I went to the UK’s biggest toy fair, the nostalgic and retro must-haves for kids that are making a comeback this year
Share:
I spent hours playing with Care Bears and Sylvanian Family characters as a child, so it was amazing to see nostalgic and retro toys are making a comeback. I spent the day playing with the toys tipped to be the top 30 for kids out of 310 entries this year at The Toy Fair earlier this week.
![[Care Bears Sweet Serenity Bear toy at Toy Fair.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/83465c21-b16a-4f26-8502-d3c674c192cc.jpg?strip=all&w=720)
Melissa Symonds, executive director of UK toys at Circana, said just 30% of the toy market's value comes from new products. She said a lot of growth is fuelled by the excitement of emerging brands but also the nostalgic appeal of relaunches and the "ongoing reinvention of beloved, established lines".
![[Sylvanian Families Skytop Fairy Castle toy display with award.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/30-top-toys-next-year-965780456.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It's been 40 years since the first Sylvanian Families were released but they are still as popular as ever. The Skytop Fairy Castle, costing £59.99, is tipped to be a best-seller this year when it launches in July. While a £19.99 Care Bear aimed at eurodivergent children and adults and comes with a belly badge which is designed to reduce feelings of anxiety when stroked was also named as a top toy.
![[Two Sesame Street Cookie Monster plush toys.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/858360f2-28a9-4e4d-9e4f-b5950465e273.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Care Bears first hit shops in 1983, and they were very popular in the 90s and noughties. The popular BuildaBear chain is also launching a Wordship Stuffing Station later this year. For £35.00 you can bring the experience of visiting a Build-A-Bear workshop into your own home.
![[Radio-controlled Stitch surfer toy.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/d6a322f6-6ada-4034-aef3-bf28b0c46f0f.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
