Celebrate with your boys!
Dr Who, Spider-Man, Power Rangers and a newcomer, Ben 10, feature in our top boys’ toys. Read on, and you’re sure to find something that appeals.
Top toy:
Our five-year-old tester almost burst with excitement when he simply saw this toy! As many parents will know, Ben 10 is hot, hot hot, and these toys are set to be huge.
As you should know, Ben 10 is about Ben Tennyson, an apparently average 10-year-old who can transform himself into a whole slew of alien superheroes.
This Alien Laboratory impressed because of its design – a camper van, which is a replica of Grandpa Max's RV and which transforms into an Alien Laboratory – and also the fact that it can be played with in so many ways. You can mould and sculpt your very own aliens using special reusable clay, as well as using the chamber to “dissolve” Alien Rocks. Great fun, and refreshingly different.
These great toys show that you don’t have to break the bank to buy a successful present. After all, what could be better than a Power Ranger which can stretch and stretch – up to three times its original size?! Our tester was enthralled, and we’re sure that this is a present that will last long after Christmas day.
Ben Tennyson’s adventures begin when he finds the mysterious Omnitrix, an alien watch, in a crashed meteorite. Now your child can use Ben's Omnitrix F/X watch. Boys from around four upwards will love the flashing red and green lights, and the fact that you can see the aliens' silhouettes on the face of the watch! Should encourage great creative play.
This vehicle not only talks, but unfolds into three film sets! It also includes Lightning McQueen, Doc Hudson and Bessie vehicles. A real treat for Cars fans.
Yes, this is expensive, but it is also an extraordinary toy. Lego has delighted children for generations, and this is a new take on that theme. Monster Dino – which is recommended for ages nine upwards – can be built in different ways, and also features a remote control device which allows you to make him roar and walk. In fact, he’s so terrifying, it might be wise to keep him away from little ones! That, of course, means their older brothers (or sisters) will love it all the more…
This fabulous mask - which features speech and voice changing effects - is a must-have for Dr Who fans of all ages! The only concern is that it may become too popular with your youngsters and you may become desperate to “exterminate” it!
Spider-Man’s appeal never seems to wane! It starts when boys are still in their buggies, and then seems to last for years! The latest Spider-Man toy is the proud winner of the Hamleys’ Lads and Dads Toy Award for 2007, which suggests that it appeals to boys young and old. It features five barrels of fire power, and even includes its own web fluid. Your child will think he is Spider-Man (although we’re not sure that’s totally a good thing!)
This will suit Transformer fans of all ages - allowing them to “become” the leader of the Autobots and defend the earth. Recommended for ages 5 upwards, it will transform the softest of voices into Optimus himself. Also includes battle phrases and conversion sounds.
It’s Optimus again, ready to rule over the world! This toy is excellent, great fun to transform and with very impressive effects. This really will delight all boys (and may even impress their much older brothers, mums and dads!)
This must be the most incredibly realistic (scarily so!) Transformers toy. The design is excellent, and it is so remarkably detailed that even the hard to please should be gratified by this one. Pricey, but for a very special toy.
If your child is not interested in Dr Who, Spider-Man or the Transformers, then how about WWE? This deluxe playset (which doesn’t include the figures) will allows wrestling fans to carry out their own match. Each player must try to capture the briefcase to win! One for the slightly older boys (recommended for ages eight upwards).