Toy fever starting to take over

Nerf Rebbelle, Furby Booms and Leap Pad Ultras, might sound like characters of out of a science fiction novel, but anyone who is expecting a visit from Santy in the coming weeks will know that these are some of the most popular toys this Christmas.

Carol Glennon, manager of Fagan’s Toy Store in Mullingar, told the Westmeath Examiner that the world of toys is as susceptible to trends as fashion or music. While the old reliables such as board games and Lego continue to be popular, Carol says that more hi-tech devices such as Teksta Puppy (a robotic animal) and Leap Pad Ultras (a tablet for over fours) are flying of the shelves.

“Atmosphere Air Hogs (a levitating sphere that doesn’t require a remote control) are going very well this year. They are classed as boys’ toy but girls are really going for them as well. The Nerf Rebelle (a foam dart crossbow for girls) is also popular this year. Every year there is hype about a few toys.”

For the last few weeks the “phone has not stopped ringing” with enquires from parents from around Ireland and Carol says that the pre-Christmas fever will only intensify after last Friday’s Late Late Toy Show.

“You have parents coming in all the time asking: ‘Is it in yet?’.”

For games, young and old, the release of the PlayStation 4 last Friday and the X Box One on November 22 was a cause of great excitement. However, the manager of the Mullingar branch of Game Stop, Jonathon Clarke, says that unless you have one booked, don’t expect to have it by December 25.

“The PlayStation in particular has gone crazy with pre-orders. People have been booking since February and if you order now we can’t guarantee that you will have it before Christmas.”

The PlayStation 4 retails for €400, while Microsoft’s X Box One will set you back around €500.