WTDWTK :: Top ten list of must have outdoor toys for Summer 2008

Pint Sized Toy Testers Called in to Encourage Children Outdoors

The UK’s youngest panel of product testers has been brought together to identify the toys most likely to encourage children outdoors this summer - following recent research revealing that youngsters spend as little as one hour each week playing outside in the fresh air.

The ‘play panel’ of 10 children aged under six years old was hand picked by toy manufacturer Born to Play to put more than 200 outdoor toys through their paces after conducting a national survey of parents. Research uncovered concerns that three quarters of children spend too much time indoors playing on computer games and watching TV.

The team of pint-sized professionals spent a full day in the company’s purpose build toy assessment centre testing outdoor products that are set to hit the toy shop shelves in May.

Nothing was left to chance - everything from the bouncability of outdoor inflatables, to the speed of the latest models of bikes and scooters around the Born to Play race track were carefully monitored. Sand, water and soil were all introduced to ensure that toys were tested to their limits and put through the rough and tumble of everyday outdoor play.

Toys featuring characters from Bob the Builder, Rupert Bear, Little Princess, Dora the Explorer, Fireman Sam and In the Nightgarden all made an appearance on the day to determine if panel members would be drawn towards products featuring their TV heroes.

At the end of the session the panel voted for the top ten toys that impressed them the most and would keep them playing outdoors all summer long.

Peter Hatton, Toy Director at Born to Play, comments: “The play panel is the perfect solution to finding out exactly what young children want to play with and what will get them out into the fresh air this summer.

“Too often we presume that youngsters are only interested in the very latest toy technology, when in reality old favourites such as roller skates, scooters and space hoppers all proved big hits with our toy testers.

“Children are always incredibly honest, which is why it is so interesting to get them along to our testing centre to find out what the ‘must haves’ will be for the season. By compiling a definitive list we hope to guide parents in the right direction when buying outdoor toys – and guide children out of the house and back into the garden.”

Below is the top ten list of ‘must have’ outdoor toys for Summer 2008 - as voted for by children:

No. 1 - Bob the Builder Sand and Water Play Table – Children loved lifting up the sand and water with real working cranes Age 3+. Guide price £29.95 - £34.95

No. 2 - Little Princess Bouncy Castle – The bouncability of this castle was well and truly tested by the children as they leapt and jumped around the Little Princess’s own home. Age 3+. Guide price £29.95-£34.95

No. 3 - In the Night Garden Planting Set – The children loved donning the gloves and planting their very own seeds with this brightly coloured tool kit for little gardeners. Age 3+. Guide price: £10.95 - £12.95

No. 4 – Fireman Sam Fireman Set – The toy testers had all they needed to be like their hero with this set, complete with real water squirter and Fireman Sam hat! Age 3+. Guide price: £10.95 - £11.95

No. 5 - Rupert Bear Scooter – An exact replica of the one that Rupert uses in the hit pre school series, both boys and girls enjoyed whizzing around the race track on this retro style toy testing its lights and sounds. Age 3+. Guide price: £34.95 - £35.95

No. 6 - Thomas the Tank Engine Slide and Play – Still a firm traditional favourite, this slide proved popular with both boys and girls with its secret tunnels to crawl through, fun ladders and slide. Age 2-5 years. Guide price: £100

No. 7 - Little Princess Hopper - Children bounced around just like the Little Princess on this brightly coloured hopper, which features a cute Little Princess design. Age 3+. Guide price: £6.49 - £6.99

No. 8 – Go Diego Go Bike – This was a big hit with the panel, who all took turns to be an adventurer like Diego himself. Age 3-6 years. Guide price: £69.95 - £75.95

No. 9 - Disney Princess Gazebo and Patio set – The kids got to investigate the brand new furniture which is perfect for summer picnics in the garden. Age 3+. Guide price: £37.95 - £39.95

No. 10 - Go Diego Go Build Your Own Animal Rescue Kit – Imaginations ran wild with this kit as the children loved trying out the binoculars and periscope. Age 3+. Guide Price £10.95 - £11.95

Members Menu

Other Things