Lego classic bricks, the Barbie doll and the Rubik's Cube have been crowned among the greatest toys of all time by renowned retailer Hamleys. The iconic toy store compiled its definitive list to celebrate its 265th birthday, selecting items based on cultural impact, enduring popularity and historical significance.
The boardgame Monopoly secured its place alongside the Tamagotchi virtual pet, which Hamleys described as a "symbol of 90s tech toy obsession". Action Man, the Teletubby doll, Furby, the Frozen singing doll and Nintendo Game Boy also made the prestigious top 10.
Timeless appeal spans generations
Hamleys praised Lego as "timeless, creative, and a global phenomenon" since its first release in 1958. The Danish building blocks have expanded far beyond toys to encompass films and theme parks worldwide.
More than one billion Barbie dolls have been sold globally since 1959, establishing the fashion doll as a "pop culture icon" across multiple decades. The Rubik's Cube has achieved similar success, with over 500 million units sold since 1974, making it the world's best-selling puzzle toy.
Classic toys endure through centuries
Despite technological advances, Hamleys noted that "eternal classics" such as the hula hoop, spinning tops and marbles remain popular purchases today. These simple toys were among the first items sold when William Hamley opened his doors in 1760.
Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, said: "Once you start looking at this, it turns rapidly into a nostalgia-fest - even for toys from four or five years ago." She revealed her personal favourites included Sindy doll, describing her as "a cool British icon", and the Glo Worm.
Demand creates retail chaos
Senior buyer Karen Dennett recalled the mayhem caused by unexpected toy crazes, particularly the Frozen Singing 'Let it Go' Doll. "We were getting them rush air freighted in to try to satisfy demand," she said, remembering how stocks had to be restricted to one per customer.
Kay explained the enduring appeal of successful toys: "You can never underestimate the power of togetherness created around some of the big-sellers - those toys that bring people of all ages together." She highlighted how games like Monopoly create "competitive family battles" that make them memorable.
Simple pleasures prove most lasting
The toy expert emphasised that simplicity often proves key to lasting success. "The joy of cuddling a doll or storytelling with an action figure or a superfast Hot Wheel car" remains timeless, she noted.
Games combining simplicity with excitement, such as Operation, Kerplunk, Jenga and Buckaroo, create lasting memories through their element of jeopardy. Kay recalled her own childhood panic playing these games, from balancing the boot in Mousetrap to the terrifying noise of Operation when played incorrectly.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
