Shutterstock / Just dance©More adults are embracing their inner child than ever before according to Hamleys in London!
We spoke to experienced toy store expert, Keane Herman, who is general manager at the world-famous Hamleys in London’s Regent Street. An avid toy collector himself, Keane has noticed a rising trend in the number of adults who indulge in play.
He said: “Playing for adults is a very popular thing now – we’re seeing a really big trend with adults who really embrace their inner child.
“Think of brands like LEGO, while they still have a big child following, there is a huge adult following, where people are buying the LEGO and building it.
“It’s not just LEGO – it’s licensed products, like Disney and anime products. Harry Potter is still big with adults and has a really big following.
“They [adults] don’t necessarily play the same way that children do with toys, but there certainly is a large amount of adults who embrace their inner children and want toys or licenses that they loved as kids. They don’t want to let that go; they want to hang on to it.
“It’s a big trend and is something that is only getting bigger. We see companies like Mattel and Hasbro really trying to develop ranges for adults.”
As Hamleys announces its Top toy list for Christmas, Keane embraces the opportunity to play with them all and, as a toy collector, admits he has a “loft full of toys” at home.
“One of the toys that I really loved this year was LEGO’s Dungeons & Dragons mini figures – I absolutely love those. Anything that is Minecraft or anime, they have been toy sets that I like.
“From a product development this year, I love Number Blocks, which is a BBC show that is great for children learning. Now they have a toy range. It’s a lovely mix of learning and play.
“The toy at the top of my Christmas list is LEGO Bumblebee!”
Hamleys’ Top 13 Toys For Christmas 2024
The must-have toys for under the tree this year!
- The Stitch Crack Me Up Plush
- LEGO Transformer Bumblebee
- Moana Singing Doll
- Hamleys Arias Allessandra Fur White Bonnet Baby Doll
- Numberblocks® Five Musical Superstar Stage
- The Terror Fried Gross Bucket
- L.O.L Surprise! Mermaids Tots
- Play-Doh Marvel Hulk Smash & Squish
- The Monster Rotary Excel Electric Blaster
- Drop Trivia Game
- Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Deluxe Vehicle
- Hamleys Huggables Plush toy selection
- Bulldozer Stunt Bounce Car
Hamley’s London Window Display Unveiled
@londonworld_com Hamleys has unveiled it’s 2024 Christmas window display and of course its Wicked themed! #london #regentstreet #hamleys #hamleystoystore #Christmas #london #christmasinlondon #christmaslondon
Allison Hay I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
