children.”

At London’s in Heworth, York’s own Monopoly boardgame is being bought for both children and adults, home and abroad.

London’s wide range of Playmobil is also being snapped up.


• HUNDREDS of readers entered our competition to win a copy of the Monopoly: York Edition.

The winners were selected at random by computer and will be contacted by phone to arrange delivery or collection of their prizes.

The winners are: Sharon Jardine, G Payne, I McPherson, Lisa Hopwood, Alan Roughton, Tricia Poole, Wayne Bailey, Julie Walker, Joyce Brocklebank, Martin Nettleton, Jan Simpson, Nikki Sellars, Russell Stone, Fiona Partridge, Matthew Pennock, Les Palmer, David King, Mary Strickland, Chris Mackin, Norma Major, Josie Ingram, Muriel Rossiter, Elizabeth Buckley, George Hoop.