Toys for big boys and girls

Toys are not just for Christmas – or for children. What playthings do grown ups want to keep for themselves?

TOY SOLDIERS

While mass production began sometime in the 18th century, toy soldiers themselves have been around since ancient civilisation. Over the last two decades, adults have begun collecting soldiers much more as a hobby, reclaiming what may have traditionally been seen as a child’s gift. To that end, companies such as the Prince August Soldier factory in Co Cork have noticed a rise in demand for their product.

“Over the past five years, we have sold to adult men a lot more,” said a spokesperson. “Soldiers themselves are a great way of bonding between the father and son. I think there is a realisation that all this new technology is frying kids’ minds and parents are keen to get them back into a hands-on experience. It just so happens that where soldiers are concerned, this is an experience parents enjoy too.”

This year also, some stores in Ireland have also begun stocking British Army replica toys, such as infantrymen, tanks and paratroopers, dressed in dessert fatigues and primed for battle.

RUBIK TOUCH CUBE

Along with emigration, leg warmers and stone-wash denim, the Rubik’s Cube was a genuine phenomenon of the 1980s. Invented in 1974 by a Hungarian sculptor, it is the largest selling toy in the world.

To keep up with changes in society, one of the most popular adult stocking fillers this year is expected to be the Rubik Touch Cube, which calls itself the “first ever fully electronic touch cube”. Combining iPhone-like technology with the original toy, the product allows user functions such as self-solve, a next move and go-back-a-stage buttons. Sliding your fingers across the face allows the colours to change, much the same as the older version did. Could a virtual yo-yo be next?

NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

These replica goggles are proving very popular with adults not quite willing to let go of their military fantasies and happy to own a cross between a toy and a genuine piece of military equipment. The goggles allow users to see 15 metres in the dark, and the company behind them claims, rather provocatively, “they will add a new dimension to game-play, whether outdoor fun with your mates or indoor fun with your mate”. In other words, leaving the light off may not work anymore.

The toys are exact replicas of the type of night-vision goggles worn by troops and infantrymen on the front line, and cost £89.99 (€99.50).

Though it is probably best to stick with the tie and socks unless specifically requested.

BOARD GAMES

From Cluedo to The Game of Life, Operation to Kerplunk, board games have probably become more popular as gifts between adults since the onset of the digital revolution.

I mean, how many Irish kids have you heard ask for Connect 4in recent years? Or how about the latest edition of Monopoly? Nowadays, you're as likely to see board games late at night in trendy bars as you are in children's toy boxes, and adults remain prone to digging them out on night's in at the weekend, or during mini-breaks in rain-soaked Irish holiday homes. Prices for most games have dropped significantly making the games more affordable as token gifts. Kids too have their own newer versions of traditional board games, such as Cluedo's Harry Potter Edition or The Simpsons Monopoly.

SCIENCE KITS

For nerdy types who never quite grew up, the “Dangerous Books for Boys” science and discovery kits are proving very popular this year, and are well priced at £5.99 (€6.60) each.

The kits detail everything from how to build a tree house, card tricks, writing in invisible ink and classic science experiments. Each kit contains an experiment from yesteryear straight from the books made famous by Conn Iggulden.

The company saysthe kits are appealing to those wanting to re-engage with their childhoods and to allow their own children sample a hands-on, non-digital play experience.