The famous plastic building bricks made by Lego have been the construction material of choice among budding bedroom based developers. However, its the inhabitants of Legoland that have become the most fascinating aspect of the plastic village.
Lego people are known as “Minifigures”; and many sets may have been sold just because of the appeal of the little figure included. There has even been a market for customised Lego figurines, where small, independent firms (not endorsed by Lego) re-paint figures and manufacture their own accessories for their own creations.
With the popularity of little Lego men and women, it’s surprising that the recently launched series of 16 individual minifigures is the first ever officially available in the shops.
Each pack in Series 1 contains one minifigure, a stand and leaflet showing the collection. Many of the figures also come with an accessory.
The figures are sealed in a foil packet, to keep what’s inside as secret as possible until it’s opened. This will leave most, trying to complete a collection, with doubles. These will need to be traded with other collectors.
However, The Toy Detectives have been undertaking an investigation to see if there are any clues as to what might be hidden inside each packet. What gives away the identity of each concealed figure is the smaller of two barcodes printed on the rear of the packaging. On the samples we’ve seen, the barcode also has NO number printed underneath it. Compare it to the chart at the following website: bricks.inof.de – and you’ll be able to identify the contents of the sealed packs without needing to buy and open them.
You’ll also find dealers on Amazon and eBay selling Lego figures individually, useful if you’re finding some items in the collection elusive.
As a toy, Lego Minifigures are simply great fun. The characters are original and most will complement existing Lego sets or be wonderfully, humorously out of place. As a collectible, (whilst a little expensive for what they are) these little kits certainly offer greater value for money over trading cards. However, there has yet to be a compelling and officially endorsed game to be invented, that is base around a motley crew of little Lego men.
The Verdict
MOST WANTED: A fun toy to collect and play with. I’m looking forward to having the zombie marauding around my Lego town.
Minifigures Series 1
By Lego
For ages 3 years and older
Where to Buy Lego Minifigures Series 1
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£1.95 |  |
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£1.99 | |
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£1.99 | |
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$2.49 | |
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$1.99 | |
All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
The 16 Minifigures in Series 1
- Deep Sea Diver
- Forestman
- Magician
- Ninja
- Nurse
- Skater
- Robot
- Spaceman
- Super wrestler
- Zombie
- Tribal Hunter
- Demolition Dummy
- Cowboy
- Caveman
- Cheerleader
- Circus Clown
Features & Contents
- 1 minifigure
- 1 accessory
- 1 stand
- Instruction leaflet, that also pictures the collection
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Lego Minifigures Series One
Recommended age: for 3 years and older
Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts and long cord
Battery requirements: n/a
Safety considerations:
Assembly requirements: Simple assembly required
Manufacturer/Supplier: Lego
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: #8683
Barcode (UPC/EAN): Varies worldwide, UK example: 5702014602304
Product dimensions:
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions: 11.5cm x 8.6cm
Packaged item weight:
Country of origin: Made in China
Liv Dolls are a range fashion dolls new to this year, each of which comes with 2 style-able wigs and a unique online code so you can log on and follow your own doll’s world online, via an internet website.
£19.99 from Amazon 
For ages 5 years and older
There are four dolls in the collection:
Sophie is a wildly creative teen. She’s an aspiring hairstylist who recruits all her friends to try new looks. However, if she’d wear her glasses, some of those new looks wouldn’t turn into bad hair days.
Daniela takes her singing career and dance lesson extremely seriously, performing at the local coffee shop, school dances and even at her nearby retirement home.
Katie is a fun, active girl. She loves skateboarding, snowboarding and cycling. However without her board or bike she manages to be so clumsy on her own two feet.
Alexis is every bit a fashion diva. She can carry off any colour, any pattern, anywhere. Life would be nearly perfect for Alexis if her little brother Miles wasn’t always around.
Each Liv Doll comes with 2 wigs, 1 short and one long, so you can join in her hairstyling fun, there is also a hairstyle stand, bag, glasses and hairbrush. Each fashion doll comes with a secret code that allows you to unlock a virtual character in the Liv world online.
Liv dolls are dressed in superb detailed fashion outfits and have stunning ‘real’ looking eyes. The dolls stand 11.4 inches (29cm) tall and feature 14 points of articulation so they can do lots of moves and poses.
Liv
By Spinmaster
For ages 5 years and older • Internet access required for extra features only, still a wonderful fashion doll without.
Product Features & Contents
Glass realistic looking eyes
Detailed fashion outfit with accessories
Soft wigs for hair play
14 points of articulation to create lots of moves and poses
Unique online code for following your doll’s world online
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Liv dolls
Recommended age: from 5 years and older
Minimum age: Not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts
Battery requirements:
Safety considerations:
Assembly requirements:
Manufacturer/Supplier: Spinmaster
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: Sophie 6013196; Alexis 6013195; Katie 6013197; Daniela 6013194
Barcode (UPC/EAN):
Product dimensions: Dolls are approx. 11.4 inches (29 cm) tall
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions:
Packaged item weight: approx. 0.45 kg
Country of origin: China
Lego Race 3000 is a game for 2 to 4 players. Players build the actual game board using the familiar interlocking bricks and race by making use of shortcuts, overtaking, avoiding oil slicks and the use of turbo boost.
For ages 7 years and older
£12.37 from Amazon
Suitable for ages 7 years and older, the game is ideal for grown-ups and older children to join in. A colourful, bouncy rubber dice is Lego’s twist on the traditional dice. The game layout can even be changed to add some variety and extra interest.
Lego Games Race 3000
By Lego
For ages 7 years and older • Assembly required and a feature of this game
Product Features & Contents
- Fun for 2 to 4 players
- Each game takes 20-30 minutes to play
- All the pieces required to play included
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Lego Games Race 3000
Recommended age: from 7 years and older
Minimum age: Not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts
Battery requirements: N/A
Safety considerations:
Assembly requirements: Assembly required
Manufacturer/Supplier: Lego
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: 3829
Barcode (UPC/EAN):
Product dimensions:
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions: 27.2 cm height x 19.2 cm width x 6.7 cm depth
Packaged item weight: approx. 0.45 kg
Country of origin: Denmark
Learn & Groove Activity Station, by LeapFrog, is an interactive activity centre that rewards every movement with upbeat music, fun sounds, lights and dance beats.
For ages 4 months to walking • 3 x AA batteries required
£79.99 from Amazon
This toy introduces infants to learning through music and play. It has 2 different modes of play which baby can choose from by flipping the pages over on the jukebox activity centre, transforming from learning activities to musical discoveries. In learn mode, activities on the table help develop fine and gross motor skills while teaching infants the alphabet, number names, counting from 1 to 5, colours, language development, and cause and effect.
The music mode features real instrument sounds and various musical styles. Activities include: Pull the microphone to hear fun phrases, pull the DJ record handle to start songs and make records spin, and tap the disco ball to hear fun sounds and music. It also features ‘dance step’ piano keys with sparkling lights that flash in sequence along with every activity, and a disco ball that spins as baby turns.
As baby grows you can easily adjust the height as it has 3 different positions. It folds completely flat for easy travel and storage and there’s an integrated travel handle making carrying a breeze. The comfy seat rotates 360 degrees and the comfort pad is machine washable. The base rocks but can conveniently be locked out using flip-out supports.
The activity station is for a child who is able to hold its head upright unassisted. It is suitable for children from 4 months to walking age, and can be used by those up to who weigh up to 25 pounds. It requires 3x AA batteries (not included).
Where to Buy LeapFrog Learn & Groove Activity Station
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£79.99 | |
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£79.99 | |
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£79.99 | |
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£84.99 | |
All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
Product Features & Contents
- Introduces infants to learning through music and play
- Activities help develop fine and gross motor skills
- Teaches the alphabet, number names, counting 1 to 5, colours, language development, and cause and effect
- Music mode features real instrument sounds and various musical styles
- Features ‘dance step’ piano keys with sparkling lights that flash in sequence
- The disco ball spins as baby turns
- Height adjustable to 3 different positions
- Folds flat for travel and storage
- Built-in handle to make it easy to carry
- Padded seat rotates 360 degrees
- Machine washable seat pad
- Parent guide
- Instructions
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Learn & Groove Activity Station
Recommended age: from 4 months to walking
Minimum age: from when baby can support their own head
Battery requirements: 3 x AA batteries (NOT included)
Safety considerations:
Assembly requirements: some assembly required
Manufacturer/Supplier: LeapFrog
Manufacturer/Supplier no.:
Barcode (UPC/EAN):
Product dimensions: 72cm high x 73cm wide x 23cm deep
Product weight: approx. 10kg
Packaging dimensions:
Packaged item weight: approx. 11kg
Country of origin: China
This is the kind of dolls’ house that could be from every little girls’ dreams. It is available exclusively from Great Little Trading Company and has been cleverly designed to be easily accessed by little hands. It features a staircase, an attic and a front door that is magnetically held closed.
For ages 3 years and older • Assembly required
£95.00 exclusive to GLTC
The outside of the Summer Hill dolls’ house features some sweet painted decoration and has window boxes, opening windows and shutters. The dolls’ house, made from MDF and rubber wood, needs to be built but it’s fairly easy and surprisingly enjoyable to do. A perfectly matched range of furniture and dolls are sold separately.
An assembled Summer Hill House measures 67cm high x 61cm wide x 35cm deep.
Summer Hill House
Exclusive to Great Little Trading Company
For ages 3 years and older • Assembly required
A special birthday is being celebrated by Little Tikes, it’s the 30th anniversary of the ever popular Cozy Coupe.
Rather than settle for a sponge cake covered in decorative and (more importantly) tasty icing, Little Tikes have launched the Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition.
As with updated versions of classic cars, such as the Beetle and the Mini, the new Cozy Coupe has a noticeably different look. Not so much as a designers face lift but more accurately – a face; formed with giant eyes and a broad, all teeth showing, cheek-to-cheek smile.
I’ve always preferred the classic look of vintage cars, however, the new generation of drivers that require their vehicles to be cozy will love the cheerful exterior of the 30th Anniversary Edition. Something that Disney’s imaginatively titled movie about cars may have more than a little influence upon.
A more practical new feature is the removable floor, which allows children to power the vehicle with their own feet; or, when the floor is in, the car can be pushed whilst the child’s feet are protected. The front wheels turn through 360 degrees for easy control.
A high seat back gives improved comfort and there are cup holders in the back to keep refreshing beverages. The ignition switch clicks, the petrol cap opens and the driver’s side door features optional inside lock.
There are also Princess and Ride & Rescue versions of the Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition available. All providing classic fun, every bit as enjoyable as it was 30 years ago.
Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition
By Little Tikes
For ages 18 months to 5 years | Assembly required
Available from: Toys R Us (UK) • amazon.co.uk • Toys R Us (US) • amazon.com
Princess Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition
By Little Tikes
For ages 18 months to 5 years | Assembly required
Available from: Toys R Us (US) • amazon.com
Ride & Rescue Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition
By Little Tikes
For ages 18 months to 5 years | Assembly required
Available from: Toys R Us (US) • amazon.com
Deep underground the race is on to gather-up crystals. However, this not an endeavor to acquire material wealth but a mission to save the Earth.
A geologist called Brains, famous in among Lego-kind, has been studying a species of rock monsters who thrive by feeding upon the crystal embedded in deep rocks.
Brains has discovered that there are five different colours of rock monster, each of which have different characteristics. I hope the different coloured monsters are not attributed with being lazy, thick or mean with money as their discernible traits.
A team of miners and engineers has been assembled to form the Power Miners. Doc, Rex and Duke have been enlisted to drive the machines Brains has invented to get the crystals before the rock monsters do. Thus stopping the rock monsters rise in strength and therefore saving the world.
Sharp Lego enthusiasts amongst the readership will noticed the rather strikingly similar the idea of Power Miners is to a previous Lego range called Rock Raiders; you may even recognise a few components that were originally unique to the earlier range. However, it does not detract from what it a fun and exciting new range from Lego.
8956 Stone Chopper for 6 years and older; 8961 Crystal Sweeper for 8 years and older; other sets for 7 years and older | No batteries required
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