Virtually every character from the world of comics, magazines, TV series and films will now have a whole range of character toys developed around it. One of the most popular types to be made are soft toys that can be cuddled or made to play act the child’s favourite scenes. These probably work best with characters toys such as Winnie the Pooh or Teletubbies that appeal to a young age group.
As children get older the character toys take on more of the realism of the actual character, a good example of which is Thomas and Friends. Kids now buy a metal or wooden version of all the engines, tracks to run them on, and a whole range of extras to make up a complete railway system.
Older again, and the young adults who watch Spiderman, Batman, or any of the other Super-Heroes are wanting very realistic character toys that are harder, more realistic and have electronic features that make sounds and speech. These character toys also start to fall into the collectables category, where the toys are made in limited editions which may increase in value in future years.
New and quicker technology means that character toys are now developed at the same time as the film or series is being filmed, and modern marketing means that the character toys and the media are released simultaneously with each other.
This online toy shop stocks a huge range of soft toys from popular children's television shows.
Shop online for today's bestselling brands with the UK's largest independent toy retailer.
Sells TV, film and cartoon character merchandise for children aged 0-12 years. This includes including toys, bedding and lighting.
A major seller of character-based TV, film and fashion toys, covering infant, outdoor, games, and soft toy categories.
Large selections of animal figurines plus some great toy character ranges. Some other great categories include dolls houses, electronic toys, jigsaws, games and soft toys.
This online shop prides itself on selling the very best selection of character merchandise at affordable prices.
Bumble Kids provide a terrific selection of high-quality traditional toys mixed with licensed favourites.
In the Night Garden, Tweenies and Bob The Builder are all toys licensed by the world's largest broadcasting corporation.
This online toy shop stocks a large selection of electronic gadgets that are hard to find on the High Street.
Self proclaimed as "Britain's greatest toy shop", Toys R Us now has over seventy shops throughout the UK.
As one of the leading UK suppliers of character toys, Character Online has some impressive licences.
One of the UK's best online toy shops for kid's character toys and action figures.
Toys are one of the major retail categories that can be found on John Lewis Direct.
A family business selling quality branded toys at competitive prices. These include character toys, collectables, action figures and dolls.
Stockist of all kinds of toys and games from popular brands such as Wall-E and High School Musical.
The UK's biggest retailer of sci-fi and cult merchandise also sells a great selection of toys and action figures.
Although most famous for their incredible Regent Street shop, Hamleys also has an impressive online presence.
The widest range of Hama Beads on the internet including exclusive items.
Specialist shop selling wooden toys with a great personalisation service.
Specialist sellers of marble runs and accessories.