Evergreen children’s favourite LEGO has joined forces with classic 80s video game character Super Mario to produce the No 1 toy this Christmas.
That’s the view of toy experts at Tesco who have placed the 231-piece LEGO Super Mario Starter Course interactive game, at the top of their Christmas toy tips list for parents.
The game, which is for children aged six and over, features a LEGO Mario figure that gives instant responses via LCD screens and a speaker.
And the aim of the game is to earn virtual coins while moving Mario around the course. There is also a free app which kids can use for advanced play.
The Tesco list contains toys priced from £20 to £65 and among other play things likely to be on Santa wish lists are a Dino Patroller from old favourites Paw Patrol, as well as recent unboxing sensation LOL Surprise and their new Container Playhouse.
Tesco Toy Category Manager Anne Borrett said:
“We know that picking the right toys for kids can be a challenge before Christmas for many parents and so our team of experts have offered their help in finding what they believe will be the right present.
“During the pandemic we have seen a resurgence across toys that have longevity of play and that keep children entertained for longer such as games, Lego sets and role play toys.
“Our Christmas top 10 is very much aligned with this trend, offering hours if not years, of play value. Customers want value for money and our list reflects this.
“Vehicles are also seeing huge growth in the market and we have three in the top 10 that cover a wide spectrum of ages.”
The complete Tesco top 10 list is as follows:
1 LEGO Super Mario Starter Course – £50.
The set features a LEGO Mario™ figure that gives instant expressive responses via the LCD screens and speaker. Players earn virtual coins moving LEGO Mario from the Start Pipe to the Goal Pole.
A free LEGO Super Mario app is available for enhanced play with this gift toy for kids.
2 Present Pets – £55
With two themes and one of two possible pets in every box, kids won’t know who’s inside until it unboxes itself! With over 100 sounds and actions, Present Pets bring to life the true happiness of what it’s like to be surprised with your very own pet.
3 LOL Surprise! Container Warehouse – £55
Unbox 40+ surprises in this ultimate hangout for L.O.L. The playset looks like two stylish shipping containers, but then folds out, pops up and transforms into a fully furnished three-story Clubhouse. Includes 2 exclusive dolls.
4 Paw Patrol Dino Patroller – £65
The Dino Patroller is the first-ever motorised PAW Patrol team vehicle!
It features room for all six pups, oversized wheels, a projectile launcher and an exclusive Chase and T-Rex dinosaur action figure.
5 Fisher Price Rollin’ Rovee – £60
This is an interactive learning toy that keeps playtime exciting as your baby grows from infant to toddler to pre-schooler.
Each of its four interactive play modes is filled with music and fun activities that encourage little bodies to get moving and teaches your child about the alphabet, numbers, opposites and much more.
6 Kindi Kids Shiver’n’Shake Rainbow Kate – £40
A patient and nurse role play game with a doll that has more than 40 phrases and sounds. Kids can give Kate a check up to see what’s wrong with her. As she is examined she will tell you how she feels and how you may be able to make her better!
7 Rainbowcorn Sweet Shake Surprise – £35
An interactive game filled with many sweet surprises. There are six new sweet characters to find, including Macaroon Kittycorns and Ice-cream Unicorns which can speak! Press their paw once to hear them sing, and press their paw twice for speak and repeat! There are 15 layers of sweet surprises to unbox including new jelly hearts, Boo-Boo sprinkle corns and DIY Sweet Shake Slime mix!
8 Monster Jam Grave Digger – Was £35, now £17.50
Ramp up the action with the all-new 1:10 scale Grave Digger push truck from Monster Jam!
This mean-looking machine can handle almost any rough and rugged terrain and its new dual-suspension system absorbs more impact than ever before, so the monster-size jumps never stop! Suitable for ages 3+years.
9 Laser Battle Hunters – £60
A battle game with radio controlled vehicles that enable the player to move forward, reverse, spin and turn at super-fast speeds. The innovative multi-directional 4-wheel driving system gives crazy drifting and incredible side to side manoeuvring so you can out outlast and out blast your opponent. Suitable for ages 5 years and over.
10 Pictionary Air™ – £20
A hilarious twist on the classic drawing game in which players download the free Pictionary Air™ app, point the in-app camera at the illustrator and they’ll appear, along with their sketch, on the screen of your smart device.
Take turns drawing clues in the air while your teammates guess the images that appear on the screen. The team with the most points wins!
