Return of the retro toys this Christmas

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Retailers say the items are outselling modern toys after being updated to appeal to the computer generation.

The Meccano kit can now be used to make a motorised "SpyKee Spy Robot", with a camera, microphone and wi-fi allowing it to be controlled via a PC from anywhere in the world.

Lego has produced kits that tie in with Star Wars and Batman as well as motorised robots, while face-guessing game Guess Who? Extra features flashing lights and an electric board. Even the Rubik's Cube, which now has an electronic version, Rubik's Revolution, is the 10th most searched-for toy online.

Michael Brook, editor of gadget magazine T3, said: "Parents are buying a lot of the games they used to play for their kids, and for each other. Manufacturers have been very clever by updating best-known brands but keeping them close enough to the original."

Monitoring company Hitwise said internet searches for toys doubled last month with nearly the entire top 10 made up of updated classics.

Top 10 online searches

1. Guess Who? Extra
2. Lego Star Wars
3. Lego Batman
4. Thomas the Tank Engine
5. Gogo's Crazy Bones
6. Lego City Police
7. Fisher Price kids digital camera
8. Ben 10 scooter
9. Lego advent calendar
10. Rubik's Cube

Source: Hitwise UK

●Seventies-style party food has surged in popularity, according to Selfridges. Sales of cheese straws were up 147 per cent last month on the same period last year.