Toyology

The chase is on for these James Bond sets

Not everyone rated Roger Moore for his overly cheesy chat-up lines whilst some didn't rate the on screen antics of Sean Connery, whichever 007 you were a fan of Corgi have brought us this fine pair of limited edition (2,500 worldwide) box sets. The Roger Moore set includes the Lotus Esprit Underwater vehicle from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and the Lotus Esprit Turbo from For Your Eyes Only (1981). The Sean Connery set features an Aston Martin DB5 and the Rolls Royce III Sedance de Ville from Goldfinger(1964) - Both the boxes also contain four Bond posters from  each agents era. Priced at £34.99 each we're thinking they're a fine purchase for any hard to buy for Bond fan. This range of 007 vehicles also includes a collection of BMW's from the later films and the iconic "Little Nellie" Gyrocopter. See Corgi's site for more details

Classic Keyrings

 

 
We're always delighted when we find a childhood toy thats be remodelled into something a grown-up can put to use, whilst we barely remember actually playing with any of this trio from Fisher Price we know we did, or at least certainly recall observing someone else doing so. Each one of these shrunken replicas of toddler technology are fully working versions of their larger form, and even if your keyring collection has started to become a little excessive you should purchase these and use them as alternative Xmas tree decoration. £4.99 each at HAWKIN

Break Dance duo - No Lino needed

This pair of plastic performers will put on an impressive one handed and head spin display, all they ask for is a quick wind-up. Electro accompaniments on an oversized ghetto blaster or the wearing of Tacchini tracksuits is optional. The included booklet does offer some tips on how to bust some moves yourself should you so desire. £10.95 for the 11cm set at PEDLARS

Celebrate 40 years of Sesame Street

This'll leave some of you feeling your years, or older than you'd care to think you are, Sesame Street is 40 years of age, yup, the most famous kids programme on the planet reached this milestone and in its wakea legacy of comical characters who still have the power to induce a grin at their mere mention. Grab yourself a stuffed memory of your favourite character in the form of these fab muppet plushes from Firebox, alas not Kermit nor Miss Piggy - Haaaaaaaaaaaaaay Yah!

Canine Coin Saver

Pay homage to one of the unsung Toy Story Heroes, Slinky the Dog did save the day, his actions imperative in saving the day on at least one, perhaps only one, occasion! Stick a coin in this Slinky models mouth, pull the lead, and marvel as he swallows it,not knowing this could be bad for his digestive system, yet a brilliant start to that item you are collecting for -£14.99 at PLAY

Desktop "Operation Overlord" set

Not content with just a couple of minature soldiers and vehicles that you'll randomly pit against one another in some unknown battle of the front room?  Then opt for a set such as this that lets you re-create the 6th of June 1944 when the Allies landed on the Normandy beaches. The D-Day collection set contains over 100 pieces including including beach head panoramic backdrop, tanks, landing craft, trucks, gun emplacements and soldiers plus all the brushes, paints and glue to make this set come alive. £36.99 at Argos

Retailers association picks their Hot Dozen for this Yule

The TRA represents over 75% of the Uk Toy Industry and has a decent idea whats going to be flying off the shelves at any given season. Its Xmas picks for 209 comprise amixed bacg of stuff that all steps in at under £50, most we agree with, a couple we're at a loss to explain : 

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)

Souper Spoon - Not JUST for kids

Quite clearly designed to make eating greens and the like a little less trouble than it should be for nippers here's another variation on a theme. This one does stand out well enough from the aeroplance shaped crowd and is easily transferable to the sides of grow-up bowls without felling too daft. Stand Souper to attention at your desk, he has moveable arms so perhaps get him to hold some post-its, most importantly though he is there to assist you in the eating of your soups, fruits and cereals.. Healthy hero spoon. £7.99 from FIREBOX

Smartglobe offers information overload

Anyone planning world domination needs to ensure they have a) Access to current affairs in their chosen takeover country and b) Someone on hand who speaks the lingo and is culturally adept – The interactive 3D learning system can fulfill these two criteria and you'll not therefore have to confide in another human who might let your plans slip. Just pick up the remote-control Smart Pen to get started, touch the control panel on the front then any country to get yourself masses of useful data – currency, capital cities, national anthems, history, current leaders, and whole load more beside.

Meerkats set to arrive in Harrods

The upmarket Kensington store will be the first to stock the Aleksander Orlov talking plush of Comparethemeerkat.com fame. Head over to the website and be welcomed by Alexander himself who told us "Now peoples can have physical reminder that I compare meerkats only, Luxurious toy will appear in Harrods, run by good business friend Mr Al Fayed." The toy is loaded with the "Simples" catchphrase and offers the infamous squeak when his tum is pressed. EAch one sold will see a donation given to the London Zoo Charity ZSL.