Flight is a subject of fascination for many; even among those who fear it. While many of us take this form of travel for granted, very few will experience it from the controls. So it was with great pleasure, that I found my hands on the controller of an Air Hogs Jackal: a tiny, lightweight helicopter operated by a remote control handset.
For ages 8 years and older · 4 x AA size bartteries required (not included)
£19.99 from Toys R Us 
$39.99 from Amazon.com
After removing the Jackal from the box the first thing to do is add 4 AA size batteries into the handset. A small Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver is required to do this and the batteries are not included. A charge time of about 20 minutes is needed before it’s ready to play with. A red light on the handset remains lit when it’s charging the helicopter and automatically switches off once charging is complete.
Then it’s time for take-off. However, if you begin with trying in fly-off at speed in a specific direction, you’ll quickly find yourself making your way to recover it from a crash site. Fortunately, despite being small, the helicopter very robust and withstood all the crashes it had to endure whilst I was the pilot.
Mastering this toy helicopter is begun by using the vertical control to practice take-off, landing and maintaining height. You’ll probably find, when you first fly the Jackal, that the helicopter turns in one direction. This is fixed by adjusting a trim dial. Once the trim settings have been perfected, maneuvering around even a small space becomes easy and fun.
Every 20 minutes of charging gives around three minutes of flight. Whilst this does interrupt the fun, playing with this toy is still very enjoyable.
The helicopter is designed to be played with indoors only. I took a test flight in a garden once and after the briefest moment I had to knock on a neighbour’s door to ask for it back.
The Verdict
MOST WANTED: This infrared remote control helicopter finds itself in a crowed market, however, I rate the Air Hogs Jackal as the best to get started and experience some remote controlled flying. The Jackal is relatively cheap, easily available on the high street and a joy to fly.
Air Hogs Jackal R/C Helicopter
By Spin Master
For ages 8 years and older · 4 x AA size batteries required (not included)
Where to Buy Air Hogs Jackal
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£19.99 |  |
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£19.99 | |
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$39.99 | |
All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
Features & Contents
- 1 Air Hogs Jackal Helicopter
- 1 infrared contoller/charger
- 2 spare tail rotos
- 1 user instruction guide booklet
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Air Hog Jackal
Recommended age: for 8 years and older
Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts
Battery requirements: 4 x AA size batteries required (not included)
Safety considerations: Adult supervision advised. Keep away from obstacles and electrical hazards.
Assembly requirements:
Manufacturer/Supplier: Spin Master Toys
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: #20028225
Barcode (UPC/EAN): 778988843697
Product dimensions: Helicopter length 13 cm
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions: 35.6cm x 9.0cm x 12.8cm
Packaged item weight:
Country of origin: Made and in China
MGA Entertainment, the company behind the Bratz range of dolls, have today announced the launch of Bitty Buttons. A collection of eight different 13 inch rag dolls designed to encourage a child’s imagination and creativity.
The makers intend Bitty Buttons to teach “…important life lessons such as diversity, individuality and the idea that everything deserves a second life. The Bitty Buttons live in a fantastical world full of silly surprises and with love and a bit of imagination, the Bitty Buttons magic can go on forever.”
Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment, commented “Bitty Buttons [were] designed to teach kids that everybody is unique in their own special way. The new brand promotes the idea that old things can become new again, everything can be repurposed and nothing should ever go to waste.”
All about the Bitty Buttons
Crumbs Sugar Cookie - Sewn on date: December 4th, National Cookie Day. Crumbs was made from pieces of a baking apron. She is super-sweet, has perfect manners, and loves inviting friends over for tea and treats. Crumbs Sugar Cookie has a pet mouse.
Jewel Sparkles – Sewn on date: March 13th, National Jewel Day. Jewel was made from remnants of a real princess’ dress. Jewel is very graceful, a little bit bossy, and loves to dance and wear sparkly clothes. Jewel has a Persian cat.
Peanut Big Top – Sewn on date: April 1st, April Fools’ Day. Peanut was made from bits of a brightly-colored clown costume. She is a silly prankster who’s a little bit clumsy and loves to make her friends laugh. Peanut Big Top has a pet elephant.
Bea Spells-a-Lot – Sewn on date: October 16th, Dictionary Day. Bea was made from a school girl’s uniform. She is a real smartypants, who always follows the rules and loves to talk — a lot. Bea Spells-a-Lothas a pet owl.
Mittens Fluff ‘n’ Stuff - Sewn on date: December 21st, the first day of winter. Mittens was made from pieces of an Eskimo’s scarf. She loves hot cocoa, snow fights, and snuggling by the fire. Mittens Fluff ‘n’ Stuff has her own pet polar bear.
Dot Starlight – Sewn on date: July 20th, the day of the first moon landing. Dot was made from a real astronaut’s space suit. She’s a dreamer who loves science, and she’s always got her head in the clouds. Dot Starlight has a pet bird.
Pillow Featherbed – Sewn on date: January 3rd, Festival of Sleep Day. Pillow was made from pieces of a baby’s blankie. She loves good stories, long naps, and her favorite snack is milk and cookies. Pillow Featherbed has her own pet sheep.
Spot Splatter Splash – Sewn on date: October 25th, Picasso’s birthday. Spot was made from a painter’s overalls. She’s super creative and loves bright colors, big messes, and eating spaghetti. Spot Splatter Splash has a pet zebra.
The Bitty Buttons have there own website featuring an animated video with more to be added soon: www.bittybuttonsworld.com
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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
Wet sand is one of the most fun modelling materials that a child gets to use. However, it can be very messy: making it an activity that is best left at the beach or in the garden sand pit.
Thankfully, Moon Sand is a material that offers all the fun of sculpting with sand but without having to mix-up a mud-like substance to play with.
For ages 3 years and older
£9.99 from Amazon.co.uk Search Amazon.com
The Moon Sand Ice Cream Sundae set is one of a number of fun themes in the Moon Sand range. The kit includes 3 colours of Moon Sand and 5 moulds, which let you make wafer cones, split bananas, scoops of ice cream, “Mr. Whippy” style soft ice cream and cherries.
Moon Sand is a joy to play with. After a little squishing and squashing, to make it a bit softer after removing it from the packaging, the sand is ready to be moulded. There’s no need to add water to the sand; in fact water must be kept away from it. Treat the moulds as you would treat a sand bucket at the beach by compressing Moon Sand into it and then tip it over and tap it loose to reveal your moulded creation.
A decorated play mat is also provided as a working surface. It would be a bit hopeful to expect children to keep the sand within the confines of this mat but fortunately Moon Sand is easily picked by a vacuum cleaner and leaves no stains on fabrics.
Moon Sand never dries out, so it can always be re-used. However, to keep the original colours, you do need to keep the colours separate. Refills in sealable containers are available to buy separately.
Making sculptures without moulds is very challenging but still great fun with sometimes hilarious results.
The Verdict
WANTED: The Ice Cream Sundae set, like the other sets in the Moon Sand range, not only develops creativity and fine motor skills but also provide an exciting sensory experience. An excellent addition to the toy boxes of 3 to 6 year olds.
Moon Sand Ice Cream Sundae
By Spin Master
For ages 3 years and older
Where to Buy Moon Sand Ice Cream Sundae Maker
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£9.99 | |
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£9.99 | |
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£9.99 | |
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All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
Features & Contents
- Reusable material. It never dries out.
- 3 colours of Moon Sand.
- 5 moulds.
- Playmat.
- Does not stain.
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: Moon Sand Ice Cream Sundae Activity Set
Recommended age: for 3 years and older
Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts and long cord
Battery requirements: n/a
Safety considerations: Not to be eaten or put in mouth.
Assembly requirements:
Manufacturer/Supplier: Spin Master Toys
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: #20031062
Barcode (UPC/EAN): 778988708910
Product dimensions:
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions: 25cm x 25cm x 6.5cm
Packaged item weight: 840g
Country of origin: Sand made in Sweden. Made and assembled in China
Whether you call it football or soccer – the sport of Association Football has near universal appeal and, with the world’s best footballers playing in South Africa, interest will certainly remain high this summer.
Whilst jumpers for goalposts often suffice in an impromptu kick-about, just some of the airs and graces of the professional version of the sport help make the beautiful game a little more beautiful.
The 3 in 1 Rebounder Trainer Goal from Brightminds.co.uk brings a little of the stadium experience to the back garden, beach or anywhere else you may wish to take this lightweight, portable goal. However, rather than being just a goal, this set also includes two hook-on sheets that provide training practice; particularly useful for when a child is playing on their own. One sheet is for target practice, while the other simply rebounds the ball away from the goal.
The goal needs to be assembled. Thankfully it’s fairly straightforward and no tools are required. There are 12 short poles to be joined together with blue connectors and the net needs to be hooked onto a series of hangers; finally stake it into the ground with the metal pegs provided and then you’re ready for some regular footie fun.
The assembled goal measures 6 feet wide (183cm) x 4 feet 3 inches high (130cm) x 3 feet 2 inches (96cm) deep. An ideal size for children of primary school age.
To play target practice or to use it as a rebounder the appropriate sheet is hung on a series of hooks and an addition 2 poles are added to the bottom of the goal. Then the strings, that the hooks are attached to, need to be pulled tightly so that the ball can bounce back strongly. Tightening the string does need a strong set of fingers that are best provided by a grown-up.
The ball bounces strongly off a properly fitted rebounder sheet and will be a welcome change to hearing a football thudding and hammering against a wall or garage door.
The target practice sheet not only saves the argument of picking a goalie when everyone wants the glory of playing as striker but also provides an excellent training method for achieving the pinpoint accuracy needed to defeat goalkeepers. You can even practise penalty-taking on your own.
The 3 in 1 Rebounder Trainer Goal is also supplied with a storage bag, a football and a pump with valve. Though light enough to be carried around with ease, these goalposts (made from UPVC) are strong and durable; without the risk of rust, often experience with metal goals. The supplied ball, made from plastic, has an 8 inch diameter which is smaller than a regular size 5 football but the perfect size for the target practise and young footballers. Traditionalists, that insist on only lace-up leather footballs, will be be pleased to know that the pump and valve will also help keep their own footballs correctly inflated.
The Toy Detective and irregular cadets of the Toy Detective Agency are finding themselves happily playing out much of the daylight hours with the 3 in 1 Rebounder Trainer Goal. Often creating the kind of action and excitement that has been sadly lacking in the last couple of weeks from the stadia of South Africa.
Verdict: Most Wanted
The 3 in 1 Rebounder Trainer Goal can even provide footie fun for one player. It’s sturdy, yet easy to carry and store. Plus it’s much more weather resistant than painted metal goals.
Where to Buy 3 in 1 Rebounder Trainer Goal
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£69.99 | |
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All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.
Features & Contents
- 1 football goal with net, 6 feet wide by 4 feet 3 inches high
- Ground pegs
- Target shot practice net
- Rebound trainer net
- Football with pump
- Storage bag
- Made from durable, lightweight UPVC
Product Details & Specifications
Product name: 3 in 1 Rebounder Trainer Goal
Recommended age: 5 years and older
Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts
Battery requirements: n/a
Safety considerations: Frame should be securely pegged into soft ground. Do not allow climbing or swinging on the frame.
Assembly requirements: Adult assembly required
Manufacturer/Supplier: Outdoor-Play / Bright Minds
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: JC-339A
Barcode (UPC/EAN): 5413501073391
Product dimensions: Length: 183cm Height: 130cm Depth: 96cm
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions:
Packaged item weight:
Country of origin: Taiwan
Lego fanatics will be hurrying to clear space on their displays shelves in order to make way for one of the most exciting collections Lego has ever released: Minifigures.
Yes, the small figurines of yellow epidermal hue are to feature in a special collection of their own, with the tiny toys being sold individually for the first time. What on earth took Lego so long?
At £1.99 Minifigures are sold individually in a foil sealed “mystery” packaging bag, that not only includes the little Lego person but also a special accessory, a display plate and a collector’s leaflet. The first series of Minifigures will be available for a limited time only.
There are 16 characters in the first series, with a further 16 figures being released in September. No doubt this will be a collection that will grow and grow; hopefully not too fast as my own finite pocket resources do have other commitments, such as, the Cognac region of France.
There’s a dedicated website for the Minifigures; where visitors can view character biographies, download files and play games. The website address is: www.minifigures.LEGO.com.
Danielle Brazier, assistant brand manager for Lego stated: “Lego fans have been asking if it would be possible to collect individual Minifigures and I’m excited to announce that as from today the answer is ‘Yes’. Minifigures have been an integral part of Lego for many years as they’re so iconic – now fans will be able to buy a new collectible set from this first launch series, available for £1.99 each.”
Lego Minifigures Series 1
available now at:
Lego Minifigures Series 1 (#8683)
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Toy Story 3 toys are due to launch in the UK at Toys R US stores on 1st June 2010. For those that simply must be among the first to get their hands on these, Toys R Us are taking pre-orders via its website.
Shoppers in the USA can already view and order Toy Story 3 merchandise at the company’s US website.
Buzz Lightyear action figure stands 12 inches tall and includes rocket pack with afterburner jet lights and sounds. The new Buzz Lightyear toy also features laser arm lights, movie phrases, a retractable helmet and is fully articulated with movable arms and legs.
Talking Sheriff Woody, 12 inches tall, lets you hear fun phrases from the Toy Story 3 film when you Woody’s drawstring.
Talking Jessie action figure also stands at 12 inches tall and if you pull Jessie’s draw string you’ll hear fun phrases from the Toy Story 3 film.
Play Centre Escape Set includes two figures and lets you take your favourite Toy Story 3 characters on a thrilling scene straight from the movie. Dump the rubbish, push out the bin and fly across the zip line to freedom, each cool stunt triggers the next. This set can be connected with other Action Links play sets for lots of movie-inspired fun.
Lego will also release some new building sets that are available to pre-order:
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To help celebrate Thomas the Tank Engine’s 65th Anniversary, Toys “R” Us have 25 family tickets to “Party With Thomas” events up for grabs.
You can win 1 of 25 family tickets (2 adults 2 children) to one of seven special Anniversary parties at a “Day Out With Thomas” heritage railways.
To enter the competition, visit the prize draw page at www.toysrus.co.uk an type in your details in the form at the bottom of the page. Entries must be received by 5.00pm on Friday 23rd April 2010.
These prestigious events included a variety of Thomas themed activities such as, interactive storytelling, Thomas freebies and of course meet Thomas. Visitors can meet, touch, and ride behind the Number 1 Blue Engine. The Fat Controller is also there to ensure that the engines are behaving well and that Thomas is being really useful.
There are 7 “Day Out With Thomas” events across the country to choose from:
- Battlefield Line Railway – Leicestershire – Saturday 1st May 2010
- Bo’ness & Kinneil railway – Scotland – Saturday 15th May 2010
- Llangollen Railway – Wales – Saturday 29th May 2010
- Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – Yorkshire – Saturday 29th May 2010
- Dean Forest Railway – Gloucestershire – Saturday 5th June 2010
- Dart Valley Railway – Devon – Saturday 26th June 2010
- Kent & East Sussex Railway – Kent – Saturday 24th July 2010
Tickets to the ‘Party With Thomas’ events are also available to buy: visit www.thomasandfriends.com and click on events.
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Die-cast trains and other toys based on the popular TV show Chuggington are certainly most wanted amongst the programme’s many fans (sometimes referred to as Chuggers).
Stores and online retailers in the UK and Australia have been receiving deliveries of the toys supplied by Learning Curve and the public have been busily making tracks to snap them up. However, Chuggers in the USA are having to spend some time in the waiting room before they get the chance to see their favourite Chuggington locomotive pull into their local station.
A few of the metal engines are beginning to appear on Amazon.com from third party traders; charging around $20 for a toy that is on sale in Britain for about £6.
A better and fairer priced hope for getting a favourite Chuggington train to arrive at a destination in the United States comes from Toys Direct, an online retailer based in Middlesbrough, UK.
Not only do Toys Direct ship their of range toys to the US but also to many other countries. Of course shipping costs and currency exchange will have to be taken into consideration, however, Toys Direct supply information at its website’s check-out so you know what you’re paying GB Pounds Sterling before you supply any credit card or personal details.
Chuggington toys shipped to USA and the rest of the world
by Toys Direct
Four of the characters from popular TV show Mad Men are to feature as dolls in Mattel’s Barbie Fashion Model collection. They will go on sale in July to coincide with the launch of the forth series on U.S. television. The U.S. price for these dolls is expected to be $74.95 each.
The characters in the range are Don Draper, Betty, John Sterling and secretary Joan Holloway. Those that buy the DVD of the third series of Mad Men (due for release 23rd March in the U.S. and 26th April in the U.K.) will get an early glimpse of the dolls in the form of sketch drawings placed in the box.
Mattel described the dolls as being “…stylized in iconic costumes from the series, and [each] comes with accessories true to their show counterparts. Don Draper wears his classic, polished red-lined suit and comes accessorized with a hat, overcoat and brief case; Betty Draper’s classic look is captured with unparalleled detail, from her faux pearl necklace to her pumps; Joan Holloway looks chic in a purple skirt suit and perfectly styled coif with her staple accessory – a pen necklace; and Roger Sterling is looking dapper in his monogrammed shirt.”
With all that attention to detail, I conjecture that the omission of cigarettes and Martini glasses must be quite, quite deliberate.
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