News Release

Published by Western Mail Jul 2009

A VOICE altering Transformers helmet is tipped to be one of the most popular gifts this Christmas as shoppers trust big-name toys in the recession, a leading retailer said yesterday.

Toy store Hamleys said the Transformers Bumblebee helmet, at £50, which mixes any voice to sound like the robotic character from the popular film, will be one of the top choices this Christmas.

Lego, Barbie and the Rubik’s puzzles will join the Transformers in this year’s top 10 as new versions of old favourites hit the shelves.

Nigel Wheatley, head of retail and marketing at Hamleys said: “From traditional classics like Lego, Barbie and Slinky, to dressing up dreams and the latest in electronic wizardry, we have one of our best ranges in years for a bumper Christmas this year.”

The first Lego board games, where players can change the layout of the game every time, will also prove popular at £20, Hamleys said.

The latest incarnation of the ever-popular and ageless Barbie in her role as Corinne is also expected to fly off the shelves.

Mr Wheatley said: “When people are being careful with money they’ve got to get something they can rely on and turn to the well known brands and traditional classics.”

Hamleys’ top 10 toys to watch for Christmas 2009 are:

1. Battle Strikers Tournament Set – magnetic spinners.

2. Transformers Helmet.

3. Transformers Movie Leaders – large-scale Movie characters.

4. Vtech V Motion educational gaming system.

5. Kidizoom Camera.

6. Barbie & the Three Musketeers Doll.

7. Barbie & the Three Musketeers Miette Kitten.

8. Rubik’s 360 – the new Rubik’s with spherical challenge.

9. Bop It – The latest version of the ever popular Bop It!

10. Lego Minotaurus Game – games to build, play and change.

must-have: The Transformers bumblebee helmet includes a voice altering role-play device