Millions of forgotten toys – including Barbie, LEGO and Hot Wheels – are lying stashed in North East homes, according to a new survey.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed they each have an average of 17 toys and play things hidden away, with 67% planning to pass on their old toys to their children or grandchildren. Popular items safely stored include the likes of Rubik’s Cubes, Game Boys, Etch A Sketch, Fisher Price telephones, and Weebles.
More than half of those who have kept their treasured toys since childhood have done so because they hold special memories for them, with 82% believing their children or grandchildren will also get enjoyment from them.
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The research was commissioned by early years childcare provider, Busy Bees, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It was aimed at finding out how toys and the way children play with them have changed since their first nursery was established in 1983.
Marg Randles, co-founder of Busy Bees, said: “It is heart-warming to learn that so many people from the North East have saved their precious childhood toys in order to pass them down through the generations. It really is a reminder that while toys may have changed over the years, the pleasure they provide and the important role they play in a child’s development remains the same. Over the last 40 years, there have been huge changes in toys and the patterns of play – from the characters and materials used, to the introduction of technology."
More than half have managed to keep their toys in good condition, while 33% think they could be sitting on a tidy sum of money, estimating their collection could be worth an average of £313. However, 31% admitted they loved their old toys so much they had no intention of selling. The poll was carried out for Busy Bees by OnePoll.
THE TOP 40 RETRO TOYS STASHED AWAY IN NORTH EAST HOMES
1. Barbie
2. LEGO
3. Hot Wheels
4. G.I. Joe
5. Suzy Homemaker
6. Fisher Price telephone
7. Lite-Brite
8. Slinky
9. Rubik’s Cube
10. Nerf Ball
11. Fisher Price record player
12. Sylvanian Family
13. My Little Pony
14. Etch A Sketch
15. Fisher Price Little People
16. Game Boy
17. Weebles
18. He-Man action figure
19. Beanie Babies
20. SEGA
21. Troll Doll
22. Mr. Potato Head
23. Barbie’s Dream House
24. Care Bear
25. Tonka Truck
26. Star Wars action figures
27. Transformers
28. Playmobil
29. Simon
30. Chatter Telephone
31. Polly Pocket
32. Cabbage Patch Kids
33. Chatty Cathy
34. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures
35. Easy-Bake Oven
36. Flatsy Doll
37. Teddy Ruxpin
38. Speak & Spell
39. See ‘n Say
40. Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
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