Pre-School
Character Options 0161 633 9800 | www.character-online.co.uk Character Options’ pre-school line-up continues to grow, from a new party theme for Teletubbies, to authentic Ben and Holly vehicles. 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the Teletubbies, with the autumn Teletubby collection of 8 inch talking party plush including all four Teletubby characters, each donning party accessories, from pin-wheels and balloons to colourful party hats. Later in the year Tiddlytubby toys will join the range. The 8 inch plush toys in muted colours with towelling fabric bodies will be available in three styles – Umby Pumby (yellow), Mi-Mi (light blue) and Ping (pink). The Tiddlytubbies release a giggle when their tummies are squeezed. Also new to the collection is the Shuffle and Giggle Tiddlytubby in pink, who shuffles along and giggles as she crawls Celebrating another anniversary is Fireman Sam, who turns 30 this November. Character’s pre-school line-up includes toys from the new Series 10. The Electronic Pontypandy Fire Station playset is packed full of original features and emulates the new headquarters in the TV series. For extended imaginative play, children can also collect the new Fireman Sam push-along mini vehicles. The Peppa Pig Classic range is growing with the launch of a new hero line. Peppa’s Family Home Playset will offer pre-schoolers six rooms across three stories, plus an articulated Peppa figure and lots of accessories. A new licensor-supported theme centred on play days and learning will run throughout the Peppa Pig franchise during autumn/winter 2017. In celebration, Character is launching playsets, including a chunky blue school bus with sound, a classroom set, and more. The learning theme extends to plush with the launch of the new ABC Singing Peppa. Peppa sings the Bing Boing theme tune and a cheerful rendition of the alphabet song. The Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom range will introduce the new Royal Limousine. The most popular vehicle in the show, the new freewheeling toy comes with an opening canopy. The new iconic Deluxe Thistle Castle Playset is packed full of magical features such as the toadstool that magically opens the door. Ben & Holly will be supported with a dedicated new TV advert this autumn.
Simba Smoby 01274 765 030 | www.smoby.com/en Ahead of the film release in July, Simba Smoby’s new Disney Cars range is coming to market with a wide variety of toys. The radio control collection includes cars in scale 1:32, 1:24 and 1:16 and each vehicle features full driving functions. Role-play also plays a big part in the new range. The Workshop Trolley comes in a red Cars design with a DIY Lightning McQueen character and a variety of tools for pretend play, while the Petrol Pump features a realistic breakdown simulator and sound effects. Dress-up accessories are also available with the Tool Belt and Tool Bag. The Cars 3 Workbench stands at 90cm tall, with a DIY Lightning McQueen vehicle, an elbow spanner, drill, hammer, screwdriver and extra accessories. The ride-on V8 driver has a screen rolling racing game built into the steering wheel as well as a smartphone holder, with an app available to download. With the Mack Truck Simulator boys can open up Mack to reveal a pit stop work station where they can fix up a DIY McQueen whilst listening to the sounds of the race through the simulator.
Toy World 40
Another property in Simba’s licensed portfolio is Masha and the Bear, and the master toy range of plush, dolls and playsets makes for the ideal pre-school offering. The bear from the TV series is brought to life by the feature plush Dancing Bear. A 50cm Bear is also available, as well as a CDU of 25cm Bears for quick impulse buys. The 20cm Masha Doll is styled to give it instant appeal for fans of the series. Singing Masha and Tickle Me Masha make great interactive options, whilst the assortment of four Masha Mini Dolls meets the ideal pocket money price point. Masha’s House and Bear’s House playsets are available and each comes packed with figures and accessories. For autumn, pre-schoolers can look forward to a Playground Playset, Ambulance Playset and Animal Friends plush. Classic pre-school character Bob the Builder is represented in his own range, and autumn will see the introduction of two new work benches, including Bob’s Ready to Go Work Case that features a set of tools and detached fixture legs. By attaching the fixtures to the bottom of the case, the Ready to Go Work Case transforms into a mobile workstation. With Bob the Builder role-play being among the best performing lines for the property in 2016, favourites like Bob’s Tool Belt will continue to be offered for 2017. New licence Wissper has been introduced to Simba’s offering. The range captures the essence of Wissper and her animal friends, from an 8.5 inch doll to playsets that have a 2-in-1 transforming ability. For autumn, all new larger playsets will be introduced, which include multiple play mechanics. A new 15” feature doll will also be available that has three different sound phrases, plays music, and says Wissper’s signature catchphrase.