Prepare for a "Noo-loo Christmas*!!"

Argos  |  Press release

Furby (and Furbish) is set to takeover Christmas Day once more as the UK's number one toy retailer announces top toys for Christmas.

Furby is set to top kids' Christmas lists once again this year. Demand is expected to be so high for the relaunched furry creature that a waiting list is being created, for parents to reserve stock months in advance.

Furby, which became a global phenomenon selling more than 40 million worldwide within the first three years of launch in 1998, has been updated for 2012 with a digital makeover. New features include expressive LED eyes that display emotions and react when Furby is tickled or fed. Each toy has been programmed to develop its own unique personality, which is shaped by how it is played with, and they can even talk to each other! Kids can also download a free iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch app to virtually feed the toy and speak to it with a Furbish to English dictionary.

Two of the biggest move launches this summer, Batman 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man' mean superheroes also feature in the 'Top Ten Toys' list. Kids will be able to recreate scenes from the films with the new 'Web shooting Spider-Man', which features a unique motorised shooting action to cast its own 'webs', and 'The Bat', the caped crusader's new vehicle which launches a Batman figure up to 10 feet in the air.

The biggest online fashion and dress-up site for girls, Stardoll.com, is being taken offline for the first time ever with a physical incarnation of one of the most popular avatars created by users - 'Stardoll Fallen Angel', available exclusively at Argos.

'Cinderella' also makes an appearance on the list and to celebrate her Diamond birthday, she's received a glamorous makeover with lots of glitter, sparkle and twinkling musical lights built into her gown. Another old favourite, Minnie Mouse is back with 'Minnie Mouse Precious Pets Tour Van', which allows children to take Minnie on their own adventures complete with a 'Baby Pluto' toy.

There are a few toys that parents may remember asking Santa for themselves makeing this year's Top Ten, such as Twister. The classic game has been updated for 2012 evolving into 'Twister Dance', a cross between the original and dance lessons. Perennial favourite Lego also features on the list with the 'Lego Monster Fighters Ghost Train', with glow in the dark bricks to engage and excite Lego-lovers.

For younger children, technology will continue to be huge with two electronic tablets. the 'Vtech Innotab 2' and 'LeapPad 2', both in the Top Ten. Following on from last year's highly successful models, both now feature rotating cameras allowing children to capture imagery of both themselves and their surroundings. The tablets have been upgraded with added educational features, enabling children to emulate their parents by having their own computers whilst learning in a fun way.

Andrea Abbis, Toys Trading Manager at Argos, said: "This year's line up is one of the best we've seen with the toys offering great 'play value'. The past few years have seen technology move into the toy arena meaning the two work in tandem. Now the key to a 'top toy' is a physical one that can link to an online world giving them greater longevity so they can evolve and grow as children do."

Richard Woolfson, leading Child Psychologist, said: "Most of the toys on the list reflect the impact of the digital dimension in children's lives, yet children will still interact with them using their imagination in traditional ways. They will invent their own adventures with the toys, make up new imaginative play sequences, extend their creativity and have great fun at the same time. Play is vital for a child's development and learning, and a great toy is one that works in tandem with technology while enabling children to play with it in traditional ways."

The Argos Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2012:

The Top Ten Toys for 2012 will be available in all Argos stores and online at www.argos.co.uk**

-ENDS-

For more information contact the Argos Press Office on 0207 922 8111 or at argos.pressoffice@iris-worldwide.com

Notes to Editors
*Furbish is the official language of Furbys and "Noo-loo" translates as Happy Christmas.

** All toys available from 21 July 2012 with the exception of Furby, which launches in the Autumn. The waiting list for Furby will launch on 1 September 2012.

Top Ten for Boys:

Top Ten for Girls:

Top Ten for Nursery:

About Argos and Toys
Argos is the UK's number one toy retailer (by sales value), offering almost 4,000 toys across its website and catalogue. With around 750 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland and online through its website and smartphone apps, Argos is the most accessible and one of the longest established toy retailers in the UK. At Christmas, Argos sells enough toys for every child in the UK. Argos' Check & Reserve service enables parents to check stock online and reserve for collection at a convenient store and time, providing certainty that they can secure the 'must-have' toys for Christmas.

About Argos
Argos is the UK's leading multi-channel retailer, offering more than 33,000 products from around 750 stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, online at www.argos.co.uk, over the telephone and uniquely, through Argos TV. Argos continues to be the UK's largest high street retailer online with over 430 million website visits annually. Argos serves around 130 million customers a year through its store network. In the financial year to February 2012, Argos' sales wre £3,9 billion and it employed some 31,000 people across the business.

Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK's leading home and general merchandise retailer.

Back to news